Someone was burning leaves

Is there a better smell than that of burning leaves on a beautiful, sunny and mild November afternoon?

Yes, there is.

That same smell entering your nose while riding your bike for the first time in an eternity it seems.

That's right, I took myself off the PUP List today and put myself on my road bike, which had already been stored in the basement for the season.

But the the sun and temps and a back and leg injury finally feeling well enough to try it out, I went out. I rode only 13 miles but they were a blessing. It's like riding a bike, you never forget!

The sciatic nerve issues have gone away.

The piriformis syndrome pain back there is gone.

The groin muscle injury that started this all in late summer is hanging around yet, but not an issue at all while riding today.

That total hip replacement I had in 2000 is starting to show some wear and tear I think. No doubt that the approximately 40,000 miles I have put on it had something to do with that.

All I can say is it feels odd to feel so broken down and out of shape. But at the same time, I got out there and was able to at least get a taste of the road in autumn. I had the wind in my face and the smell of burning leaves in my nose.

2021 OUTDOOR RIDES

RIDE ROUTE: Lake Loop, 1 lap + Neighborhood crit, 1 lap

MILES: 13

AVE. SPEED: 12.8 mph

WEATHER: Sunny, warm for November 8th....62 degrees and light wind.

TOTAL OUTDOOR MILES 2021 SEASON: 806