November's End

There are fewer and fewer days to ride now. In the last week, we've have a day with a sleet snow mix, days where the high did not get over 30 degrees and days with crazy wind. Today, Sunday was the best day we've had in two weeks. 40 degrees, winds out of the south at 10 mph. It felt downright warm compared to a couple of the other days I've been out the last month. Very possibly, this could be the last day riding outdoors for three months, so I wanted to be able to get a ride in just in case.

Even though I've done most of these roads many times before, the landscape is different. The ground is back to earthy yellows and browns. All of the fields have been harvested. The trees have lost all of their leaves. Looking out onto Lake Winnebago, there was an area extending about 25 feet into the lake from shore that was some sort of slushy/ice mix. Winter will be here soon. Gone are the lush greens of summer with a landscape that is alive with plants and colors. The sun is different too. It sits lower in the sky. The light seems softer and always a little hazy compared to just a few months ago. With temperatures not warming up until noon and sunset coming just after 4:00 PM, there is not much time to ride.

I did almost 41 miles today, so I stand at 5941 for the year. Getting to 6000 is within sight, but with so few days left, it will still be tough. I may be taking a day off to drive south for some warmer temps if I need a ride. But for today, I'm happy to get another ride in for the year on a terrific fall day.