Monday, December 13, 2010

Scootering at -12.6F

This morning, I set a new personal best lowest riding temp at –12.6F which beat out my previous –11F from January 2010.

To push myself, I decided to do it on my Super9. My scooter doesn’t have heated grips, a windshield, grip covers, or an alternator capable of heated gear. Last year, I used a car battery under the seat to run heated gear. This time, I went without. I wore my off-road boots this time in preparation of a fall or a quick tab of the foot.

I had a hard time starting it because the choke closed after I thought I opened it. I nearly ran the battery flat trying to get it to go before I checked my mistake. Then it started and stayed running nicely.

I just did a short ride since I’m feeling a bit sick – sore throat and cough. By the end of the ride, my hands were very cold. The rest seemed warm.

Tomorrow is supposed to be even colder. I hope I feel better, so I can do a proper ride on the Ural

A short video of the ride is below. I also talk about my scooter a bit. Enjoy!

YouTube video PBC#6:

13 comments:

  1. If your fingers fall off, I will help you set up Speech to Text...

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  2. This made me nervous and anxious just watching it. Oh well, no daredevil here :)

    That said, I've rode on/in snow when it is fresh. Here it becomes ice so quick.

    I won't be riding tomorrow. This whole week may be lost. At least, my Hippo Hands are at the Post Office. Hopefully, I will be able to pick them up tomorrow night after work.

    Be safe.

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  3. Nice! Really setting the bar high for other participants.

    Richard

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  4. KidMystic: LOL, good to know!

    Keith: It was a mix of ice and snow. Only -8F right now. bummer. I was hoping to break my record from yesterday.

    It's a shame you won't be able to ride this week. Cool on the hippo hands. I am interested to see what you think of them.

    RichardM: Thanks Richard! I'm very happy to have a new personal best.

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  5. Dang Chris, you've got my personal best beat....we're having really mild weather here lately.

    dom

    Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

    Redleg's Rides

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  6. Having read some of your posts from last winter, I thought you were crazy then. Now it's official - you ARE nuts! Good one!

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  7. Dom: Winters not over yet! How is Natasha running? I got a new acronym for you to use with me. We already both do ATGATT, but we need to add AWATT = all weather all the time. :)

    Gary: Thanks! You could join the fun ya know. There are two other guys in the UK on the member list. :)

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  8. Chris, I like that: ATWATT

    however, for us, it's assumed isn't it? : )

    dom

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  9. Dear Chris:

    I am amazed at how you have lowered your bar for the cold. I cannot conceive of being out in the breeze, no windscreen and absolutely no heat — and with a cold. I think you have made your point. My hat is off to you.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack • reep • Toad
    Twisted Roads

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  10. Dear Jack:
    Thank you Jack. It was a fun, but cold ride. I'm happy I had the opportunity to push myself and get a new coldest temp.

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  11. Damn, I miss that scooter.

    -Mike

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  12. Mike: You should! It's a fun scoot! If you're good, I'll let you have some visitation rights ;)

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