Hokkaido’s snowfall and Lambretta love

Hokkaido is a northern island of Japan known for its heavy snowfall in winter. The region experiences cold, snowy weather from December to February, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding but also Lambretta riding (probably less popular) for my friend Ryo.

Riding with snow is highly challenging as it reduce visibility, make roads slippery and often, during storms, hard to find the horizon. Additionally, it is necessary to make sure the vehicle is equipped with winter tires and is in good working condition.

Ryo embraced this ride on his 1966 Lambretta SX200 facing physical challenges, testing his resistance and endurance, in other words the path to virtuous living by practicing self-control and restraint, and by developing his own inner character, rather than being controlled by external events. It is what in Athens in the early 3rd century BC Zeno of Citium defined as Stoicism - to attain a state of peace and tranquility, or ataraxia, by accepting what one cannot change and focusing on what one can control, such as one's own thoughts and actions.

I have much admiration for the challenge Ryo set for himself, enjoying the ride on a vintage 1966 Lambretta.

A completely different level from what we are used to think about, when we think about a ride on a Lambretta, specially from 1966. Not the french riviera, not the Amalfi coast both with 25 degrees, salty skin and sunglasses but subzero temperature, snow tyres, determination and lots of skills. Because skills make the difference, Ryo knows his bike inside out, he knows how to fix it and how to be ready for any trouble.

True rider and adventurer!

Follow Ryo’s journey @r50_1960 Instagram and on Facebook