One More Time

AUT 19 0069
Originally uploaded by Unknown species

Even if I do manage to get out next week for a ride, yesterday will mark the final ride of autumn. As it turned out, fall was the most productive of the four seasons: I managed fourteen rides in winter, seventeen each in spring and summer and eighteen in autumn, sixty-six so far for the year. I say so far as I haven't given up hope of getting in at least one more before the year's end. The weather has been very cooperative with the Chinooks coinciding nicely with my days off.

The temperature didn't rise more than a degree or two above freezing but I had enough layers on not to feel it. One layer to absorb the sweat, one to stay warm and one to block the wind. Speaking of wind, it started out around twenty kph and wound up gusting to thirty or so by the end but one can't expect perfect conditions this time of year. It's enough that I can even get out there at all.

It's more work than riding in summer, that's for sure. The clothing fights you, the bike fights you and traction is always an issue. In many ways it's like riding an excercise bike with the resistance turned way up. On the other hand I don't have to share my bike path with anyone else. The solitude is amazing as is the quiet.