Ah, November… When you can’t even finish your first cup of coffee before the sun starts setting and it starts getting dark. The extra pounds from too much Halloween candy are still lingering, yet the Holidays (and the countless number of Holiday parties) are right around the corner. We can only dream of those perfect riding days as we layer up before heading out the door now.

I’ve started to really embrace the fall/early winter this year. It’s proven to be my favorite time of year to ride gravel/offroad. There’s something special about riding among the colorful fall foliage and even the barren trees that follow shortly thereafter. And it turns out that leftover Reese pumpkins are an excellent form of on-the-bike calories.

It’s also a great time of year to spend less time on the bike and more time pursuing other activities and interests. You can bust out those running shoes and lace up. Or get your skis prep’d for the upcoming season. Maybe you take your dog out for some longer walks. Or spend more time helping your kids with their school work or projects. Maybe you finally get a chance to read a few of the books on your list. Or start decorating and baking for the holidays.

Whatever you get up to this time of year, enjoy it! I know that for many of us, cycling and endurance sports are a massive part of our life. Enjoy the moments, however fleeting they are now, to pursue some quality training, but also embrace the downtime. Spring and summer will be here before we know it.

Until then, I’ll be using the extra pockets of my jacket for stashing various combinations of chocolate and peanut butter candy :)