Comments on: Embracing the Cold: A Rider’s Journey

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 14:47:23 +0000

In reply to DOMINGO J CHANG. Sub-optimal. Leave it to the military to come up with such a term. Embrace the Suck is more descriptive!

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 14:46:34 +0000

In reply to Jim Zeiser.

10F is brutal if not well prepared. It took me two winters before I was fully able to enjoy a ride at that temperature. And even then, took me longer to learn how to breathe in a manner that would not fog my face shield. Practice and more practice.

Not sure I’ll ride anymore in those conditions but then who knows…

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 14:40:18 +0000

In reply to Tom. Being better able to judge how cold it is and gear up appropriately is one of those rusty skills that sharpens for me with practice. 50F and a bare face is cold. And it knifes into an unguarded neck. Definitely a lesson that is worth remembering. Southeastern Arizona. That's a dry and warm place. I looked at homes in Tombstone. Lots of dirt roads there to run the CT125. Not enough green for my spirit though. I hope you find it suits you though. Look forward to reports from the West!

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 14:15:49 +0000

In reply to Robert.

Those times blasting through snow drifts and plowed banks are fresh in my mind still. And with two or three friends in the car with me we always seemed to be able to push the car out of any troubling situations.

Winters are definitely not what they once were. And the roads are quickly cleared. I remember sled riding down the road in front of my house for a week or more because the snow never left. It just became a little more gritty from cinders. They were good for creating sparks off the sled runners.

It’s another beautiful morning today. At 32F I am not ready yet to ride!

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 14:12:18 +0000

In reply to Steve Brooke.

The cooler weather has arrived here for sure. 32F this morning. The dogs aren’t affected but I hesitated a moment before walking out the door.

You’re right about how great the hot drink and sugar vehicles are after a cold ride.

The ride is indeed short. And I want to make sure whatever regrets I have at the end don’t include wishing I had ridden more.

By: DOMINGO J CHANG

DOMINGO J CHANG — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:08:32 +0000

The title of your post reminded me of an Army saying when field conditions are “sub-optimal”: Embrace the Suck.

By: Jim Zeiser

Jim Zeiser — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 00:03:32 +0000

I remember riding to work at ten degrees. Cold was absolutely excruciating. It crept through the layers like water seeping in the rain. Warmup was even worse. My body felt crushed as it warmed. I don’t do it anymore unless the ride is under five miles. I didn’t get this old by being stupid.

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:27:45 +0000

In the process of trying to un-brick a Garmin Zumo XT, one of the remedies is supposedly to plug it in and ride for 30 minutes to as to re-activate the battery (I believe I let the thing run down to 0%). The sun was shining, so I thought “good excuse to go for a ride.” Took off on the CT125, and realized about 10 minutes in that I was unprepared for how cold it really was. Despite looking like it was 70° out, in truth it was probably in the low 50s, late in the afternoon. The helmet I chose had no face shield, I had no neck protection, just a sweatshirt on with no base layer, and my unheated Kemimoto riding gloves. My hands and face were freezing, and I had begun to shiver on the bike. Lesson learned.

This winter I’m trying something new. I am decamping to southeastern AZ (elevation 4200′), and bringing the CT125 with me. It’s a chance to stay warmer, see more sunny days, and ride much different terrain. This may be the way I handle winter riding until…whenever. I’ll let you know how it goes.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 20:30:17 +0000

In reply to Karl Stumpf. Your mother provided excellent advice Karl. I try and follow the same advice myself.

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:38:51 +0000

Your opening comments reminded me of an 18 year old self taking my already old 55 Chevy out to blast through plowed up snow banks, some higher than the car. I still have black and white photos somewhere.
Winters here aren’t that severe. We will have ride-able temperatures on and off. Yes, you may never pass this way again, so get out there.
Yesterday – wow! – was a brilliant, bright day to ride, look at the leaves and take pictures.