Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.
Exploring in WordsIt’s late and I’m still searching for the spirit of Christmas. There’s no tree for it to hide under and my heart is worn and tired. Despite the twinkling lights and colorful trappings of the season, Christmas remains elusive.
Writing always helps clear away the noise that can mask the truth. A small collection of chocolate and tea fueled a pen laying ink across a journal; thoughts of life and Christmas on my mind.Continue Reading
Ready for WinterAlmost. Still need to mount the Heidenau K66 SnowTex tires. But I have to say the Tucano Urbano Leg Lap Apron Cover Termoscud for the Vespa GTS
I’m still not able to make any long rides but I have been using the Vespa to run errands. The temperature has been cooperating in a manner that provides a clear picture of the Termscud’s cold busting power. Instead of the layers of polypropylene long underwear, jeans and my heavy insulated over pants, the Termscud allowed me to comfortably ride with jeans alone at 25F. I’m not often impressed with moto accessories but this had me smiling.Continue Reading
Cold StartI’ll try to resolve two truths that seem in opposition with each other. One, I don’t like being cold. And two, I choose to ride through the winter. They only seem opposed because most riders think you can’t ride in cold weather without getting cold.
That’s the challenge. Or part of it anyway. The Vespa in winter.
A few mornings ago I headed out with the thermometer indicating 29F. Cold enough to remind me it’s not as simple as I thought. Riding in cold weather demands work. For me, in these three areas:
Gear — the stuff that keeps you safe and warm.
Skill — the ability to manage the cold and the risk of snow and ice safely.
Mental — the drive to ride regardless of the weather.
Gear and skill are essential but the easiest to acquire. Money, time and practice will get you where you need to be.
The mental stuff — that’s a different story. After twelve years of winter riding — it’s only gotten harder.
When I started riding in the cold I could physically endure a lot more than I can now.
Thinking back to sub-zero rides, warming my hands with headlights and exhaust gas makes me shiver. I could do things then by force of will. Now my body can’t, or won’t go where my brain wants to lead it.
Despite the blue skies and bright sunshine it was cold enough, especially in shadowed areas, to have a little frost and ice on parts of the road. I had to tell myself to slow down and not assume the bright sky meant dry pavement.Continue Reading
Vespa SnowMore snow during the night — not what a rider wants to see in the morning. A quick walk to the end of the driveway showed the street to be mostly wet. Coupled with the promise of the temperature rising above the freezing mark another winter ride on the Vespa seemed in order.
Looking at the snow covering the car, trees and house had me thinking the snow-covered hills and trails outside of town would be a winter wonderland.Continue Reading
Worst Snow Storm of the Season = Snow DayYears ago, this amount of snow, eight inches or so, would not raise an eyebrow or concern. Life would continue on. The school buses might run a little behind schedule but otherwise it would just be a regular day with snow added to the mix. When I looked out the front door I was greeted by this scene.
Between the weather media and the government the fragrance of disaster and emergency fill the minds of anyone who listens. The schools were closed. Activities at Penn State were cancelled. The coffee shop down the street was closed. But the roads were mostly clear. I could have taken the Vespa out for a ride by noon.
But this was the worst snow storm of the season. We had a snow day.Continue Reading