Frigid Rituals in Life and on a Vespa Scooter

Invisible Power

As if propelled by some magical invisible power I find myself once again staring at my scooter in the snow. A vaguely familiar frigid ritual that often I don’t understand. It’s cold, 16F when this photograph was made, and my mind is relaxed in a manner difficult to access while sitting at home warm and cozy.

I’ve often wondered whether the physical challenge that comes with enduring the cold and managing the enhanced risks of riding below the freezing mark somehow ignites a flame that has no equal in any other aspect of my life.

A frigid ritual of which the rewards far outweigh the risks.

Canine Teachers

Within minutes of waking in the morning the demands begin. As I dress and get ready to seize the day I can see one of the dogs at the bottom of the steps waiting for me to release them into the world. And when they burst out the door I smile at their obvious excitement to embrace their frigid rituals in the garden. It’s a mirror image of how I feel riding. They are moving through a familiar landscape investigating, experiencing, and somehow seeming excited and alive witnessing what they see every day.

I’ve learned from my canine teachers to embrace what is in front of me and keep dreams and expectations of some different reality at arm’s length. That’s what I was doing as I looked out across that snowy field. I was embracing the moment. And finding gratitude for the frigid rituals endured this time of year.

Pre-Riding Frigid Rituals

Tire pressure suffers in cold weather. Seems almost every tire on every machine loses five pounds of pressure. So on my knees I go with my Air Moto Pump and cold fingers to add some air before departing. Of the pre-riding rituals, lights, oil level, etc, the tires are the worst in winter. It’s been suggested I do this in the relative warmth of the garage but with five machines packed in there’s no room.

Perhaps the universe is sending a message…

Cold Roads

Perhaps the biggest challenge of riding in cold weather, at least at the beginning of the season, is relearning how to see the road and the potential problems of a surface well below the freezing mark. There’s an especially deceptive situation when the road appears clear and dry that can lead to problems related to riding at “normal” speeds. In winter, speeds are generally lower and assessment of risks are based on the idea that more time is necessary to handle the sudden appearance of snow, ice, or other traction robbing situations. Another required frigid ritual that takes time and practice.

Breakfast

Another morning at Breakfast on Boal Avenue. My friend Billie (I learned later that day that he is a unicorn) had planned to ride his Hot Rod Yellow Honda Goldwing but when he got out on the road he saw the highway gods spreading brine. He didn’t want to have to wash the bike in the cold weather.

I’ll wash mine in the spring. Washing machines is a ritual I’ve been slow to embrace. I wash mud from the Honda Trail 125 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan immediately after a ride. But the Vespa endures the dirt, grit, and salt considerably longer.

I probably should show it more love.