As the lull in the cycling season approaches, we are finally venturing out of the shop doors more than just once a week for a little R&R (as in Riding & Replenishing).  Far more than in years past, this renewed time on the bike has been uplifting.  It has also given us a little time to reflect …

Some reasons that we love to ride in the “off” season:

• The unbelievable fall colors beautify even the most regular of our regular routes.
• White squirrels!
• The tourists have left for the season, thankfully making riding on the main roads tolerable again.
• Riding at a little more leisurely pace … not that it was all that frantic to being with.
• Cooler weather = Excuse to get a new mountain bike.
• Brooks wool jerseys
• Shorter daylight hours force us to ride during the work day.  (Yes, it’s a tough life.)
• Riding without goals, ambitions, or cycling shoes.
• Time to breathe.
• The sounds of leaves crunching under the tires.
• Getting a good look at all of the Halloween decorations.
• Ignoring the assumption of what time of year is good for bike riding. Any time is a good time, especially now.
• Taking off an outer layer while riding no-handed.
• Riding at night … on purpose.
• Even a short ride makes you feel better all day.
• Same calories, less sweat.
• Racing the setting sun.

All of these reasons help to reiterate why we are in this business in the first place … because we just love to ride bicycles.  Period.