Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.

Can I Love Winter Again?

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Two Belgian Sheepdogs sitting outdoors in a light snowfall.
Lily and Aiden in the first snow of the season.

Facing the Cold

The first snow has arrived.  Light, decorative, a dusting that beckons of winter to come. The past month has offered unseasonably warm weather.  Riding weather for even the cold-adverse riders.  Yet the roads are largely empty of scooters and motorcycles save for those souls committed to continued riding.  Some I suspect have something to prove (except Dan).  Others may be victims of economics that offer no alternative choice of vehicles.

I tell myself I’m done with cold weather riding.  The lure of a warm home and soft chair become a subtle yet powerful addiction.  I surely would find myself powerless if not for two dogs who demand adventure regardless of how I feel or the weather outside.  So slowly I’m becoming more acclimated to the cold.  Day by day, walk by walk I notice a growing strength of resistance to the lowering temperatures.  And from that comes a willingness to leave the warmth of home and venture out on a scooter or motorcycle.

Even in the snow.

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Winter is Coming… and I’m Riding My Vespa

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Vespa GTS scooter along a rural road.
It’s colder than it looks.

Cold Starts

Looking out the window it appears to be a fine morning to ride. Bright sunshine and no wind. Stepping out onto the deck provides additional information — it’s cold. 49F cold. As the dogs run round the garden I imagine what gear I’ll need. Merlin jacket, neck gaiter, long underwear under my jeans, insulated gloves, and my riding boots. In a few moments I have a plan and it feels warmer already.

Winter is coming. I want to be ready. Ready to ride.

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Two Motorcycles in the Cold

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Steve Williams standing with two motorcycles on a winter ride.
That moment when you say, “Holy shit, it’s cold.” (Photo by Paul Ruby)

Cold Comfort

There are moments on the road when you realize your estimations of the day are wrong. What’s true in the driveway has become false in another place. As I stood in the middle of the road atop the Allegheny Plateau, it was apparent that the balmy mid-40s temperatures promised at home in the valley were not to come true here. Paul had expressed doubts about riding far when we left, he doesn’t have the winter gear I do and I can only guess he rides in the cold through grit and determination where I lean more towards the comfort of a riding spacesuit.

But even in the spacesuit, I could tell it was cold. Maybe it was the wind blowing in my face when I raised the visor to talk. The two motorcycles in the cold were stopped there because I wanted to record a piece for my next installment on my YouTube channel.

By the time we finished, we decided to turn back toward the valley and the warmth of someplace to get a snack. That’s what happens when you ride motorcycles in the cold.

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The Physicality of Riding

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Vespa GTS scooter along the road on a murky morning.
Out early on a wet, cold morning gets the blood pumping.

Riding is Not Exercise

I’ve struggled to rationalize it otherwise, but the cold stare of reality shows few qualities of exercise while riding a scooter or motorcycle. Yet there are strong physical qualities that, for me, raise riding to a physical act of purpose and action. I was reminded of this effect while riding the Vespa to breakfast on a cold, murky morning.

It was wet but not really raining. A mist that was cold enough to cause visor troubles and have a hand continually wiping it clear.

Riding was an ongoing physical act.

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Cold Weather Riding Limits of the BMW K75

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Autumn leaves
Most of the leaves are on the ground now. What’s left is the coming of winter.

Cold Weather is Coming

The lyrical autumn scenery has faded into the stark reality that winter is coming. The leaves have fallen and soon they’ll be raked, burned or forgotten as snow falls along with the temperature.

I have this motorcycle now and am wondering what I’ll do with it this winter. Will I keep it in service or put it to sleep until spring. Those questions have been on my mind. All depends on the cold weather riding limits of the BMW K75.

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