The days with wide swings in temperature require some flexibility in the gear I have so I can manage things and stay comfortable. There are many days when I depart at 50F and my noon it’s in the upper 70s. Usually an extra layer or two that can be stashed in the topcase later does the trick. And I always have multiple pairs of gloves with me to deal with changes.

I’ve never been able to do the tea first. Always last. Not sure what that’s about. For awhile I would take a thermos of tea or cocoa with me but would never drink it. It remains a capstone event.

Good luck with your riding adventures. Sandy Hook will give a fine maritime ride. I don’t get to be near large bodies of water here.

Come March, 20F will be a balmy day ride.

Did the shivering masses start to hug and cuddle to keep warm like they were at Woodstock?

I never like to do the chill dance.

Being a mature rider has its challenges. Willingness to adapt is a big part of being able to continue on with riding or anything I suppose. Like you, I’ve found ways to manage the cold and keep my body in a good place. I’ve heard more than a few riders sing the praise of Frogg Togg rain suits. I’ll have to look into them. I have a Rev’It rainsuit that is similar in being rainproof and waterproof but I would not characterize it as indestructible. Each time I put it on I’m kind of amazed I didn’t tear it in the process.

Same goes for the Burgman 400. Every rider I’ve met who has one says it’s the best. If it only looked like a Vespa…

Same here. Blood pressure medication AND blood thinners have an effect on me. Time in Arizona will thin the blood naturally!

I’m always amazed at the difference the sun can make — in temperature and attitude. When I’m really cold, it’s a joy to suddenly feel the sun on my face. That little bit of warmth makes a big difference.

Good luck with Scarlett and the coming decline in temperature.

Your approach pretty much mirrors my own. Especially in regard to where on the list comfort comes in. I’ve pretty much gotten to “comfort first” in all things. The price I pay for physically enduring things now is too great to ignore. Not just in riding but all aspects of life. Putting up with an uncomfortable chair can now trigger a sore back for days.

Geez. What happened…

Sounds as if you’ll be prepared for the onset of cold. How cold will depend on gear and willingness. With the Tucano apron on the scooter I can avoid the heavy overpants until it gets below freezing. Unless I’m going for an all day ride. Then I just put everything on.

I don’t like shivering.

The power of a good pot of tea maintains me year-round, but does hold a bit more sway right now; for better or worse, I make the best pot of Earl Grey for myself, while a few places in town are more or less runners-up. Thus I start off the day with a good mug or two, rather than cap off a ride with same.

An update: looks like my riding buds aren’t heading off to New Hope this time around, deciding to keep things closer and making Sandy Hook the terminus of out next ride on the 14th. Still hoping to make a foray into PA before things get too chilly, likely on my own.

And, those cornfield photos…! Gorgeous, and speaking volumes.