We can play a gathering by ear. Hopefully, by warmer weather, we’ll have some idea of what the world is going to look like.

Heated grips and bar muffs are a good combination. I find I can ride with my regular, non-winter leather, gloves down to about 25F with the muffs and grips. Even colder if I don’t mind a little finger chilling. I usually use the electric gloves inside the muffs below 20F. And don’t turn the grips on at all since that would stretch the power output of the Vespa.

David & Steve: Consider it a not-entirely-remote possibility, assuming of course an easing of out Shared Viral Calamity. Have to make it a weekend overnighter, given he distance, but that’s not a surprise.

Also: Yep, handlebar muffs are already in the picture as well, as I was using them with my (non-armored) Joe Rocket gloves on Melody to reasonable-if-not-quite-ideal effect. I’m betting the Koso grips with the h’bar muffs should do a decent job with non-heated (but still cold-weather insulated) gloves.

I’ve been on heart medications for almost 7 years now so they’ve faded into the background. I didn’t even consider the blood thinners when thinking of the cold. Duh. Of course, they have an effect. Mix that with more years and no wonder the cold is an issue.

I can’t think of any motorcycle I would want to ride in the snow. Especially not the K75. I’ve ridden the Vespa a lot in snow and it is manageable to some degree, but only because there are plenty of low traffic roads here. And those snow riding days are in the past I think

My mind’s perspective now is to stay warm and stay safe!

A recent ride in my sidecar rig briefly reminded me of the fun one can have riding in snow. The dual sport motorcycle I have did not even come to mind when considering that ride, no heated grips and falling on snow just is not my thing these days.

Like you said though, it’s all a matter of preparation, mind over matter and perspective.

That’s it! Brain freeze!!

The K75 is strange in how it feels top-heavy. I’ve ridden other motorcycles that are taller and heavier but never one that felt like this motorcycle. I’ve not looked closely at why, or measured anything, but it is different. And you’re right about the weight difference just being what it is.

I’ve been looking at the Honda CRF300L Rally as a possible replacement to the K75. Lighter, and more useful on the thousands of miles of dirt and gravel forest roads that one can explore here. But there is something unique to the experience on the K75. Who knows…

I commuted in some ungodly cold weather. I can’t say I enjoyed it as I would an easy ride in summer, but the challenge satisfied some odd desire in me. It was especially challenging before I got any electrics or really good gear. Riding the LX150 ten miles in sub-zero weather was kind of miserable. But I did it!

That would be nice. Something to keep in mind should the world change and one like me with a suppressed immune system feels comfortable hanging out with others.

Ugh. Sorry to hear of your close inspection of the pavement. It only takes a little icy slush on a turn to create problems. I’ve had a few tire stutters over the years but other than my first ride in snow 15 years ago where I went down at a stop sign at less than 5 miles per hour, I’ve been trouble-free.

Let us know how the healing goes. I know my healing times have changed. Even a little bump or twist sings loudly now.

Year-round riding is satisfying for those of us who do it. But most riders I cross paths with think its crazy. Or worse.

Winter riding is kind of crazy David. Even with dry roads on sunny days. The cold creates a whole new set of risks. I would like to say I began riding in winter with purpose and planning. But the truth is I just enjoyed riding so much that I continued to ride as it got colder. Any expertise I gain came from trial and error. Thankfully, mostly trial without any unfortunate mishaps.

Riding the Brompton enough to earn a reward from the Apple Watch is great. I’m still focused on walking 10 thousand steps a day. It’s become more of a challenge in the cold. Today it was 19F with a wind. Very little walking. Time to head to the treadmill.