Scooter in the Sticks

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

Decision Time: Snow is Falling

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When I looked out the window of my office yesterday at midday it was snowing. The temperature hovered at 32º F. It was just like last winter when I rode home in a snowy mess. I was taking the afternoon off, a few extra vacation days tacked on to the Christmas holiday. I had things to do and had to make a decision.

On went the gear and I found myself looking at the snow covered Vespa. The roads were wet but clear so I made a decision to ride.
Just in case the temperature dipped and snow would start to accumulate on the road surface I traveled home by roads less traveled where I could more easily set the pace without triggering any emotional displays from drivers intent on getting somewhere fast.
Snow continued to fall in large flakes and I enjoyed the transformation of the landscape under the soft light. Scenes like this are why riding in winter is so satisfying.
The roads remained clear until I got closed to home and the roads were more protected by tree cover and I suspect a bit colder. Strips of slush and snow grew larger and were quite slippery. I stopped several times to test the traction and the utility of the Pirelli tires on the Vespa GTS.
At best, their utility in this type of weather is marginal. The tread design doesn’t allow for an aggressive bite in snow and the rubber compound doesn’t retain the sticky traction qualities shown in warm weather. Careful riding, slow speeds, and continual planning make it possible to ride reliably in this sort of stuff.

The weather forecast doesn’t call for any snow until after Christmas so the riding should be fair at least until then. And I’m on vacation too. I wonder what I can do…

More Signs of Winter

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Seeing the deer warning sign reminded me that it wouldn’t be long until the fields and forests of Central Pennsylvania will be full of hunters. Another sign of the coming of winter. The past few nights have brought heavy frost and chilly morning rides. Clear skies and bright sun warm the days into the sixties and it’s easy to push the cold mornings out of awareness.

Another reminder of the coming of winter was a contact from Dave Mangano, creator, author, and radio talent behind SCTRCST.COM, Scooter Internet Radio. Dave asked if we could talk about winter riding and that brought home the cold weather approach even more. You can listen to our discussion of winter riding HERE.

If you’ve not listened to SCTRCST it is well worth your time. Dave has put together a wonderful collection of interviews, stories, and information about scooters and riding.

Regardless of what cold weather might come tomorrow the weather right now is fantastic. Color, light, and the crisp feel of fall can work together to produce near perfect rides. The Vespa likes the cold air and so do I.

The Short Ride

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“I’m going to return the movies.” I told Kim, a strong desire to rid the house of two particularly awful movies and a chance for a short ride on a sunny day. If you ride you probably are already familiar with the tendency to volunteer to do things if it means you might have the chance to ride.

The heavy snowfall of two days ago had disappeared from the road surface and with the temperature hovering at 34° F and the sky blue it was ideal for a quick ride. It was also the first chance I had to try out my new polarized clip on sunglasses in the dazzling light reflected from a snow-covered landscape.

Riding down the road from the house the sky expanded in a sweep of blue filled with soft white clouds. I veered south at the first opportunity so I could extend the movie errand into a short ride. Cruising over the first crest I was greeted by snow blowing across the road.

The wind buffeted the GTS badly in the open areas but I was more concerned with the blowing snow. I discovered when I got home that the wind was blowing at a steady 30 MPH with gusts reaching 45 MPH. The Vespa’s temperature display switched between 32° and 34° during the ride creating a slight chance that the snow would freeze to the road.

Road conditions aside it was a beautiful day. Anticipating blowing snow and drifts was pretty simple as I picked my way along. Only once crossing a snowy patch did I feel the front tire want to break loose. I had both feet down in outrigger fashion ready to provide any emergency support.

The ride home involved a direct route free of snow but with considerably more four-wheeled traffic. Not sure which route posed the greater risk.

Sitting here in the living room with Kim and Essa pushing the pen across the page (yes, I write my posts with a fountain pen in a little notebook a lot of times) I am amazed at how much I still feel compelled to ride, and how much I completely enjoy it. Even in the cold. Especially in the cold.

Riding is important as it continues to work as a powerful tonic for the noise and weight of things collected on a daily basis. Turn the key, thumb the starter, and twist the throttle…

Windows of Riding Opportunity

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As I get older I’m not willing to tolerate cold like I did only a few years ago. Dropping temperatures, rising winds and falling snow provided an opportunity for personal challenge and satisfaction. Hiking, backpacking and more recently riding. Now I wonder what life in a warmer climate would be like. Fire ants keep me in the north.

Last winter I rode more often. And farther. Partially it’s my reluctance to risk the new Vespa on icy roads. Partially it’s me. Mostly it’s the erratic weather that has kept moisture, ice, or the threat of either squarely in front of me. Because of these I have had to search for windows of opportunity.

The image at the top of the post was made this morning on the way to work. Twelve degrees Fahrenheit. Patches of ice scattered randomly along the way. I almost feel down in the driveway moving the scooter out of the garage. Clear skies and the promise of warming temperatures forced me to abandon the Ford Ranger. A $45 dollar trip to the gas station helped too. So I suited up and rode to work taking a few side trips to explore and had an enjoyable early morning scoot. I have to take those little rides when I can get them.

The following images were made during the past week on other little rides stolen during breaks in the weather. Each was just as enjoyable.

Last Saturday morning I rode north as skies cleared and the temperature moved towards a balmy 40° F. Even with 35 MPH gusts the ride was completely pleasant.

Not far down the road the valley opened up and the sky seemed larger than it should for a Pennsylvania landscape. The fields were thick with moisture and the heavier GTS sunk into the ground more than the LX150 ever did.

Riding on across the valley and on through Bellefonte eventually led me to a little road that winds along Spring Creek. This little building has always fascinated me and I figured I should make a few photos before someone tears it down.

This last picture was taken on Sunday, the last day I could ride until today. Dark skies and snow squalls marked the morning. I sat in Barnes and Noble talking to friends during one near whiteout. The wind blew hard and things were slippery. My plan to venture out along little farm lanes was stopped by crusty snow and ice formed from the previous day’s melting. Despite the weather I still managed to find a few enjoyable moments on two wheels.

LAST CHANCE!!!
2007 Riders Choice Awards Voting Still Open
Let the motorcycle industry know what you think.

The voting will be over on Monday so if you haven’t voted now’s the time!
Your vote will let the motorcycle industry know how you feel about things in the 2007 Riders Choice Awards sponsored by Motorcycle Bloggers International. Dream bikes, dream rides, the good and the bad, and of course if you are so inclined Scooter in the Sticks is in the running for best blog! Click HERE to see the ballot.

Riding in Winter Breaks

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It was 14° F when I started the Vespa this morning. The weather forecast promised temperatures rising into the mid-20’s under sunny skies. These kinds of days always provide a break in the bad winter weather and allow a ride if you are so inclined. Roads were free of snow and ice with only an occasional patch of gravel or salt. Still cold enough for ice where springs wash across a back road or an energetic car washer allows water to run out onto a neighborhood street or road. As always, special attention to the road surface is required in sub-freezing weather.

The first destination today was to meet my daughter and her boyfriend for breakfast at the Waffle Shop. I had the best of intentions to share the hearty feast photographically with camera in tow but as the food arrived my attention went directly to the home fries and bacon and the camera remained untouched.

As much as I enjoy a hearty breakfast during a ride I’m not sure how an idea it is when it’s cold outside. Gearing up for the next leg of the ride I could feel the heat heading towards my stomach to begin work on breakfast. No matter how much I am wearing I have to accept a level of chill that nears discomfort. Gratefully the sun was bright and the reflection from the snow made it easier to imagine I was warm. Ten miles down the road the temperature had raised to 20° F and things felt absolutely balmy.

Other than few errands I had nowhere to go and nothing to do but enjoy the ride. My choice today was to swing south through some of the open farmlands and long undulating roads. The Vespa seems like it’s made to ride on these roads and I am never disappointed regardless of weather. If I had time today I would have made it a 200-mile day. I had to be satisfied with 40 miles for this ride. This picture was made along one of the roads that cut across the valley south of town.

Before returning home I stopped at a local store to pick up a few chocolate chip cookies to enjoy with an afternoon cup of tea. As many times as I see the cow on top of this restaurant I can’t help but smile. Every town needs something to make you grin.