October Already

The Ride Route: Neighborhood Crit, 10 laps

Miles: 19

Time: 1:13

Ave. Speed: 15.4 mph

Weather: Sunny, mild 70, Wind 10-15 mph

Total Outdoor 2017 Miles: 1,296

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The Story

Where did summer go?

And why does it leave so quickly compared to our lingering, cold winter?

October is here, the month I go from my final rides of the season in regular short bibs and short-sleeved jersey to riding in knickers or full-length tights and a winter riding shell by the end of the month.

Today was a beautiful Packers-less Sunday in autumn, so I had to at least test out my twitchy back, which has been bothering me slightly for a couple of weeks now.

It still brought me pangs of pain when riding over bumps on the first few laps, but then settled down and I felt pretty normal for most of the 19 laps, even able to get out of the saddle going up the one small hill on each lap. But I was happy with the progress at least.

Many of my neighbors were either out in the yard working or I saw them out walking in the neighborhood. I often wonder what they are thinking when they see me doing circles around them. I figure it's something like, "There goes that goofy Phil again going in circles on his bike."

I checked with reader Sue D. this weekend to see if she had attempted one of her big goals this season....to ride to and make it up the High Cliff State Park climb to the tower.

She told me she plans to still make that first attempt on a cool day this fall. Good luck!