Riding the Seasons - Winter

By Jeffry L’H. Tank

A few months ago I wrote about the pleasures of riding during the fall months. Now that winter is upon us I thought an article about winter riding would be appropriate.

When I consider the fact that a number of my riding friends live in climates where winter temperatures can easily fall well below freezing for many months of the year, I realize that those of us living in and round Virginia are indeed lucky that we are spared such chilling weather for extended periods of time. Highs ranging in the mid 30's are in fact more tolerable than some would assume, given the proper clothing to provide wind and weather protection. If you look around on almost any day in this area you are likely to see at least one 2-wheeler go by. For the vast majority of the bikers out there it is not because motorcycles are their only means of transportation, but rather because they have made a conscious choice to ride rather than drive a car or take public transportation. Their motivation may simply be the desire to face the challenge of winter riding, starting the day feeling the brisk winter air on their face or the mere pleasure of beating the elements for the daily commute. Maybe they prefer riding because they can take advantage of the commuter lanes and save some time on the ride to and from work without the inconvenience of ride sharing. The difference between spending close to an hour in stop and go traffic or spending 20 minutes zipping along, watching all the cagers stuck in traffic, can certainly be a source of amusement and satisfaction for those that have taken the 2-wheeled alternative. And then there are those who simply can't bear the idea of being stuck in a cage the whole winter, who simply need to experience the freedom of motoring, even if it's only the daily run to work and back. To feel the sense of release that riding affords is something they simply can not do without for 4 or 5 months a year.

On one of the lists I belong to, it was decided several years ago that the Christmas holidays would be celebrated with an "insult fest", wherein we try to "out insult" each other and "points" are awarded for the most creative in much the same way as on the show "Who's line it is, anyway?", (where the points are meaningless). Though, of course, this is all in good fun, you understand. While this may seem decidedly opposite the whole spirit of the season, the reasoning behind the insult fest is actually quite valid. It provides a distraction and means of venting for those list members stuck in the colder climates and who are unable to ride as much as they would like. Seems to work quite well, too!

So what does it take to ride the winter months? Can one really be comfortable riding in 20 or 30 degree temperatures? And can I honestly say it's enjoyable?

Well, yes and no. Just like any other time of year there are days that to be out riding is not the most comfortable experience, but yes, it can still be rewarding and enjoyable as well, assuming you have a properly set up machine. Now, granted, this winter has been colder than most in recent years, but there are still days where an afternoon ride can be an enjoyable experience. One thing you'll see on almost any bike that you may pass during these months is a full fairing. I'm not talking just a windscreen, but rather something that provides protection for the riders hands and arms, as well and the riders' chest area, and may possibly include wind protection for the riders' legs as well. Next it requires the proper clothing, that doesn't necessarily mean a $500 riding suit, although those are certainly nice if you can afford one. What it does mean is layering, with an outer layer that gives good wind and weather protection, especially for those parts of the body not protected by the fairing, without sacrificing adequate mobility. You still need to be able to act quickly, perhaps more so in winter, since people in cars tend to be even less aware of motorcycles at this time of year. After all, who would be crazy enough to be out riding in such frigid conditions?

Just recently Kent, who runs VirginiaWind, made a comment on the forum about that "Polar Bear" feeling and how disconnected he felt from his machine when bundled up against the elements. He was curious if other shared the same feeling and what the cause was. I think he pretty much answered his own question, the very fact that you are so bundled up causes you to lose the connection with the machine that you normally have during the other seasons. The more you have between you, the bike and the environment, the less connected you are to them.

Not withstanding the above, there is still pleasure to be gained from riding in the winter. If nothing else there is the sense of reward one feels having conquered the elements. It doesn't have to be a long ride, it's not about distance or speed or impressing someone that you're brave enough, if anything, if you ride to impress others, then you are riding for all the wrong reasons. It's about just doing it because it has its own unique rewards that the other seasons just don't have to offer. Smells are so much more intense, the sky so much clearer and the air so much more invigorating than at any other time of year.

There is nothing like a ride along a quiet country road in winter, especially after a fresh snowfall, the barren trees standing starkly in the fields, casting their dark shadows across the soft whiteness. The smell of wood smoke rising from distant chimneys and curling into the brisk winter sky, as you imagine a family gathered by the fireplace while the flames dance upon the ceiling and walls. Winter sunrises and sunsets can be some of the most spectacular that nature has to offer. Cruising along beside a small mountain stream as it splashes between the rocks or slips quietly below a layer of ice, only to bubble up here and there then disappear once more beneath the ice as it makes it way down the mountain, instills a sense of quiet peacefulness in the observer. Mere thoughts of a steaming cup of coco or hot spiced beverage at the end of the ride to chase the chill away can be as pleasurable as the act itself. Then later, after the ride, as you sit in the warmth of home thinking back on the event just concluded and saying to yourself, "Man, what a ride!", it will reaffirm what all of us that ride have come to know….

The fact that you were out there riding and sensing the world as only a biker can; that you beat the cold and braved the elements, gives you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other and once again says simply, yet profoundly, you're a biker and you were Born to Ride.

A Winters Ride

A winters ride,
Down roads that hide;
Beneath a frozen sky.

Past snow caped hills,
And silent mills;
A rider passes by.

Past barren trees,
That no one sees;
Asleep the season through.

A snow lined road,
Lays black and cold;
'Midst whiteness fresh and new.

Past frozen streams,
That wait and dream;
Of spring that soon will show.

I ride alone,
My winding home;
That thus I've come to know.

A winter road,
Its secrets hold;
The deeds that I have done.

So on I roam,
My winding home;
An echo yet unsung!

© Jeffry L’H. Tank

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