Winter Riding Preparation

Now that the temperature has plummeted below 90 degrees F I figured it a fine time to begin preparing for the onslaught of winter. The Vespa is in good shape and will be mechanically prepared, and I am mentally ready for the drop in temperature, but if there was a weakness in my winter riding it had to be riding gear. I need three things—winter riding jacket, heavy winter gloves, and new riding boots. After long consideration of a variety of jackets I purchased a First Gear Kilimanjaro IV jacket. Waterproof, armored, insulated, lots of pockets, and yellow and black too!

I tried it out for the first time on Saturday when I went for a ride with my father-in-law Bob. The temperature was 49 degrees when I left the house at 7:30AM and I pulled the new jacket on over a T-shirt. Felt warm and comfortable at 60 MPH and in my completely unscientific manner figure the coat would be warm down to about 35 degrees with just the T-shirt and easily down to 10 degrees with my long underwear and windproof Mountain Hardware jacket underneath. And no need for any raingear!

The big surprise was that the jacket was comfortable as the temperature warmed and it was not until it hit 74 degrees that I thought it might be time to open some vents. I think for the money this will be a fine jacket for my needs. Next on the list in a pair of Tourmaster Winter Elite gloves.

The ride took me 50 miles to meet Bob at a Sheetz convenience store in Bellwood. From there he led me up the mountain into the watershed area of the Tipton Reservoir, one of Altoona’s water supply areas. The road wound through the forested areas of one of our State Game lands before cresting a high valley and beautiful lake.

I made this image of the two Vespas waiting in the shadows.

Ten miles further down the road we stopped for breakfast at a little country diner. A small group of Harley’s and other V-twin bikes were parked outside and when I passed the table of riders on my way to the bathroom they all gave me a nod which I can only read as some acknowledgement of being out on road so far from town even if it was on a scooter.

Bob still enjoys his scooter and I made this picture of him when we stopped to look out over Glendale Lake at Prince Gallitzin State Park.

We wandered through the hills for another hour until I took my leave and rode back home. Another 140 miles of riding. Vespa ran well, new jacket was perfect, and I soaked up some more riding that I can only call magic.