There is something to be said about riding this time of year. 

It is the second week of October, and I can feel it. 

Better still, see it. 

It seems like last week that I would do anything to ride in the shade. 

Now I am looking for the sun. 

The sun hits at a different angle. 

A beautiful angle. 

Especially around four in the afternoon. 

It captures the treetops and makes them vibrant. 

The clouds are lower and more lined up on the horizon. 

Blue sky in between. 

It can go from sunny to cloudy in five minutes. 

It can go from sunny to cloudy in five metres. 

There is still lots of time to ride. 

But you have to adjust. 

Dress a little warmer. 

Top heavy. 

Check the temperature. 

Charge your lights. 

Lots of 40% chance of shower days. 

Dark by seven. 

Do the same distance, but perhaps stick a little closer to home. 

Do a couple of routes twice, that kind of thing. 

I love it, though. 

Like, really love it. 

Everything is just so beautiful. 

Routes you know every crack in the road become brand new. 

My favourite? 

The days that are cloudy, but at four the sun comes out. 

The way it comes out though is not like any other time of year. 

My nose runs more. 

The wind is gustier. 

My hands get a little cold. 

The days are shorter. 

Cold showers are now hot. 

But I love it. 

It is this time of year that I feel most alive. 

It is this time of year that nature shows its true beauty. 

It is this time of year I have my favourite rides. 

It is this time of year that I ride my best. 

It is the culmination of all the rides of the past summer, paying off. 

It is the culmination of all the rides, paying off and, 

‘Surrounding me with Beauty’ 

Insert happy emoji here. 

‘There is another way to ride.’