All the leaves are gone and the skies are grey...

[Bike Writer]

Bike riding season is winding down in Michigan and probably much of the middle-atlantic states. It was an invigorating ride today!

Ok, some folks ride year round so that group can pay no attention to this post, wish I had the constitution for that but I don't, maybe someday.

Photos from Island Lake State Park, rode from Island Lake to Kent Lake and back.

http://pedaltohealth.blogspot.com/

[malkin]

Nice pictures!

...Ok, some folks ride year round so that group can pay no attention to this post, wish I had the constitution for that but I don't, maybe someday...

It's not my constitution, just my wool longies and my insulated tights and my wool knickers, my shoe covers, my wool balaclava, my wool jersey and my jacket and my lined helmet, wool gloves, hand covers and a few other bits that I haven't pulled out yet. Winter rides create a lot of laundry!

[hebe]

I shall be singing that on my ride today

Autumn is clinging on by her fingernails here, beautiful last flourishes of burnished orange and red. I'm hoping to still get in at least one ride a week, even if it's just to the shops. I'm lucky enough not to be working at the moment so can pick the best weather of the week, book dd into creche for a couple of hours, and get out there.

[Bike Writer]

Murienn, I'm jealous, lucky gal

Malkin, I admire your spirit and dedication. What you don't see in the photos are a pair of gloves, a neoprene headband and a silk thermal undies. I'm a wuss.

Hebe, so our friend across the pond is enjoying the same lingering autumn we are here in Michigan, it's been one of the longest in recent memory. Spring was like that here too, early, long and drawn out. My two favorite seasons.

[Thorn]

Bike riding season is winding down in Michigan and probably much of the middle-atlantic states. It was an invigorating ride today!

Ok, some folks ride year round so that group can pay no attention to this post, wish I had the constitution for that but I don't, maybe someday.

Psstt....you're on a slippery slope....first you start riding late in October, then November, and pretty soon you're buying yourself studded snow tires so you can grab at that 30 degree January day.

What? Don't believe me? Wanna see my snow tires? In all the time and miles I've ridden, the most kid-attitude inducing joy has come from riding in the snow and ice. Great joy.

Embrace winter....and thanks for today's ear worm song....much better than the Clatterford theme that keeps getting stuck in the head.

[redrhodie]

What? Don't believe me? Wanna see my snow tires? In all the time and miles I've ridden, the most kid-attitude inducing joy has come from riding in the snow and ice. Great joy.

I do! I'm at the beginning stages of looking for a snow/ice bike. I'd love to see your set up. I should probably start another thread so I don't hijack this one.

BW, you'll see. It's not that cold once you get going. Just keep going out, even after you think it's too cold. The worst thing that will happen is you'll decide it is indeed too cold, and you'll go back home. But until you reach your cold threshold on the bike, it's not accurate. It's probably what you know is too cold for walking in, which is actually much warmer than for cycling. I can ride in temps I'd never want to walk in.

[Roadtrip]

Down here in.. ummmmm. Buckeye Country.. hehe.. we're pretty well in Winter mode too. The wind storm that came through early last week did in the last of the fall leaves. It's mostly shades of brown lifeless trees with a odd pocket of color that's hanging on somehow. It's MUCH colder too. Woke up to 38 degrees this morning!!

I still hope to get out when I can over the winter!!

Shannon

[hebe]

I think about 50% of the leaves are still up here, it's very beautiful. I love autumn, it always feels like a time for new starts to me.

I wore my wool base layer top today and was very toasty, despite not layering anything over the top of it. So I'm not too worried about the chill for the time being, January/February is normally when the weather gets super-grim here. I think I'll probably skip the snow and ice riding this winter though!

[Bike Writer]

Thorn, "slippery slope" I love the pun whether or not it was intended it sure made me laugh in more than one way...

I'd love to see photos of your set up and while I've heard others comment on studded tires I can't imagine what they might look like.

Shannon, reference to Buckeye's sounds like you are commenting on a football rivalry, not a fan or a follower but understand some of the terminology....I might better watch myself for saying I don't care for sports, someone might think I am un-American or something...can't help it, they just don't interest me...

[jelee1311]

The pics are great,we still have lots of gorgeous leaves,but its storming out so who knows how long they will be around. Today was my first ride in monsoon season,I went out regardless of the pouring rain and came home soaked but happy its still warm. Another two weeks and cold monsoon season begins. I do have a ton more laundry to do with all my rain gear. I gotta say I do admire anyone that rides with studded snow tires because I don't think I'm that tough

[Owlie]

Down here in.. ummmmm. Buckeye Country.. hehe.. we're pretty well in Winter mode too. The wind storm that came through early last week did in the last of the fall leaves. It's mostly shades of brown lifeless trees with a odd pocket of color that's hanging on somehow. It's MUCH colder too. Woke up to 38 degrees this morning!!

I still hope to get out when I can over the winter!!

Shannon

Bummer! It's cold up here (high of 48), but the leaves are still hanging on. There's an oak down the street that's still green! And the sweetgums are gorgeous--some of them are bright yellow, some are bright red.

[kaseyloramar]

I hear ya. I'm from Indiana (not quite as cold as Michigan) but ut's really chilling down and making rides not as enjoyable. I still ride when I can in the winter but it's just not as good as cycling in better weather.

[Owlie]

It's chilly, but it's not quite cold enough for me to break out the jacket without roasting. I think I need beefier base layers and arm warmers, maybe some long-fingered gloves.