ViperZ

As I was riding home the other day from work, I realized what a beautiful fall day it was, and even though I had a tough day at work, I felt rejuvenated to be riding home.

I decided to take some pictures of Fall around our area. As I was doing so, I recognized what a beautiful day it was and just how special it really felt. I noticed this as well on my previous weekend ride, it was a spectacular Fall day, which turned out to be one of my best rides (feel wise) I have had this year, much less ever.

I must admit, Fall is my favorite time of year, but there is just something special about it when I'm riding, I don't quite get the same feeling when I'm driving or walking, or just out and about. Sure it still feels good to be outside, but it's not as special... I can't quite put my finger on it. So Maybe you folks can help...


What is it so special about cycling in Autumn??


So far it would be the Leaves turning color and riding through leaves, feeling them crunch under your tires


Kiwanis Park, down by the river


Saskatchewan Crescent


Crunching Leaves on Adelaide St.

haimtoeg

Nice pics, thanks for sharing.

ViperZ

Thanks, and what do you like about Fall?

STW

In Texas, I'm happy that it starts to cool off and I love the cripness of the air.

oboeguy

I know exactly how you feel, ViperZ. There is something about riding the in the Fall, and I can't put my finger on it. It is absolutely my favorite time to ride. Maybe for me it has to do with coinciding with the purchase of my first real road bike (used from a friend) but I think there's more to it.

That third pic is great! (the other two are nice too, hehe)

Greg180

I rode this morning on my normal loop. During the summer I enjoyed the loop and the moring air but I have to admit the crisp fall air and the smells of autumn are invigorating. Today I saw a flock of 20+ turkeys a doe eating in a meadow and watched a V formation of geese following the river south.

You have hit on something...Autumn riding is cleansing!

Drag

This is my favorite time of the year!

The fantastic color.

The chill in the air.

The dominating sense of nature changing all around us .

It makes me feel very much alive.

domestique

I don't care for fall nearly as much as I love spring. Fall the leaves are all over the roads.... especailly the dreaded wet pine needles!

I do however enjoy the cooler air and the quietness fall brings with less animals and people around. It really gives you time to reflect on the year so far and enjoy being outside alone.

save10

girls in shorts.
I live in LA

Machka 

The colors ... the smell of the harvesting ... that feeling of frantic desperation knowing that this may be your last ride before the snow ..........


This photo was taken of me and the scenery on October 1st on a lovely 65 km jaunt.


.

SDRider

Having grown up in upstate NY I really miss this time of year. Really the only thing I miss about NY actually.

terrymorse 

The mountain roads are empty, the leaves are turning color, and the weather is still decent.



Rock Creek Road, Eastern Sierra, 9/30/06

KinjaBoy

BoSoxYacht

Autumn near Las Vegas means you put away the sleeveless jerseys + drink less water. Not having a real change of seasons is starting to get old.

Namenda

What do I like about fall? That's easy...football. And the fact that the snow hasn't yet started to fall.

EventServices

I like the absence of pressure.
The miles aren't critical.
I'm not looking at the calendar worrying about being in shape by a certain race.
I'm not looking at the fitness of other racers and comparing it to mine.

And I LOVE riding past people working hard in their yard raking their leaves. I derive some weird joy out of that.

NomadVW 

Smell of the leaves.

For the first time this year, it'll be the same as EventServices. Pressure is off, for me starting Tuesday.

GuitarWizard

I like......ummmmmmm.......spring and summer. I hate fall and winter, because that means cold/crappy weather and being in the house the better part of 6-7 months.

The fall foliage is nice, but it doesn't last long enough to make it really worthwhile.

gearmeout

amen brother/sister. I was just about to say my favorite part about cycling in the fall is that it doesn't feel like I'm slicing through steam which means I can ride more comfortably which means I can ride for longer periods of time.

rollin

Sounds GREAT!

I dream about cycling in less than 20 deg C or less than 70% humidity, and this year we have an extra special "haze" here due to forest fires in Malaysia and Indonesia... deep joy

Dubbayoo

One of the few things I miss about living in the South. Fall season which means two things....UGA football and cycling thru scenery like that picture. SoCal is kinda boring that way. I've actually come to think of rain as a change of seasons.

JoeOxfordCT

+1 Drag...nice job summing it up !

cyclezealot

Can't deny it, it is beautiful. But, to sun worshipers in the sunbelt areas, gosh; it requires knickers and a jacket. Those are needed maybe not until January.

ViperZ

Nice stuff guys! The smell in the air, the less pressure or lowered expectations, the quietness of the season... All lend to that special atmosphere.

I would have to agree the cooled temperature places a big part as well.


Terry, seeing that picture reminds me of our autumn back country camping hikes the gang and I would always do in the Rockies each year


Nice picture Machka!

Nice picture and summary Drag!

Bob Ross

- I love not feeling like I need a shower when I ride to work
- I love the chance to wear all the cold weather cycling apparel that I've collected over the years and BARELY WORN!
- I love the smell of leaves + smoke from chimneys combining in the crisp morning air

However, I hate
- riding over fallen leaves, twigs, & acorns
- having to skirt those lawn workers with their noisey diesel-powered leafblowers
- that first quarter mile of the ride when you still haven't been able to convince yourself you're dressed warmly enough.