today I did my first 'polar bear' scooter ride on my Rattler 110...
rode a total of 24 miles in 33 to 37 degree weather @ speeds up to 53 mph (per speedo on the scoot); made several stops to do errands & shopping; didn't get too cold since I dressed in layers; I'm not sure I'll do it again, but challenging oneself every now and then is a good thing...
It was 34 when I got to work this morning, my commute's 20-30 min depending on traffic. Today was more like 20, since it was Sunday, no AM rush.
I was filling my scoot up at the pump after I closed up the store on Saturday night, and an older genlteman at the next pump said to me "Kinda cold to be bike weather!" I replied, "Any weather is bike weather when you get 90 miles per gallon!" He nodded in approval.
Sounds like a good time I'd ride a lot more in cold weather if I didn't have to store my scooters in my fenced in back yard. It's a really small back yard and the scooters are a really tight fit and a total PITA to get situated back there. One of the main reasons that I lust for a garage
"Only the curious have, if they live, a tale worth telling at all" Alastair Reid
33-37F isn't so bad if you bundle up. It's the temps below those that I find... challenging. First, there's a qualitative difference between sub-freezing air and above-freezing air, regardless of wind-chill factors. Second, any moisture on the road tends to turn into ice, which is contrary to my preference to stay upright.
I've filled the gas tank twice now thinking "last fill-up of the year" then dosing it with Sta-bil so it'll be prepared to sit for a few months. But the gas tank's getting low again. if the weather stays dry enough for the next several days for the roads to keep clear of the slippery stuff, I could find myself riding to Christmas dinner on my Santa-red scooter.
kmrcstintn wrote:today I did my first 'polar bear' scooter ride
Was it that 'polar'?
Being just a dozen or so miles away from you I was out on the scoot most of the day on Saturday, even rode home after a holiday get together after midnight......
Aging is mandatory, growing up is optional.
My kids call me 'crazy', I prefer 'Eccentric'.
Nullius in verba
kmrcstintn wrote:today I did my first 'polar bear' scooter ride
Was it that 'polar'?
Being just a dozen or so miles away from you I was out on the scoot most of the day on Saturday, even rode home after a holiday get together after midnight......
It just depends- on your gear, mentality, etc. If you are one who planned all along to be riding in crap like 20 degree weather... almost 40 with the sun shining down and no wind is AWESOME, compared to 30 at night on the way home. If you are somebody that only does it every once in a bit, or is undergeared, I'm sure the cold is a little shocking.
Length of time riding also matters A LOT either way. So does gear. Did I mention gear? My fingers freeze no matter what. I need hippo hands or heated grips.
Its all in the gear. Having the right stuff really matters when you hit 30 degrees. But HOORAY for you for giving it a try. Now the next sunny day this winter you know you can go for another ride!
Speed is only a matter of money...How fast do you want to go?
I still can't find a pair of gloves that I'll be sure won't let my fingers freeze off this winter... until then it's my old winter gloves with wool liners and the tucano grip covers
kmrcstintn wrote:today I did my first 'polar bear' scooter ride
Was it that 'polar'?
Being just a dozen or so miles away from you I was out on the scoot most of the day on Saturday, even rode home after a holiday get together after midnight......
It just depends- on your gear, mentality, etc. If you are one who planned all along to be riding in crap like 20 degree weather... almost 40 with the sun shining down and no wind is AWESOME, compared to 30 at night on the way home. If you are somebody that only does it every once in a bit, or is undergeared, I'm sure the cold is a little shocking.
Length of time riding also matters A LOT either way. So does gear. Did I mention gear? My fingers freeze no matter what. I need hippo hands or heated grips.
Having spent most of my 'adult' life working out-doors I've learned how to dress for the cold and wind, riding gear is a different story altogether as there is truly nothing made for ccold weather riding......
I spent the better part of 2 hours actually in the saddle, however the 20mins home after midnight was the chilliest for me as I misplaced my neck/face gaiter at some point in the evening...
Lokky: If you're wearing the Mil-issue D3-A gloves, (leather with wool lining) as what I use, the trick is to put latex or vinyl 'exam gloves' between the shell and the liner. (Works for me)
Aging is mandatory, growing up is optional.
My kids call me 'crazy', I prefer 'Eccentric'.
Nullius in verba
I've been out riding in 25-35 a lot lately. Pretty big change from South Florida riding, for sure!
Helmet/balaclava/bib combo are working great but if I add in the chin/wind guard on my Scorpion helmet, the shield condensates like crazy and then ice forms on the inside of the shield. So I've been leaving the chin guard off.
My textile jacket with quilted liner works great especially if I have layers on under it. No complaints there.
My legs have been freezing, even with two layers. I think a Corazzo lap apron might be in my future.
I agree with the comments about the differences in 30* and 40* being pretty big!
^^^^ You need zip-on overpants from a bike shop. when really cold I wear silk long johns. Regular pants, then my Hein Gerich overpants and I am TOASTY ...The only issues for me below 30 are the dreaded neck hole we all fight with and my hands if I'm riding without wind protection for my hands
Speed is only a matter of money...How fast do you want to go?
I'd ride a lot more in cold weather if I didn't have to store my scooters in my fenced in back yard. It's a really small back yard and the scooters are a really tight fit and a total PITA to get situated back there. One of the main reasons that I lust for a garage 
