First Ride of 2026?

[Neil955i]

In my little corner of the UK we've been under a blanket of snow* and sub-zero temperatures for a few days now meaning no riding for me yet in 2026.  How about you guys, are you getting the miles in or is bad weather stopping play?

Oh and mindful of Stig's view "no pictures, it never happened", here are a few photos of the winter wonderland we woke up to Sunday morning:








* Stateside readers shouldn't get excited, it's only about 3" of the white stuff, but enough to gridlock the country!  I recall back in the late 60's early 70's when we regularly had substantial snowfalls and everything managed to cope well enough.  One example being I never recall schools closing because of snow (60's) now with just a few snowflakes and they're all shut, nationwide!  What has become of the Blitz spirit?  Did it die out along with the greatest generation?

[Iahawk]

I'm with you, Neil...no riding yet this year. I haven't been on a bike since early November. This week looks like my opportunity, though. Temps ranging from low 40's to mid 50's F (5 - 12 C) although I have some appointments and commitments this week that will likely interfere...

[Neil955i]

I'm with you, Neil...no riding yet this year. I haven't been on a bike since early November. This week looks like my opportunity, though. Temps ranging from low 40's to mid 50's F (5 - 12 C) although I have some appointments and commitments this week that will likely interfere...

Good luck getting out Hawk!  I may seize a window later today before we're hit tomorrow with a further storm, will let you know.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Nice pics, Neil!
That clear sky looks cold!

Thanks for posting.
Stig

[klaviator]

I've done a couple of day rides with friends this year.  Both rides were around 200 miles amnd both were on my motorcycles, not my scooters.

The first was a street ride.



The second was a dual sport ride.

[Neil955i]

I've done a couple of day rides with friends this year.  Both rides were around 200 miles amnd both were on my motorcycles, not my scooters.

The first was a street ride.



The second was a dual sport ride.

Setting the bar high there Klav!  Good to see.

[randyo]

roads are clear, but my driveway is still a bobsled run

[Neil955i]

Finally got my first ride of 2026 in on Saturday evening and what a drama!

Started before I even left my driveway.  Ignition on for the first time in about a month and no battery tender connected (it's on the Triumph) and display tells me 11.7v - uh uh.  This could be interesting.  It was.  First reluctant crank and display is showing 7.5v!  Wait a minute and try again.  No joy.  Third attempt and wow!  We have lift off.  Be fair to say I was sweating - or would have been if it had been warmer than 7C.

Rest of the ride was uneventful as a round trip of 8 miles to collect our pizzas (we live out in the boonies where Pizza Hut don't deliver) and I'll know today when I go out whether or not I will see better than the 11.7v which greeted me on Saturday night.  (Edit:  Went out earlier today [Tuesday] and ignition on, 11.9v showing and the scoot starts immediately first push of the button!  Perfect.  Gave it a good 20 mile run to make sure all charged up for next time.)

The moral of this little tale?  Don't leave the scoot for 3+ weeks without starting her up.

[Iahawk]

glad you got out for some rides! I'm starting to think I may just have to hibernate this winter and wait until spring to think about riding...currently 0 F outside, up from a low of -6 F (-21 C).

[Neil955i]

...currently 0 F outside, up from a low of -6 F (-21 C).

Good grief Hawk, that's way too cold for riding or even walking!

[randyo]

gonna be in 40s on Thursday, will have to take my UXV450i for a ride to fill the diesel transfer tank, other than that, only in single digits & teens now, next weekend forecast is for highs that are below zero f

[Neil955i]

.... next weekend forecast is for highs that are below zero f

Now that's proper winter weather!  Brrrr