The yearning for cooler weather is ever with me riding the summer months in the Middle Atlantic states. The muscle cramps, energy sapping loss of moisture (sweat) and loss of desire to ride during hot spells makes for a celebration when the first cool front of September arrives. I sense a renewed strength in my legs and pedal cadence. I discount the paranoia of hilly routes. I feel better. Fall is a good time to be a road rider.
There is a downside, of course that starts to rival the distaste for heat and humidity. The time spent getting ready for a cool morning ride, for instance, seems to become longer. There's a lot sitting on the edge of the bed going over and over in your mind what to wear; why and why not. Should I go with the leg warmers or just throw on the long riding pants? Should I wear the turtle neck, but can I store it midway through the ride? Throw on the shoe booties or not? Full gloves or riding gloves?
The decision to sign up for an Autumn century sometimes hinges on whether or not the ride organizers have provided a clothing drop. I like clothing drops, although there is the frivolous worry that someone might inadvertently or purposefully decide to enrich their riding wardrobe and take your plastic bag along with theirs. My kit isn't that expensive and anyway; who wound pinch a bag of sweaty lycra?
Riders are friendlier in Autumn. There's distinctly more waves, nods and "how's it going?" at this time of year. People are glad to be rid of the heat and are feeling good about being out on a crisp fall ride.
Being recently retired, I have the advantage of time. Boy, do I have time! One can wait for the sun to burn off the October morning fog and chill. What the heck; you can wait until after lunch and be comfortable from the first pedal stroke to ending kick for the home driveway.
Revel in this season of the year; embrace it. Don't squander the Fall. Winter is a mere month or so away and with it, the discomfort which accompanies our urge to be on the road.
Being recently retired, I have the advantage of time. Boy, do I have time! One can wait for the sun to burn off the October morning fog and chill. What the heck; you can wait until after lunch and be comfortable from the first pedal stroke to ending kick for the home driveway.
Revel in this season of the year; embrace it. Don't squander the Fall. Winter is a mere month or so away and with it, the discomfort which accompanies our urge to be on the road.
