Driving an S2000 in the Snow Proves Therapeutic for One
This S2000 owner drives his car in the winter for a very valid reason.
Winter Beater?
One of the bigger debates here in the S2Ki Forums and various other places around the web every single winter revolves around driving our beloved sports cars in less than ideal conditions. While the vast majority of folks would never dream of driving their S2000 in the ice or snow, a handful of others refuse to give in to Mother Nature. That includes Road & Track's Michael David Cohen, who drives his Honda drop-top in the snow for a very different yet very valid reason.
Photos: S2Ki Forums
Getting the Urge
Cohen actually owns a Mini Cooper that is his usual winter daily for the bleak, cold weather months in Chicago. In fact, like he does every year, Cohen had put away his S2000 for the winter back in November, storing it away from the road salt and slippery conditions. But one day, he got the urge to drive it, much to the amusement of his neighbor.
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join the conversation about piloting an S2000 in the snow right here in S2Ki.com.
Driving Therapy
No, Cohen's desire to drive his S2000 in these conditions, an idea that most on the internet might call him crazy for doing, stemmed from a need for therapy. You see, in November, he was right in the middle of spending two months in a mental health center, battling a serious bout of depression. The one thing that made him feel better, instantly, was looking at his beloved S2000, which he has named "Suzi."
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join the conversation about piloting an S2000 in the snow right here in S2Ki.com.
Fighting the Good Fight
This is precisely why Cohen drove his Honda to and from his treatments each day. But when winter came around and the car was put away, as it always was, things took a turn for the worse. Thus, despite snow being in the forecast for the day, he decided to venture out and battle this ugly reality the only way he knew how - driving Suzi.
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join the conversation about piloting an S2000 in the snow right here in S2Ki.com.
Lesson Learned
"Driving in the snow, belted in my S2000, I am myself and something more, part of the machine," Cohen said. "Driving Suzi, I'm granted a reprieve, a state of grace from the hateful self-talk. Driving a little roadster with no traction control in a February blizzard makes the phenomenon of engaging in the present all the more true. But a Honda S2000 is more than escape, distraction, or palliative. It's a teacher. If I’m willing to do the work, it will reward me, and that’s a lesson I can use outside of my car."
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join the conversation about piloting an S2000 in the snow right here in S2Ki.com.
Valid Concerns
Cohen was, like any of us, concerned that his car would rust if he drove it in the winter, a valid concern indeed. But he also eventually came to the realization that this was fine - if the car did rust, he could fix it. The threat of a long-term problem was not great enough to discourage short-term enjoyment.
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join the conversation about piloting an S2000 in the snow right here in S2Ki.com.
Drive and Enjoy
Cohen's story is indeed eye-opening and is a good reminder that there are more important things in life than our cars, but at the same time, our cars are sometimes very important pieces of our lives. And if we aren't enjoying them, well, then what's the point?
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join the conversation about piloting an S2000 in the snow right here in S2Ki.com.