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10 cycling epiphanies you have every fall

Annual reminders why autumn is the best season of them all for riding your bike

After a hot and humid summer, autumn has arrived. While the change in season can bring mixed feelings as we approach the colder months, for cycling there’s really no better season than fall to take advantage of. There’s so much to enjoy on two wheels when the leaves change and the temperature begins to dip. Every fall as a cyclist there are certain realizations we come to that make us really appreciate autumn. Here are 10 autumn cycling epiphanies you might just have:

Pie stops

 

Pastry stops mid-ride are the best. In autumn, there is a beautiful assortment of pies on offer from pumpkin to apple along with other tasty treats specially baked at this time of year. Instead of the usual cookie or butter tart, you quickly realize that autumn is the best time to take advantage of pie stops.

Riding feels easier

When it’s 30 C and humid, cycling can feel quite taxing on the body. Not everyone performs as well in these conditions. But 15 C will make riding feel a lot easier.

Sunscreen and sweat don’t drip into your eyes

Even when riding at a moderate intensity in the heat, sweat and sunscreen regularly drip freely into your eyes. Cooler temperatures mean with the change of season this won’t be happening every time you kit up for a ride.

You’re a master of the art of layering

While wearing a gilet and warmers may not be your favourite, when you rock the right kit it’s so satisfying. While it’s a delicate balancing act between being too warm and cold, rock those layers because with more real estate you can better show off your exquisite style.

Your Instagram photos look so much better

Fall colours, lovely layered riding friends, soft and dramatic light. Autumn is a playground for photographers so you can guarantee that your riding pics will get way more likes cause it’s just so pretty out.

Fall harvest means eating holidays

Cyclists love to eat and autumn is the start of the season undoubtedly most associated with eating. With fresh vegetables and fruits still widely available, you can throw together a feast. Food is the main event during the autumn holidays.

You don’t need to make 10 water stops every ride

To fight dehydration when it’s really hot, you need to drink a lot of water. On the bike that means going two hours without a water stop is risky cause you may very well go dry. In fall, you won’t be sweating nearly as much so staying hydrated will be far more manageable.

You can ride just for fun since the race season is over

What’s that you say, no intervals on the menu this week? Rejoice because the race season is over unless you are into cyclocross. That means instead of riding for fitness you can simply ride for fun. An indulge more liberally at mid-ride stops.

Cyclocross has finally arrived

For those who absolutely love the cold, wet and mud synonymous with cyclocross season, it’s finally here. Weekly local races and weekend doubleheaders are all the rage in the ‘cross community where beer hand-ups and cowbells are the name of the game.

It’s the most beautiful time of the year

The air is fresh, the trees put on a spectacular show as the foliage changes colour and the autumn light is gorgeous.