Autumn bliss

Darkness departs late and descends early this time of year. The skies are often a steely grey, portending the approach of winter. With these annual changes come cooler temperatures and the need for bundling up, but for the intrepid few who ride year round in those places where the seasons change, the colder months provide unique experiences, vistas, and dangers.

The temperature this morning was a balmy 31 degrees (that's Fahrenheit for those across the Atlantic). Out of the closet came the trusty scarf, gloves were doubled, the orange coverall went on, and it was hoped that one pair of socks would be enough. Looking a bit like a bright orange adult version of Randy Parker (think "a Christmas story), the winterized scooterist left his home.

The sun was on the rise and had not yet crested the horizon at the outset of the journey, but was well risen upon arrival at the destination. Thirty miles on a frosty morning is a good test for one's mettle and the windproofing of his riding gear.

The solitude of the cold weather ride is a wondrous thing. Fewer riders venture forth when the mercury falls below the 50 degree mark, and fewer still as it descends toward and then past the freezing point. This is both a benefit and a danger. Those who do take their two-wheelers out in the colder months can enjoy the solitude yet should beware the automobile driver who is no longer as alert to the presence of motorcycles.

Additional danger lies in the chance of catching a chill or developing frostbite. When one's toes start to burn from the cold, it's a sure sign that the footwear needs an upgrade. Doubling up on gloves seems to help with finger numbing. Of course, one can't really go wrong with heated gear, if one can afford it.

As the days grow cooler there is the added potential of ice on the road. In the early part of Autumn, this is not generally a concern in south-central Pennsylvania, but by the time November has rolled in icy conditions are possible.

This morning, a matched set of chilly toes was the only drawback to the ride to school. The next morning ride will see in place of cloth shoes, a nice set of steel toed boots.

By the time school let out for the day, the temperature had risen well into the fifties. The extra layer was no longer necesary and so it was that atop the crate was strapped an orange roll of coverall. The morning ride with its chill to the extremeties, was made more worthwhile by the journey home along streets gilded with maples still in leaf. 

A stop at a park along the Susquehanna with a view of the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge added a needed punctuation to an already glorious day. Autumn can mean less comfort on the journey, but it holds its own alure and even perhaps a hint of magic.