It seems that just such a short while ago the lilacs were blooming. By late afternoon today, September 28th, it’s balmy, breezy, and too warm for a September day in Vermont. Much warmer than most of us would expect for the time of year, at least. There were tornado warnings too, here in Bennington County. Fallen leaves skipped across pavement and maple, hickory, and poplar trees appeared to be a little more colorful –and leaf bare, than yesterday. The soft hillside colors of ochres and ambers reach almost to the tops of nearby Red, Ball, and Equinox Mountains. What a contrast to the young Greens of late May.
From early Spring into summer this year I rode with my friends when I could, but not as much as I’d have liked. Circumstance and other commitments –planned and unplanned, seemed to get in the way. That’s ok. I’m thankful for the generous helping of miles on the road I had; just a few under 4k on one set of tires. There’s still time though before snow, and ice, and lack of light, to get in many more if the autumn remains dry.
My last ride in ’09 was November 26th, Thanksgiving Day. Forty five miles, into the wind, north on routes 11 and 30 through the Mettowee valley. Glorious! And a second piece of a very special pumpkin pie tasted especially good. So, I’m counting maybe two months more outside, if I’m lucky, and already looking forward to next spring.
Left to right: Terry White, John Sutton, Matthew Moore, Erich Gutbier
