Snow on the driveway in the morning, a reminder of what can happen when you aren’t looking, a dusting of icy slippiness that can make life exciting in a decidedly unwelcome manner. It can happen at night when you’re sleeping or during the day when you’re at work and not necessarily paying attention. It’s the food that can be part of a winter rider’s menu.
The weather report had little suns with some clouds and no mention of precipitation. I calculated that the main roads would be dry or have a patch of snow here or there. Turn off those main routes onto anything not salted and it would be a different story. Like here at the Pennsylvania Military Museum where the landscape resembled the Ardennes in 1944.
Side streets in State College were dusted and slippery in places but easily managed with the right winter riding attitude consisting mainly of slow travel, careful braking, quick surface assessment and informed decision making. I was in town to meet someone for breakfast at the Corner Room and hoped conditions would improve by the time I rode on to work.
One thing I failed to consider was the motorcycle parking at my office — the only place you are allowed to park a motorcycle on campus, was not cleared. I suppose they don’t expect any motorcycles this time of year. Luckily the snow piles were still soft and I could kick an area open to park.
The situation was far worse in the parking lot than on the road. By the time I rode home conditions were much improved with dry roads and warming temperatures.
On a scale of one to ten with ten being glare ice and sub-zero temperatures and one being sub-freezing and dry this particular ride was a four.
Maybe I should develop a Scooter in the Sticks winter riding score…
I bet the facilities guy in charge of snow removal was surprised to find the Vespa there, sitting pretty.
The first thing that came to mind whe I saw the pic with the tank…..Ardennes and the Battle of the Bulge….nice.
Steve:
all I can think of is the Corner Room with a side order of Bacon
you are brave. Your tread is going the wrong way in Photo 1
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Maybe you should pick up a tank for your commute. Apparently there are some just laying around.
I stopped by our parking office to ask about motorcycle parking spots in the winter. They assured me that I won’t be ticketed for using them out of season.
Charlie6: All the snow removal people are gone so I don’t think they even realize the hardship we year round riders face.
Can’t imagine war in winter. Especially in the 1940s before all the high tech clothing came out.
bob skoot: I had bacon that morning at the Corner Room. Makes a cold ride worth the trouble.
You had me scared about the tire being on wrong. Went outside and checked — it is on correctly. The tracks do seem to be opposite what one would expect.
RichardM: There is a variety of armored vehicles at the Museum. They used to arrive with the engines disabled and the hatches open until a few kids got one running and went for a short ride.
Now they have no engines and the hatches are welded shut.
Good idea about the parking office. I’ll talk to them tomorrow about the problems of the spaces being plowed over.
Wow, I like your photos! Especially the one with the tank 😉
I haven’t seen that much snow over here in Germany this season. But to be honest, I’m really looking forward to spring 😉