Autumn Ride

We're still getting out for our more than occasional bike ride (see Bike Hard August 2010). The leaves have started to change and now scatter themselves like confetti heralding our efforts. I love the brisk air of warm autumn days, the crunch of its dry leaves and the gold and red colours. I don't have a favourite season; each season has its own delights. And this is a great season to be out biking.

I'm proud that the huffs and puffs on my rides are fewer. Another marker in my increasing bike fitness. But I still have a way to go, as M politely illustrated this past weekend. When we bike, we pass walkers and skate boarders. Sometimes even roller bladers on the uphills. We seldom pass other bikers unless, of course, it's a dad out with his child who still uses training wheels.

On our return 10km trip, after our rest break, a woman cyclist breezed past us. Nothing unusual in that, except M says, "That's the second time she's passed us." Nah! I don't believe him. "It's true," he says, "She passed us earlier."

I watch as her firm trim legs pedal hard to increase the distance between us. Her slightly ample butt hugs the seat. "Good for her," I say. Good for her. I have no intention on biking 40kms in one go. There's still got to be some pleasure to all of this. Besides which, it's not doing much for her butt. Note to self: I had better watch that.

Soon she is over the hill and out of sight. "Good for her," I say again to M. And anyhow, when last did she stop to take a picture of the autumn leaves on the road? And, at the speed she's going, she surely doesn't hear the streams gurgling with recent rains. I'm happy with my efforts. Can't you tell?