Wednesday 18 February 2009

Back in Black - well sort of...




Well, maybe back in green and black....

So why, oh readers of the blogosphere, has this blog been so silent these past few weeks?

Well, not long after my last blog entry, I scooted off to school one morning. It was icy out but I thought, hey - I'm careful, I know what I'm doing, I'm experienced, and I'm Canadian so cold weather should be a snap for me.

I was wrong.

Yes, I know Steve Williams rides in minus 20° temperatures and has no problem. A few weeks ago, there I was, with the mercury at maybe -2°C. , on the way to school in the morning. Just before the turn for the school, I hit a nasty patch of black ice and slipped and slid for about 15 metres. Miraculously, I managed to somehow stay on the scoot and recover. Even better, another teacher from my school was right behind me and witnessed what he thought was some great riding. Thus ended Near Death Experience Number 48. (No, that's probably not an accurate count - I'm actually just guessing!)

Even though that day ended in a sunny ride home, I have to admit I was a bit shaken. Between that, more cold weather, and some school related reasons, I did not ride at all until yesterday.

Yesterday, I rode just to school and back. Nice ride, a bit cold but not icy. Some sun in the afternoon.

Then today, I decided to not only to go to school but I also had an appointment in New Westminster.

It was my first longish ride in a very long time - and the Vespa performed very well. What was more revealing was that I felt wonderful after I returned home. Yes, a little chilled but very positive. It's that elusive feeling that I have missed so much over the past while - sort of a excited contentment that seems to come out of nowhere. I know I've blogged about it before but I'm still amazed at the positive effects of scooter riding.

Now I'm looking forward to a bit more frequent rides - and some more regular blogging. Here's hoping.....

4 comments:

Baron's Life said...

Hey man,
I'm really glad u didn't get hurt from that slide....anything could have happened...like break your wrist, leg, arm...etc...
you took a chance and the Gods were with you

Heinz N Frenchie said...

Count yourself fortunate. But don't push your luck. 2009 is just beginning and perhaps you have used more than a little of your good karma. When one looks at the risk of riding in icy conditions and considers the worst that could happen, riding the scooter is not that tempting. Ride safe and sane.

Unknown said...

glad you're OKay. I am also tempted to ride to work in the morning but even though the temps are okay later in the day, at 7am when I leave I always check the car windows for ice/frost and when in doubt, I take the car. It's okay to have a "scare" once in a while. It's part of the early warning system. Bad things only happen when you ignore them

bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin

Dave Dixon said...

Baron
Yeah, I guess I took a chance - but it was a pretty small one - I did go fairly slow - maybe just riding on the scooter is taking a chance, too!

Heinz and Frenchie
I'll try not to use up all of my karma at one time! I do have a couple more horseshoes, though, that should last me the year!

bobskoot
I know - the days are great after about 10 o'clock but getting to work can be a real problem...