The Ten Thousand Pound Vespa
Just last week…
Snow, a slap in the face and reminder that summer, autumn, and warm weather are finished. Nature proclaims its power and I’m faced with the sad reality that I’ve forgotten how to enjoy winter. Age and infirmity have stimulated a host of excuses and rationalizations for turning off one of the most joyful parts of my life and retiring to the sheltered warmth of home and hearth. My mastery of rationalization, denial, and delusion is exceptional, especially when faced with uncomfortable actions and decisions.
So it’s no surprise that it takes great mental effort to push the Vespa outside on a cold morning.
Greasy, Slippery Road
The first ride of the cold-weather season, one involving snow, requires restoration of dormant skills and thought patterns. Most important — a film of slush is slippery, the front brake is my enemy, and speed will make me cry.
Only a few hundred yards from home I had to stop and give my brain time to catch up with the scooter. You would think after all these years of riding in winter handling a slippery road would be second nature. But there’s the rub. I’m still living and acting as if I’m in warm weather. I’ve not yet transitioned. Cold weather riding is a state of mind.
Mind Over Cold
I didn’t ride far. I was unprepared for the cold. It wasn’t about handling snow, slush or harsh temperatures, but rather about conquering the thoughts and feelings that labor to keep me in the house, a prisoner of distorted ideas, and ultimately miss the shimmering experience of being out in the world.
On the Vespa.
Earl Grey, Hot!
I was not prepared to go far. The goal was to step outside and not allow the cold weather to dissuade me from living. Riding the Vespa was secondary. Progressive victory over my aging mind was the primary objective.
I always hear about rewarding oneself for achievement. The dogs get biscuits for coming into the house when I call. A hot cup of tea and warm cinnamon rolls seemed an appropriate prize at the Pump Station Cafe.
I love to sit and stare out the window. On one hand, it’s a gift to be able to sit quietly and bear witness to the world, even if nothing of note seems to be happening. And on the other hand, that skill can chain mind and body somewhere meaningless.
I can report the ten thousand pound Vespa has grown lighter along with my spirit. There appear to be more options — for riding and living. I won’t predict how deeply into winter I will ride this year, but this I know for sure, cold weather riding is a state of mind.
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot.
I don’t know if Patrick Stewart utters that line at all as he reprises his best-known role on CBS, but it’s a line I take dearly to heart year-round, but doubly so this time of year. When others talk of “liquid courage”, they usually are referring to stronger liquids (not knocking ’em, I like them too), but this tea can be the motivator for me. And, if it’s good enough for a principled starship captain…
I’ve gone on (and on…) about riding the Vespa year-round, here and elsewhere, but tonight I got a bit more perspective on dealing with the seasons: Le Wife made her return after spending a month in Costa Rica on an artists’ residency, then four days with her brother in Florida. She’d more-or-less acclimated to the very, very humid climes, so I made certain to pack one of her jackets and a pair of gloves when I met her at Newark Airport. Surprisingly, the night air was relatively mild…and Miami today was a relatively-chilly 60º F. (It’s all relative, right?) Took her some time to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, which was all of 30 minutes ago. Thinking about it, getting myself motivated to hop on Melody seems a piece o’ cake, but in reality there’s more to it than that.
BTW, I just love the second photo of yours here: There’s a lyricism there that speaks of why I choose to ride as much as I can, regardless of season.
I acquired my taste for Earl Grey before Captain Picard came along, but the addition of “Hot” is an homage to him. That hot cup of tea is a mental and physical motivator for me as well. When I used to prowl the winter landscape with my view camera I always had a small thermos of Earl Grey with me. I’ve lost that habit. Perhaps it’s time to pick it up again.
Your wife’s experience may have her commenting, “We should move to a warmer climate.” Who knows?
Funny, I almost didn’t use the second photo. Seemed too cluttered on first look. But it had something else going on.
Steve, the intentionality you bring to ride and acclimatize is not typically the way I approach riding. My personality doesn’t see the world through that lens naturally. My learning tends to take place in reverse: DO first and then learn from mistakes. Which–when it comes to riding–could be dangerous. So I appreciate the forethought you bring!
Everyone approaches riding differently. I think style and temperament translate into how we behave on the road — scooters, motorcycles or cars. I’ve always been a careful, timid person with things that are physical. In terms of riding it’s meant careful consideration of what I’m doing, research, practice and ends with a rather non-aggressive (slow) approach on the road. Despite all the intention and deliberation, I’ve made many miscalculations and mistakes. But as you said, with riding, too little attention could cause problems. Especially when the temperature begins to freeze water!
Take care of yourself on the road Andy. Practice you mistakes in your head first!
Sipping my K cup brew reading ” State Mind ” I went back up to my dressing room and put on long handles not sure what the weather will bring, working outside most of the day.
You’re becoming more and more continental all the time Mike. If your wife keeps taking you to Croatia and beyond you’ll be sporting even more changes!
Stay warm. And make sure you ask Santa for that scooter!
For a brief time in my thirties I was forced to use my motorcycle every day. Rain, cold threats of snow. The motorcycle went from being a thing of joy to a two wheeled car with numerous flaws. What I learned, for me, was that winter was a time to reflect on the good times of riding and my car was a refuge from cold. I just go down once a week to visit and start my bikes and remember the great season of riding past. They always appreciate the visit.
I’m certainly moving toward the destination you describe. I commuted through the winter for a number of years, not so much be forced as I was intoxicated by the challenge. But now I don’t feel that challenge. So I suspect I’ll be doing more reflecting.
I don’t want to winterize anything. Would like to keep both the scooter and motorcycle ready to ride for those numerous warm winter days of sunshine and temperatures about the freezing mark!
“Age and infirmity have stimulated a host of excuses and rationalizations for turning off one of the most joyful parts of my life and retiring to the sheltered warmth of home and hearth.”
Steve, this line from your opening paragraph begs the question: Are you forcing yourself to get out and ride in winter because you want to or because you think you should? At age 73, I’ve had to ask myself this same question about certain activities I used to enjoy. Giving up some of those activities has been rewarding…. both physically AND mentally.
Just food for thought.
Best Regards, Jim
I still want to ride because once on the road I enjoy the experience. The force I apply is more to surmount the mental resistance I feel regarding procrastination and generalized sloth. As my dad used to say as he got older, “My ass has gotten heavier.”
There are definitely things I no longer do either because they are physically difficult or dangerous, or I have lost interest. Cleaning gutters and other tasks involving me high up on a ladder. Running. Backpacking. And then there are things I would love to put on that list.
I’m in pretty good shape regarding not forcing myself to do things I really shouldn’t be doing. My challenge is to find motivation and inspiration to continue doing the things I love!
Cold… maybe. Sleet… snow… the prospect of ice… not a chance.
You are Captain Fantastic in my eyes, Steve.
This time of year, any motivation I happen to stumble upon, is used to get our pups to the park for an hour or me to the gym for something less than that.
Should I accomplish either, my reward will be a double espresso or a mug of what is appearing to be everybody’s favourite tea. ( Sometimes it’s enough to just open the tin and inhale deeply. )
Tomorrow, we’re supposed to break freezing up here by the sea. Should that happen, I’ll put on a sweater , head to the garage , and stare at the bikes that won’t likely see pavement until March.
I’ll get my riding done vicariously… through you.
Thanks, Steve.
Little by little, my interest in the slippery stuff is evaporating. Now it’s mostly cold that I’m willing (an so far able) to deal with. But time will wear away at those desires as well.
In cold weather, everything now seems difficult. If I went to sleep tonight and woke tomorrow to mid-April I may not be too upset.
In the meantime, I’ll try and continue to provide some material for vicarious rides!
Steve,
I find myself of two minds reading this post. One the one hand, there is something admirable about taking a stand, not giving in,and riding in the winter and snow. On the other hand, knowing when to let things do can be a sign of a deeper wisdom, sorrowful as it might be.
I love riding during the other three seasons. Nothing better than hopping on the bike and wandering the countryside. My solution to not riding in the winter, though, has taken a unique turn – I ride a 20″ fat tire electric bicycle with a 4″ fat tread knobby tire. At a PSI of about 15 (the top is 30psi), the bike moves through the snow in a way that is both safe and fun. And since the bike folds, I can stash it in my car and take it to any location I care to start from. The range is about 30 miles, but in the winter the cold eats a bit at the battery so 20 miles is more realistic.
I’d offer to you the option of not giving up, but considering an alternative. Maybe you won’t cover 150 miles, but riding that far in the cold is downright masochism :-). A good 20 miles along a bike path or wooded bike trail even covered with 3″ of snow may be something that can re-direct your urge to ride.Thanks for your blog – a quiet wonder in this age of cacophonous claptrap.
PS – Have you ever considered trying an electric motorcycle or moped? There are so many wonderful designs and models out there these days. I hope to live long enough to be able to go fully electric with my transportation needs.
You raise a lot of ideas that I’ll have to think about. Before I comment, thank you for your kind words about the things I post being a quiet wonder. A lot has changed since I started Scooter in the Sticks years ago. At times I wonder if the kind of slow, meandering text I write has a place anymore in, as you say, a cacophonous claptrap. But then I remember most of my motivation to post is part of a personal habit of paying attention to my life. Granted, it stays close to my moto-life but still, I do it for me. It’s gratifying to know others find some value from time to time.
I think my snow riding is behind me. It was a stimulating challenge early on but any need or desire to continue has pretty much ended. At least that’s what I believe at the moment. Riding in winter when things are dry — I’ll likely continue.
There’s a fellow down the street who rides a Triumph motorcycle. A few years ago he got a fat tire bike which he rides in snow and cold. I have seen him far from home pedaling through the snow. He recently had back surgery so perhaps an electric version may be in his future.
Not sure how I feel about a bike as you suggest. I’ll have to ponder the idea and spend some time imagining it in my life. You ask if I’ve ever considered an electric motorcycle or moped? No, not seriously. I’ve looked at them but for now, the Vespa scooter seems ok. I have considered a 50cc Honda Ruckus as a contender if I wanted to ride in the snow. But now, I think my future may grow more and more snowless. And when it isn’t, I’ll be on foot with a camera.
I’m grateful for the choices and possibilities I have in riding and living. It’s hard to know what the future will bring. So who knows, there could be an electric fat bike, moped or something else in my future!
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate the ideas it raises.
Hello Steve,
I totally agree with you, driving in cold weather is a real state of mind.
But for a quieter ride, why did not you put the winter tires on your vespa?
Otherwise, the photos are beautiful and Pennsylvania is beautiful.
Laurent (from France).
Bonjour Steve,
Je suis entièrement d’accord avec toi, la conduite par temps froid est un véritable état d’esprit.
Mais, pour une conduite plus sereine, pourquoi n’as tu pas mis les pneus hiver sur ta vespa ?
Sinon, les photos sont magnifiques et la Pennsylvannie est belle.
Laurent (de France).
I’ve not put the winter tires on yet because the weather has been mild. Soon though.
Thank you for the kind words about the photos. Pennsylvania is a beautiful place.
Je n’ai pas encore mis les pneus d’hiver car le temps a été doux. Bientôt cependant.
Merci pour les aimables paroles sur les photos. La Pennsylvanie est un bel endroit.
Hi Steve,
Thank you for another enjoyable winter ride post. Living in Cyprus I do not get the opportunity to ride in these sort of temperatures. I would like to think that if I did live in a colder climate, I would be able to overcome the mental hurdles of getting out and riding. Out of interest, am I right in thinking that the Vespa is your ‘go to’ choice of bike for riding in snowy conditions? – If this is the case, would it have something to do with the fact that the Vespa has a lower centre of gravity than the BMW, so that if you find yourself in slippery conditions, you would have more control and therefore reduce the risk of having a fall?
I guess that owning a Turcano Urbano also encourages your decision making in favour of the Vespa.
Please keep posting your riding experiences, my eyes always light up when I have a new email in my inbox notifying me of another of your insights.
All the best from a wet (but mild) Cyprus.
Andrew
You’re exactly right — the Vespa’s lower center of gravity along with it’s much lighter weight make it more manageable in snow. Not that it can’t fall over but I have a much better chance of controlling it. Only takes a second for a tire to break loose and threaten a fall. Would be almost impossible to manage the BMW in that situation. And the Vespa is also better equipped to keep the cold weather away from me with the bar muffs, heated grips and apron.
I should add that I don’t venture out in the snow anymore. It was interesting to experiment for a few years but now my winter riding is confined (mostly) to times when the roads are clear. Still, it’s easy to get caught in an unplanned for snow squall.
Right now it would be nice to ride in a mild world!