The road in front of the house was completely snow covered when I got up. A check of the temperature showed 18° F. The wind was blowing at 20 – 25 MPH. I put my boots on and walked out across the driveway to check the road surface. Dry powder, no hidden ice, and pretty good traction. Decision time.
My plan was to not ride this winter in the snow but I have to admit there was a strong attraction to ride in this first snow of the season. I walked back into the house and asked what I should do. After a quick consideration of the road, the time (it was 7AM and traffic would still be light) and the strong desire to attempt the ride, I pulled on my Tourmaster Overpants.
The Vespa started easily and the traction on the snow-covered road was good for the first half mile. I stopped to make a picture (excuse the fuzziness, it was actually still pretty dark and I didn’t want to pull out the tripod) as the road turned from snow to a glaze of ice from all the traffic. Once I got on the main road it was chemically wet compliments of PENNDOT. I was grateful that there was almost no traffic as I slowly made my way to work. There were slippery spots here and there and stopping at one traffic light was a bit challenging and required my outriggers down to manage the slow stop/slide.
I arrived at work safely and aside from the carefully actions required of the ride the only other things of note was the difficultly with the visor fogging due to my heavier than normal breathing and how well the mittens worked to keep my hands warm. A little more snow should arrive this morning but the ride home should be clear. I wouldn’t want to do this in traffic.
Steve,
I just got back from my morning meditation “by the pond” and was thinking about you because it was so cold. I only had the wind blowing off the pond – you had the added wind of riding.
Fortunately I had a scarf with me. I put it over my head and tied under my chin to protect most of my head. My forehead was exposed and became intensely painful, so much so that I reoriented my body towards the sun and that took my forehead out of the direct wind. Even with that the tips of my ears were telling me that the better part of prudence would be to get out of the wind pretty soon.
My “coming to your senses” came home to me this morning. When it gets that cold…the sensation of pain takes it to a new level. Great to be alive!
Please be attentive on the wintry roads.
I remember growing up in Milwaukee when enthusiasts rode any day there wasn’t glare ice. That’s a city that gets a lot of it considering its on the shores of lake Michigan and Superior comprises about half of Wisconsin’s northern border.
It was common to see clothing layered riders of Beemers and Harleys and a few Japanese machines. Unfortunately I don’t recall one solitary scooter but the point I want to make is that if the skill is in the rider, the only other attribute that I believe is absolutely necessary is that one can plant both foot flatly on the tarmac. I think one needs a flat foot outrigger stance to ski across some conditions in order to stay upright.
It bolsters my spirit to read about your wintery rides, it really does.
Roadbum
If you’re going to ride in the winter, I think it behooves you to acquire and wear some distinctly road-warrior-style clothing, with plenty of chains, spikes and other nasties. Partly for the fun, and partly so cars will stay away.
No one wants to hit someone that’ll scratch their paint all up. 😀
Stay safe and have fun!
simplytim: The cold can wake us up in a variety of ways. I’ve experienced many times what you have described.
roadbum: The Vespa is an ideal size and weight for me to handle in the snow. I can easily have both feet on the ground and use the outrigger mode as necessary. I’ve seen and read about people riding long distances in the snow and ice with big bikes. I can’t imagine doing that.
lucky: What you describe sounds like something right out of Mad Max! NOt sure I’m ready for that yet.
Steve,
You should try a Fog City visor insert. They are a pain to fit, but have excellent results. I’ve been using one for a year now and have had no fog problems so far this year.
Happy Riding,
Eric