Scooter in the Sticks

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

Invigorated by Cold

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Belgian Sheepdog covered in frost

Frosty Dog, Cold Weather State of Mind

The dogs seem invigorated by the cold; running, prancing, tearing through the garden more excitedly than they do in warmer weather. Lily plays so hard that her breath freezes on her thick coat. Maybe they’re just trying to stay warm. But I see the phenomenon in myself.

Eventually.

Acclimating to the cold always took time. As a youth, just the time it took to pull on hat, boots and gloves. Now it takes months of slow mental bargaining and physical adaptation. But it does happen.

This morning it was -1F as I briskly moved through the garden with the dogs. A good thing. Especially for someone suffering from anklyosing spondylitis — psoriatic arthritis in my case — where movement helps. Unlike those with rheumatoid arthritis who generally wake feeling better after a good night’s sleep, spondylitis gets worse.

Morning is a chorus of screaming joints and muscle aches. Choosing to get up and move, exercise, is a tough conversation. When it’s cold — even worse.

But, it does happen. And this morning I felt I’ve fully acclimated to the cold. I was like the dogs. Walking, running in places, unfazed by the cold, excited to be outside.

It’s in this frame of mind that taking the Vespa out for a ride in cold weather is a joy.Continue Reading

Dogs, Snow and Winter Vespa Riding

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Portrait of Belgian Sheepdog named JuniorRitual Beginning of the Day

I lead a monastery life — each day beginning with a ritualistic practice enforced by dogs.  In the predawn light first Junior, then Lily begin to stir, first quietly then more insistently reminding of the day’s responsibilities; outside for personal hygiene needs, a few laps around the yard, a dozen or so tennis ball retrievals and then breakfast served al fresco.  There is no deviation from this spiritual practice, no vacation, no reprieve from the commitment made to canines.  Winter Vespa riding, my own breakfast, nothing comes before them.

Only a dog owner could read this and feel good.

Vespa GTS 250ie scooter in snowWinter Vespa Riding

Clearing skies, little wind, scattered sunshine, temperatures rising to the freezing point and bone dry roads made for fine winter Vespa riding.  Even without the winter tires on the scooter the frozen ground and gritty snow allowed for a bit of off road experimentation.  Mostly though, I was a tourist in a snow covered world.

Like dog ownership, only riders who’ve experienced winter riding will probably appreciate it.  To everyone else it’s just a cold, miserable experience.  I advise against riding in winter unless you’ve fully considered and embraced risk, management of the risk, expertise, skill, gear and temperament.  Just to name a few.

Vespa GTS scooter on rural gravel road in winterWatch for Ice

Even the gravel secondary roads were free of snow and ice opening a wide array of possible routes and travel.  The most critical challenge on days like this, for me, is to not become complacent.  When properly attired and feeling warm and toasty, sun in your eyes, and the roads bare, you can quickly find yourself riding as if it’s summer.  It’s not.  At any moment, around any turn you can encounter ice.  Even a small patch can start you dancing.  If you can’t manage your excitement and the throttle best to stay home.

It was a great day for a little winter Vespa riding.