At home my Vespa GTS lives in the garage. It may have snow as I return from a trip but quickly dries out indoors. When I park at work it was exposed to the elements so it would sometimes be covered with snow and ice in the winter when I came out at the end of the day.

I never worried much about the elements. If you ride in the winter you need to take a deep breath and accept you’re going to much up the machine with salt and grit. For those who love to keep their scooters shiny and in pristine condition there’s no way you can embrace winter in the northeast. A year ago I finally had to have the bottom of the scooter repainted because of a decade of salt and worse.

Thanks for interest.

Laurence Alter

My riding experience is slight in comparison to your own. No history of motorcycles in the family at all. Just the “you’ll kill yourself” mantra from parents.

My only fall was on snow. I’ve seen some patches of black ice but it’s pretty rare around here. We have a lot of dry winter days here without the kind of freezing moisture that gives birth to black ice. Still, much to be careful of.

Karl,

I hope I find myself struggling with thoughts of temperatures I used to ride in when I’m in my ninth decade of life. That sir, is a major achievement to still be riding. You’re in an elite group.

I’m already finding the car much easier to deal with on less than ideal days. And even some ideal days.

Cold weather riding, I’m now convinced, is a completely mental challenge. The physical stuff is simple. But the mind, man oh man, is a formidable foe.

Hope things are going well for you, and as always, thanks so much for sharing your experience. I really do appreciate it.

Hah!

Northern Idaho. That’s a world away. And another place I would someday like to visit.

My experiences follows yours. At least until the last part. My routine varies wildly. What seems a routine today vanishes tomorrow…

Happy to know that something I share generates a smile.

The first heavy snow of the season just passed through here. Almost 10 inches accumulated but thankfully the temperature and wind was mild. Still, I recognize, like you, a need to acclimate and accept the struggle and discomfort of the cold. Could have ridden today and for sure tomorrow but mentally I just want to curl up under a blanket. Not a good place for a winter rider. But that will change over time.

I wish I was as progressive as you and was out walking at least. I’m just sitting here gnawing on toast and listening to the wall mounted gas heater. Sound and heat!