The sign stood out like a warning beacon as the Vespa and I crawled to work by roads largely free of traffic. A quick check of the online weather forecast promised, suggested, guessed, predicted there would be no snow, a short period of light rain, and air temperatures approaching 40 degrees under cloudy skies. Snowflakes danced through the air as I pulled out of the driveway. I had already tested the road surface to confirm adequate traction. The ambient air temperature gauge on the GTS displayed a chilly 35 degrees.
The first snow of the year, even this snow for effect, causes me to shift mental gears. Something happens. I have trouble explaining to riders and non-riders why I ride in cold weather. Last night Kim and I were watching Seven Years in Tibet and Austrian mountain climber Heinrich Harrer came as close to describing my feelings about riding as I have come across as he describes to the young Dalai Lama what he loves about climbing mountains:
“The absolute simplicity. That’s what I love. When you’re climbing your mind is clear… freed of all confusions. You have focus. And suddenly the light becomes sharper, sounds are richer, and you are filled with the deep, powerful presence of life.”
It is like that for me riding the Vespa.
When the potential for slick roads increases I make a number of riding adjustments. The first is occasional stops to assess available traction. I want something other than the tires telling me they are breaking loose.
I also decrease speed. Depending on where I am and what the weather is like it can be pretty dramatic. Other times it means slowing to the speed limit, which this morning meant I had instant company on my back wheel. I’ll pull over or just keep moving along but I usually can’t be coaxed to go faster. The creative driver though can influence me to go much slower though.
Finally, I choose different routes. Usually choices are made in order to have less traffic and always mean longer distances and slower speeds. But they are safer in bad weather. I’m fortunate to have good alternative routes.
Last night Kim and I were watching Seven Years in Tibet and Austrian mountain climber Heinrich Harrer came as close to describing my feelings about riding as I have come across as he describes to the young Dalai Lama what he loves about climbing mountains:
“The absolute simplicity. That’s what I love. When you’re climbing your mind is clear… freed of all confusions. You have focus. And suddenly the light becomes sharper, sounds are richer, and you are filled with the deep, powerful presence of life.”
It is like that for me riding the Vespa.
This morning brought me across several farm fields via mud or gravel lanes. No one pressures you here though you do have to keep your eyes open for those infernal single strand wires stretched across lanes between fences.
You can’t get too worked up though since these aren’t public roads. Travel at your own risk and such. Slow and steady are the watchwords.
By lunch time the snow was falling harder but still not sticking to the ground. Air temperature remained at 35 degrees but I started to wonder about the possibility of a sudden decline and snow on the road for the ride home. Add to that the shorter days and less light and winter commuting can be a challenge. And it’s not even winter yet.
Same technique on the way home plus the added frustration of visor fogging made worse by bright headlights. At times visibility evaporated and speed declined accordingly. The routes I ride allow for drastic changes in speed. Riding in this kind of weather in heavy traffic would be a nightmare and I would work hard to avoid it.
Stopped on the way home for milk before the last dash for home. Dark and raining I wandered off the main roads through neighborhoods and along secondary streets. The roads remained wet but not slippery.
Thinking about what’s to come I wish I would have purchased those Kenda K761 tires that Gary Charpentier so adamantly endorsed. And a pair of Gerbing electric gloves would just be nice. I suppose I could take the bus. The truck stands ready but I filled it up last night to the tune of $53. That’s just depressing.
For now I’ll keep riding the GTS.
Hey Steve,
You’ll have lots of time to experience that simplicity and clarity in the moment…because…you know what’s coming
Yes, it’s cooooommmmmmiiiiinnnnngggg…
Tim
Tim: As much time as I have it still remains a challenge to keep things simple. From the moment I get up my head wants to make things complicated. Both riding and mountain climbing sort of force a simplicity.
Wouldn’t it be nice if it could be available all the time…
The next 5 days it’s going to warm a bit so winter will have to wait in the shadows.
In a month or two, you will wish for weather this nice. All in what we are used to.
No getting around it, it’s that time again. At least for you I mean. We’re still a few weeks away from getting our first dusting, but just the same, Old Man Winter is eyeballing us.
Have fun,
Bill
“The Zen of Vespa Riding in Inclement Weather” That’ll be the book you and Bill Sommers co-write together 🙂
That’s just too much stress riding in weather like that. It’s just a challenge being on a two wheeler with what seems like a target on your back, much less riding in foul weather!
I hear you about the gas prices, they are soaring right now, if it wasn’t 110 miles RT to work I’d ride the Vespa more to work. But since I’m on light duty right now until my shoulder gets better, it’ll have to wait. At least my Toyota gets 30+ mpg.
The good news about gas, it should really increase the numbers to Scootin World:)
First time by the site! Enjoyed it!
Your writings are an inspiration for all our scooterist. What courage on riding in such challenging weather. I am spoiled by the constant steady weather..dry and no rain in SoCal. But I do enjoy your challenging off road experiences. Therefore I am packing my Canon A640 camera and hitting the less beaten path on my simple Vino scooter. What a great way to enjoy the roads even at a careful minded slower pace. Let the weather change; more inspiration to ride the less traffic infested roads. Then there are very few in your neck of the woods. Great pictures on the falling snow and your fantastic scooter. Drive safe.
Phil
Hi there, getting close to freezing point over here in Tallinn, Estonia, Europe, so can easily relate. One question though (something I don’t seem to find an answer to from various forums) – ever tried winter tires on your Vespa? I’m trying to figure out how much extra traction they’ll offer (I already ordered a pair, looks like I’ll be the one doing the testing in real life)…
Best, Siim Teller
Wow! Watch For Ice. Haven’t seen that sign in years. Nostalgic! We had to put on sweats just to read this one, got cold chills. Just Joking of course, but we do admire your tenacity for riding regardless of the temperature and we do love to read your blog! Always looking forward to the next one. Your loyal readers.
great post, Steve!
if you enjoyed “Seven Years in Tibet”, please check out “Kundun” — Scorcese’s bio movie of the Dalai Lama. a great film!!
cheers,
nick
Birmingham, AL
squire: Indeed!
bill: I keep hearing that we are in for one of those winters of old. If so the scooter won’t be seeing a lot of action…
cody: Sounds like a good book project! Oh where or where do I find the time???
rick: Welcome.! Glad you stopped by.
phil: Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoy some of the stories and pictures here. Your Vino should provide the same ability to get off the beaten path and onto a more relaxed one. The camera slows things even more. Let us know how it goes.
teller: I’ve never tried winter tires and am not sure if I can even get them in the states. I have seen some advertised in Europe including some with studs but around here there are limited choices for scooters. The Kenda K761’s are as close to a winter tire as I can find. Let me know how your tires work out.
heinz and frenchie: I’ll be careful! Slow and steady is the word for a lot of days. Thanks goodness there is not a lot of traffic around here….
nick: Thanks! Kundun is on the list.
Hey, how does the scooter do in super rain/snow (instrument wise). do they ever get water inside the tach, ect? everything is all right and proper even in pouring rain? im planning on getting a kymco super 8 150, im wondering how resilient scooters are to weather
MikeSane: I have ridden in torrential rains and in snow with no effect on the Vespa mechanicals or electronics. Things appear to be weather resistant. Salt on the roads in winter is another matter. The Vespa was designed thinking it would not encounter corrosives. Salt does take a toll.