No, it is not April. April's fine. November has all the elements of gratuitous cruelty that make for perfect misery.

First, there is the weather (here on the coast of Southern Maine). What we have is not snow; not ice; not rain. What we have is a miserable concoction of all three making for hazardous walking, driving and of course, cycling. I hate November! I hate the confinement to the indoors, the senseless rush to make a "memorable" holiday, the maudlin tales of all the less fortunate beings and their long list of complaints (of course, I am one of them so why shouldn't I hate them?)

Maybe one of the only good things about November is that it is one month away from the month that contains the shortest day of the year. And that once past that we can start the weary climb to the summit of the high cycling season. One of the bad things about being in relatively good health (for I am suddenly aware that I have that to be thankful for) is that at my age one is surrounded by sick people. Not being a doctor that has little appeal for me.

Ishmael, in "Moby Dick", said that "whenever it is a damp drizzly November in my soul and I find myself bringing up the rear of every funeral procession I meet; when I can barely keep myself from knocking the hats off everyone I meet....then I think it is high time to take to the sea!"

Problem is, that's not in our budget anymore so cruising the ocean during the dark months is not an option.

Oh well, I can take solace in knowing that deep down somewhere in my psyche there is the sun; well below the horizon but there nonetheless. Summer days will return and I will mount my trusty Trek and seek out adventure across the open road.

Living here on the 45th in Michigan, I can relate.

Ah the joys of living in Maine... especially during the long long winter months. While working for a living and having a cabin in the woods, I truly enjoyed the time. Weekends that is. Put the morning wood on the fire (keep it clean), don all the clothes, and head out on the skis/snowshoes. Then back to the cabin and enjoy a nice beer while soaking in the hot tub and watch the snow fall. Ok During the 20 years my wife and I lived in the cabin we did that maybe a hand full of times. But still the picture was in our mind. Upon retirement we discovered that the whole late fall through late spring was NOT in our best interest. So after 62 years of living the good life in Maine we decided to move to North Central Florida and enjoy the GOOD live for as long as we are above ground. I find I'm much happier shoveling sunshine than snow.

That said when the leaves pop out and the black flies die down we'll have the RV packed for our annual pilgrimage back north for the summer months. Looking forward to the trails of Acadia.

was at the gym on the recumbent bike machine next to the window in the sun yesterday at lunch. the sun felt good. I got happy thinking about training all winter and being fit and happy come spring ...

Very well written, Sculptor! Educational reading for me.

I agree that November is the cruelest month, but not because of the weather, which can be great compared to what's coming.

My reason for hating November is that with shorter days, and the loss of Daylight Time, the season is truly ended. Meanwhile we're looking forward to a full 3 months of winter, which we know will be worse than what we have now. At least by New Years we can see the end, and by February, no matter how miserable, we know we can take what's left before Spring.

Historically, I've enjoyed riding well into November. Sometimes even a bit into December. Except for the last two years. The last two years have been the coldest Novembers I can remember, and like many of you I can remember the cold winters of the 60s, back when everyone was worried about the coming ice age. I've had 7 miles to go to make my year's goal, for going on a month now. It may come down to a do-or-die New Year's Eve ride.

I live in the snow belt off Lake Erie. 100+ inches of snow per season kinda blows.

November is so Last Month.
Generally, Winter sucks and and Late Fall can suck, too. I think we're in general agreement.

Got in a nice twenty mile tandem ride Dec. 14.

For Southern California, Nov. and Dec. are really not that different from the rest of the year. Sure, a bit colder but not much below the mid-40's (unless you ride to higher altitude) and not much rain (though we do need the rain).

So for me, Nov. is not cruel, nor are Dec., Jan. or Feb. over what passes for "winter" here.

Rick / OCRR

For me, here in Wisconsin, November is one of my favorite months. My birthday, my favorite holiday with memories of big family gatherings in a farmhouse, the beautiful light of these short days(I am a photographer) and the mix of all kinds of weather. Cycling-no mileage goals or training, just enjoying exploring the landscape and seeing things anew with the leaves off the trees and appreciating the few perfect days with a bike ride exploring back roads. For me, November truly is a month for Thanksgiving.

Sculptor7 is correct: This year's November was not decent at all, with frequent rain/cold/ice. Normally, I like November for cycling, but not this year.
And now,, we have entered the time of year I call "90 days of night". Get up in the morning, it's night. Work a day, and if you are lucky, you might
catch the last glimpses of daylight. Then, night again. And this goes on and on. We'll see the sun again, hopefully, toward the end of February. But then
it's sloppy snow and pothole time.