Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Trail 125, and a Kawasaki W650

My Winter Riding Checklist

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Vespa GTS scooter between snow covered carsVespa Scooter in Snow

Winter riding, especially in the snow, generates the most interest and traffic on Scooter in the Sticks.  I’m uncertain if that’s true because it’s like watching an accident, or people are searching for reasons to try it themselves, or something more or less profound.  Regardless, this activity that I find so satisfying resonates.  With that resonation in mind I thought I would share the mental checklist I go through before venturing out into the snow.  I made all these pictures this morning and started gathering my checklist thoughts on the road.

There was snow on the ground when I got up this morning with more on the way until changing to sleet and freezing rain.  That transition was many hours away.  When I made the above photo I had already made the decision to ride.  Shoveling snow and cleaning the cars could wait until later.  A rider has to have their priorities straight.Continue Reading

Altoona Trek

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Vespa LX 150 in winter at Seven Stars, PennsylvaniaThe weather forecast predicted temperatures in the 40s today so I thought I would take the scooter out for a nice long ride. Thermometer read 35 degrees when I left and the roads were clear. As the sun started to appear it got even a bit warmer though water began appearing on the roads as snow and ice melted. I managed to miss most of the spray from other vehicles but the Vespa will get a bath shortly.

MapQuest says its 48 miles to Altoona from my house but that is the more direct freeway route. I spent two hours and 58 miles on the scooter. That included one stop for hot chocolate, two stops to take pictures, and one last stop for tea. My only complaint was that my hands would get cold and I needed some heavier gloves. Altoona obliged me with a nice heavy pair of TourMaster gloves. They were perfect at $38.00. A necessity for winter riding.

This picture was made near Seven Stars, Pennsylvania on the morning route to Altoona.