Experiments in Unwise Stoicism

A detailed explanation of how to comfortably commute on snowy and icy roads during a Minnesota Winter.

My commute here in Northern Minnesota (Duluth) is five miles each way, all on surface streets, and last winter I decided to do it mostly by everyday motorcycling. The experiment was only partly successful, but I learned a lot, and it was usually fun. Here’s a link to a 17 minute video outlining setting up the bike, showing what was learned, and talking about the experience. I hope you’ll enjoy watching it and will maybe find something we learned helpful.

Mr. Subjective

PS - This coming winter I’m going to do it again, using what I learned last year.

4 Comments

Tom Parmelee

November 9 2022 at 9:46 pm

Andy Goldfine is a committed motorcyclist, as the video illustrates. And as such he makes goods (Roadcrafter, Darien, Fallstaff, etc….) of the highest quality for committed motorcyclists who will settle for nothing less. Or just size medium/average riders like me—I’ll not be riding the Dalton Highway anytime soon (or winter commuting in Minnesota!). Yet, I learned long ago to pay for quality up front, and enjoy the longevity and value of a well made/performing riding garment. The price of an Aerostich one piece is the same as a new set of tires for my truck, which will be worn out in three years driving. My suit is seven years old and shows little wear. At this rate it may last decades. Plus I’m happy to support American workers and business owners who focus on making quality goods in this country. I just don’t see any downside here, other than the armor. I’ll agree—it’s too bulky, but sturdy enough to outlast us all. That you can count on.

Reply ↓
Mrtwisty

October 21 2022 at 11:32 am

All of this is lovely and all, but some of us can only afford one riding suit, especially at Aerostich prices. In fact, I can’t afford one at Aerostich prices, so I’m stuck with one, ‘normal’ riding suit and have to make do. I know a number of people with your suits who are extremely evangelical about them, but they still can’t explain the prices to me, except that they have a “made in the usa” premium. Personally, that’s not a plus point for me.

Ooh, additional question. Why do you persist in using sub standard armour in your suits? Bulky, ineffective at extreme temperatures, ugly as sin. Why not switch to Knox or Forcefield? Knox Micro-lock stays effective at both extremely high and extremely low temps. Is it just because they aren’t us companies? You’re being left behind.

Reply ↓
1. Dirk
  
  March 8 2023 at 4:21 pm
  
  There are hardly any competitors out there, and those who buy an Aerostich often keep it for many years. Can’t afford brand new? Go onto a forum and you’ll find used ones. That’s what I did. Heck, even the biggest name competitor to these suits isn’t much cheaper, and theirs aren’t completely made in USA, nor are they lined like the Classic.
  
  Reply ↓
Will Guyan

October 21 2022 at 11:24 am

Everything in the best catalog in motorcycling created by Aerostich is proven, reliable, and poignant. Pithy even. There is nowhere else to go for this gear! I use three Roadcrafters. The oldest is thirty years old. Its mileage is mind bending BUT it’s still like new. The newest is the Stealth one piece. I’ve worn it at press launches at Sears Point and Circuit of the Americas. Its comfort, protection, and style are exactly what I, a half-century motorcycle rider, require. At lunch, a few seconds at the two zippers and I’m comfortable in my street clothes. Ditto donning my beloved suit for the twisty ride home. Andy Goldfine and his cadre of expert tailor ladies have changed motorcycling! Out west here, all the true road warriors wear a Stich. It’s 100% worth the hand-crafted, protective, handsome price!

Reply ↓

Experiments in Unwise Stoicism

More Aerostich winter commuting videos from other years:

4 Comments