Quick Stops: Squire's Castle (Revisited) in the Winter

As part of my "farewell tour" of NE Ohio before driving back home to Southern California in February, I had to see a favorite local destination one last time. And the timing couldn't have been any better.

On the day I drove out to the Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation, it had snowed overnight with very little wind, leaving a beautiful coating of undisturbed powder on trees and on the sides of the road. For the first time in a long time, winter was romantic again.

I took the long route through the park toward Squire's Castle, stopping to admire this wonderland of perfectly clear roads and snowy pathways. In some areas, people were riding their horses on the equestrian trails parallel to the auto route. When I reached the castle, I threw on my Yaktrax walkers and trod into the knee-deep, snow-covered field to capture some breathtaking shots. Just enjoy the photos...I know when to shut up and let the images talk.

Gateway Arch Observation Deck at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park (East St. Louis, MO)

One of my last [casual] stops in my drive back to Southern California was East St. Louis, IL, the bordering city to St. Louis, MO. In particular, I was there to visit the observation deck of the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, one of the best places to see the Gateway Arch in its entirety.

And here's a cameo of my 1999 BMW 528i wagon stuffed to the gills with some of my worldly possessions.

Five Motorcycle Problems that California Riders Won't Understand.

I write this piece as a native Californian and a transplant to Ohio.

It is difficult to describe many of the freedoms that motorcycle riders have in California as motorcycling is pretty much a seasonal, recreational activity in the Midwest.

For me, motorcycle riding back home was not just for fun (although it sure as heck is). It was my most economical method of transportation and my time saver. It allowed me to travel to far away places very cheaply and explore the world in a whole different way. Although I can still do that out here, I am challenged by three things: the unpredictability of weather, traffic laws, and the mentality of cagers.

So without further adieu, here are several things many native California motorcyclists (who have never ridden anywhere else) will not understand...

A typical November day in Ohio. Not to worry, it'll be 65°F and sunny tomorrow.

Ramblings in Southern Wisconsin

Earlier last month, I was in southern Wisconsin as part of a business trip. It was the first time I had been to Wisconsin since my cross-country ride in 2011 as as I rode across I-90 back to Ohio. This was quite different than the first time as I now had time to venture through a few parts of the state.

After landing at General Mitchell International Airport, I was immediately greeted by the familiar green and yellow of the Green Bay Packers and cow-related swag that I could lay my eyes on. Cow tipping, anyone?

My Perspective on Riding Conditions

I've often heard from motorcyclists here in Ohio that they are "fair-weather" riders. The definition of "fair-weather" is usually temps no colder than 45°F, little to no wind, and somewhat sunny. Their bikes have never seen rain because they look "horrible" with dirt and dust on them. These are also the same people where, like clockwork, the motorcycle gets "put-up" for the winter right after the twilight ride during Labor Day weekend, regardless of how nice the conditions are outside. It is here in Ohio that the motorcycle "season" is truly one at that.

If I decided to be that kind of rider I'd only be riding for maybe a couple months during the year. (I don't think Eleanor would be very pleased about that, especially with all those places we still need to visit together.)

The best example of the flaws in this riding mentality was our exceptionally warm fall season in 2010. There were days when temperatures were well over 70°F and even surprisingly warmer. I did see more bikes than usual in October and November but when temps began to drop just below 40 I found myself alone on the road with my two-wheeled vehicle. By not suiting oneself up properly in insulating gear or even simply changing out the gloves worn (or wearing any at all) a rider can easily deny himself/herself of at least an additional two months of riding time.

From my experience in riding in inclement and non-ideal weather all over the United States, these are the personal boundaries I set for myself when deciding whether or not to ride in certain weather.

Dry and cold weather (defined as 32°F and below): Rideable as long as it's clear. For longer rides there must be no possibility for precipitation because anything coming down at this point can mean snow. Equipping oneself with proper insulation (layers or heated gear) can keep you riding indefinitely in these conditions. When taking twistier routes, take more time to let your bike's tires warm up to improve grip on the road.

Wet and cold (defined as 40°F and below with precipitation): I often use the "10 degree over rule" when riding in wet conditions. The ground is slowest to freeze and is on average ten degrees warmer than the air temperature. I would, however, be weary about wet bridges when riding close to freezing temps because, like the sign says, bridges are the first places where ice forms when the ground is wet. In extremely mild snowfall, air temperatures just at freezing (32°F) are similar to that of rain because snowflakes will melt instantly upon contact with the ground. The bike will get put away when snow flurries start to stick.

Are you the kind of person that will ride in not-so-ideal weather? It does come down to a personal decision. How cold do I want to go? How much do I want to invest in cold weather gear? What is my tolerance level to extreme cold? How confident am I in controlling my motorcycle when the ground is colder? I am an anomaly to the sport of motorcycling and know it. I resign myself to the fact that during the months of January, February, and half of March I will probably be one of the only active motorcyclists in Ohio. But out here, every possible day to ride is a gift that I don't like to waste.

There's no school like the old school...video game.

It's been a bit challenging to deal with this very motorcycle un-friendly weather. Currently, central Ohio is in the midst of snowfall that is expected to hit about 4-5" in the next day. In comparison to other parts of the United States that are in the deep freeze (Bismarck, ND is recording wind chill of more than -50F° and parts of New Mexico are below 0°F), this isn't much of a tragedy. I spent about 45 minutes outside with my future mother-in-law shoveling our driveway, the driveways of three other neighbors, and the surrounding sidewalks to help reduce some of the snow hazards that has gotten cars losing grip all over the neighborhood. As of today, a Level 1 snow warning has been issued and schools won't be in session tomorrow.

To sum it up, I'm at home, and since I can't spend all day in front of my trusty computer lest I drive myself mad, I had to find something else to do that didn't require a car ride. So, out come the video games...the vintage video games!

There's something about the replay value of an original NES (Nintendo), SNES (Super Nintendo), or Sega Genesis that creeps back up to the surface every now and again. Matt and I have plugged those old systems back into the TV and spent hours beating and re-beating levels, finding secrets, and appreciating, once again, the electronic gadgets that had been vital parts of our childhood. And, thanks to used video game stores in the Columbus area, we've actually added a few more games to the vintage sets! I've been a good girl and not logged into eBay to pick up any more.

So, this is how we cope with snow...that and occasionally firing up the bikes to hear the engines again and keep the batteries alive. Perhaps the snow this early in the year may yield faster melting? There will be a pocket to ride again eventually.