Scooter in the Sticks

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

Vespa Scooter in Rain

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Vespa GTS scooter in the rainRiding in Rain

It’s always a little different — rain.  And so is riding in it.  The quality of the rain, temperature, how I’m feeling, the tires on the scooter; they all have an effect on the experience of riding a Vespa scooter in rain.

The ride home from work, though like so many others, was unique for a dozen different reasons.  The rain stood out.  Anyone who rides in the rain on a regular basis knows what to expect and has learned how to respond.  The beginning of a rain event after weeks of dry weather often creates a slippery slurry of oil and other road film which can send a rider down in a hurry if not paying attention.  That’s decidedly different from riding after hours of a steady rain where the road is washed clean.

On this ride, everything conspired to create a perfect embrace; as if there was no place warmer and safer than being in that rain.  You may know the feeling, a time when you aren’t concerned with being wet or if the road is slippery.

That’s where I was.  No rush or hurry, no concerns for safety, just a pleasant ride in the rain.

I wish those rides were more frequent.

Riding in Rain

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Vespa GTS scooter and rain in dawn lightScooter in the Dawn Light

A slight mist, rain in dawn light, an inscrutable affection for the world revealed as the road passes underneath the Vespa scooter on the way to work.  I’ve stood here before many times looking back across the valley toward home, wondering where I’m going. It’s part of riding in rain.

The simple answer is I’m riding to work in a mix of mist and light rain.  The temperature is near 50 degrees and there’s no need for rain gear — my First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket and Joe Rocket riding pants are more than adequate on this day.  I’ve still not donned the Rev’It rainsuit that lives in the topcase.  Such is the nature of the rain I ride in.

Go slow, pay attention to the road, that mantra plays in my head.

Vespa GTS scooter along highway wallScooter in the Concrete

There is a lot of concrete between home and office.  Though smooth in a car it only takes a moment on foot to realize how ragged and abrasive it really is.  Even my armored clothes seem insignificant reflected against that hard angry surface.

Pay heed riders — the road is not your friend.

Vespa GTS scooter on rainy dayScooter in the Mist

Riding in rain seems so simple but when I stop a moment to think about it there’s a lot of things to consider that seem to happen automatically now — enough experience has been tendered that needs and concerns are programmed like a second nature.  Just look at “15 Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain” by madmoto and you’ll have an idea of what may be involved.

There’s a quiet in the world when it rains, even in these light mists.  And in the quiet the imagination blossoms so that by the time I get to work the day seems like a wonderful adventure.

Are your riding experiences in the rain positive?