Winter-my 3 pronged offensive

[SLO-BOB]

Yeah, yeah, I know. It's always summer in California. Blah, blah. But here in the real world it gets cold and snowy. It really can suck. Especially when you don't have mountains to play in. However, I have done 3 simple things that make winter waaaaay more bearable.

1. Garage heater. It goes without saying that an attached garage is of huge benefit here and mandatory imo. But, a heated garage is a whole different realm. It's so nice to go out to a 50 degree car and go somewhere. The temptation is to dress not warm enough so you have to be careful in case of a breakdown. The other nice thing is being able to work on cars and bikes in normal clothes, not a snowmobile suit or inhaling torpedo heater fumes. Cost $1000.00 install and $50/month.

2. Winter tires. I'm new to this. It was like driving a whole different vehicle in the snow. what a revelation. Don't bother with buying an AWD car - just toss some Hakkepellitas on the Camaro and go. To think I put up with the tension and hand fatigue from the involuntary kung-foo grip on the wheel for 30 years! Winter tires actually make driving in crap fun. Cost $400, but saves on summer tire wear so a wash long term.

3. Travel. I head somewhere warm for at least 4 days a month. This is critical. Just to lay on a beach or play some golf, maybe go for a motorcycle ride revitalizes the soul. Cost varies but deals are out there and frequent flier miles really help. I can get away for under a grand usually.

[gprsh924]

I go with a different approach to fighting winter...rather than leaving and going some place warm, you must embrace the winter. Do donuts in an empty parking lot. You have to take advantage of the snow and go skiing and sledding and snowmobiling. Make the winter months worth dealing with.

[MotoSook]

Don't forget the monster HP two-stage snow blower with two wheel drive and electric start

I have been shopping for a heater for my shop....but I'd be hard pressed to get a guy to come out to run gas line out to it from the house with the ground frozen as it is. Next summer or fall, a heater goes in and I trench for nat. gas, water, cable/sat and LAN. Then the wife and kids can have the house.

[911boost]

I agree about the heater. I actually just bought an electronic programmable thermostat for mine, that way I can lower the temps during the day when I know I am not going to be there.

We had snow tires on a Honda Accord. As long as there was less than about 6 inches of snow on the ground, that car was unstoppable....until you got high centered...

Bill

[scottmandue]

My three prong attack.

1. Wear a hat

2. Wear shoes

3. Wear long pants

[gtc]

Bastard.

[SLO-BOB]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

My three prong attack.

1. Wear a hat

2. Wear shoes

3. Wear long pants

I would have thought it would be -

1. waders for mud

2. One of those shiny silver fire suits with the cool helmet

3. hardhat for earthquakes


Of course there's the rebreather for smog and the valium for traffic.....


I'm just jealous.

[VincentVega]

Winter plans?

Lot's of firewood
Couple bottles of scotch
plenty of cigars

I like the travel idea, but that sure puts a dent in the scotch and cigar fund.

[SLO-BOB]

Winter does have it's benefits I guess. We certainly have variety. The seasons offer their own distinct beauty.

Today driving home from the 'Y"-



Fireplaces, Scotch, fine cigars, 2 stage snowblowers, ice skating, snow sports of all kinds, down comforters, are things I would miss if I lived in a year-round warm climate.

[RWebb]

you forgot to mention that the mounting spots for extra headlights can be converted to mount a snow blower on the 911

[HardDrive]

My plan:

1) Annex the Sudetenland.

2) Knock off the maid in the conservatory with a candle stick.

3) Kick back with a refreshing Keystone Light.

I know my plan has flaws, but I'm working on it.

[azasadny]

My plan:

- Good furnaces and insulation
- Blizzak Revo1's on the car
- Reloading ammo in the basement all winter
- Prep 911 for next driving season

[CurtEgerer]

Originally Posted by gprsh924

I go with a different approach to fighting winter...rather than leaving and going some place warm, you must embrace the winter. Do donuts in an empty parking lot. You have to take advantage of the snow and go skiing and sledding and snowmobiling. Make the winter months worth dealing with.

Exactly!

[daepp]

Originally Posted by SLO-BOB

Fireplaces, Scotch, fine cigars, 2 stage snowblowers, ice skating, snow sports of all kinds, down comforters, are things I would miss if I lived in a year-round warm climate.

Oh, I don't know - the hi of 75 dropped at least to 50 yesterday. I wouldn't call that year round warm. I too hat to put on long pants for part of the day!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

My three prong attack.

1. Wear a hat

2. Wear shoes

3. Wear long pants

When did you start wearing pants?

[livi]

Here in dark Scandinavia we just wear winter like a cold and damp blanket. Miserably accepting the state of nature. Longing for spring, the return of light and warmth. We are a melancholic type. Utterly depressing.

[Dave L]

1. AWD car with winter tires
2. seasons pass at ski hil 30 minutes from home
3. hot chocolate

[SLO-BOB]

Originally Posted by livi

Here in dark Scandinavia we just wear winter like a cold and damp blanket. ...... Utterly depressing.

Wow. That is depressing. Well written and even poetic, but depressing. Sounds like you have a collective head start on S.A.D. in Scandinavia. Time to book that flight somewhere warm!

Curt - The ice racing looks great. Here in Wisconsin there are a lot of informal venues for ice racing. No, not doing donuts in the parking lot, albeit little more organized than that. Taverns actually sponsor such events on frozen ponds (usually in proximity to the tavern). Suprisingly, drinking and driving is alive, well, and even sponsored here in Wisonsin. However, that is strictly confined to a closed course. No surprise to anyone that departures from the tavern parking lot are closely monitored by the local law enforcement. Most participants are chauferred home. I would really like to get a beater Rabbit, toss on some spiked snows, and participate, sans alcohol.

[CurtEgerer]

Yeah, Wisconsin seems to be a haven for ice racers! I'm going to do a few of the 'ice-cross' races this year in my 81 quattro. The wheel-to-wheel stuff is crazy - would definitely need a dedicated ice-beater for that stuff. btw: My brother is working on an 84 Rabbit he has dubbed 'The Ice Rabbit'

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by livi

Here in dark Scandinavia we just wear winter like a cold and damp blanket. Miserably accepting the state of nature. Longing for spring, the return of light and warmth. We are a melancholic type. Utterly depressing.

Hey, can I move there?

At least you guys have snow to ski on.

And you sound much more bubbly, positive, and effervescent than people in the PNW do this season.