*Finally* went out on a longer ride today and it was fabulous. Went with my normal group, my friend was leading and all of the super fast people went out ahead of the group, so it was not too big. Most of this ride was going in an opposite direction than I usually ride these roads and there was one small section of neighborhood streets i had never been on. Basically, the ride went from Bedford, MA, to Billerica, south Chelmsford, a teeny bit in Carlisle, then Concord, and back to the start. The weather started out chilly, but warmed quickly. I was dressed just a bit warm, but I would rather have that than the opposite. I did change to short fingered gloves at the rest, and had my vest and jersey (light thermal) unzipped. However, a lot of the ride was in the shade, so no overheating... until the 2 climbs. The first was going the opposite way than usual on Vose Hill Rd., a climb I did twice this year in close to 90 degree heat. It's a neighborhood street, a loop, and it was easier going this way, but not easy. I could stay with the faster people. Then, lo and behold, the second climb was my old street. I have not ridden up it since March. It is also a loop and we went up the steeper grade side. Couldn't keep up with the fast guys here, but I was not with the slow ones, either. All I can say, is I am glad I don't have to do this every time I ride anymore.
There are pops of fall color, but not enough to take pictures. We will do some riding this holiday weekend, west of here, where I might get some pics. Today's ride was 33 miles, with 1,719 feet of climbing.