So, it is that time of year again: Florida winter. For any freshmen who have not lived through a Gainesville winter, I am going to tell you that the worst part of this two-month period is riding a scooter. You would think that Florida winters would not be that cold, but they are surprisingly chilly due to the crazy humidity down south. Thanks to global warming, winters are getting shorter, yet much more severe. In the next couple of months, it will feel as if Florida has relocated to the Arctic Circle.
My first year riding a scooter in Gainesville, the low temperature one morning was 19 degrees and I quickly picked up a thing or two about winter scooting. So, in order to help you cope with the surprise winter, which will inevitably eliminate all ambition of scooting to Library West to study, I am going to illustrate the many ways you can keep warm while scooting this winter.
1. Protect your face. Last summer, my step-father gave me the greatest blessing in my life: a full-faced fleece ski mask that only leaves my eyes exposed to the cold air. I slip that baby on and my head, face, ears and neck are completely covered. I may look like I am about to rob the local convenience store, but at least I am warm.
2. Cover your ears. There is nothing worse than not being able to feel your ears. No matter how long your hair is, or how insulated your hood may be, air will still get to your ears. Prevent frostbite and invest in some earmuffs, wool headbands, or beanies. If they are worn right, they can look pretty cute, too.
3. Add layers. While one tank top and one sweater may suffice for walking around campus, scooting requires much more. While traveling 30 miles per hour, little bits of cold air will penetrate the tiny holes of your sweater and pierce your skin. Believe me when I say it feels like a thousand tiny knives. Wear plenty of layers. Your shoulders will thank me.
4. Don't be afraid to wear a windbreaker. I know that you are not skiing in the Alps, but windbreaker material and ski jackets can save your skin (literally). Windbreakers properly deflect cold wind and make your body a bit more aerodynamic. You will look ridiculous, but you will be warm.
5. Protect your hands. Your hands are important. They control every function of your scooter: the brakes, the throttle, the horn. You need to be able to use your fingers properly in order to operate your scooter. Winter will try to put those fingers out of commission. Wool or cotton gloves are not suggested here; try for polyester or nylon.
6. Wear proper eyewear. Sorry, but your cute little Ray-Ban Wayfarers will not be handy during the winter season. They may be convenient for keeping the sun and warm wind out of your eyes, but when winter rolls around, regular sunglasses will not suffice. Cold air will make its way around just about any trendy pair of sunglasses. Cold air not only carries dust more easily, but also makes your eyes water severely. Find some glasses that are rounded and large.
The bottom line is this: if you want to be warm on a scooter, you will just have to look ridiculous. If not, you will be spending all 115 minutes of your double-block thawing your fingers, ears and nose. Find some practical winter clothing to get you through the next couple of months.
And for all of the northerners (AKA winter veterans) who continuously mock us summer-thriving southerners, take Elsa's advice and, "let it go," because the one thing worse than being cold is being mocked when you are cold.
