Went on a long ride through west central Wisconsin yesterday. The weather was perfect in the 70's and the roads were about as good as they get. But, as the fall colors are really turning, I couldn't help but think of another season's end and started to take notice of some sad sights as I road. I wish that I would have stopped and taken pictures because some would have been great shots.

Many classic cars and trucks turning orange and brown with rust

A baseball field nicely groomed flat, clean straight chalked lines, with tall weeds sticking out all over the place

An old farm house, weathered gray, empty driveway, nice big maple in the front yard turning orange with two rope swings and nothing but very tall grass underneath like they hadn't been used by kids in years.

I am not really sure why I took more notice of these things today. Maybe it's just the turning of the seasons, maybe I am just a sentimental old shoe, but those are some of the things I will remember from an otherwise great day of riding.

 

Autumn can be a melancholy season when you hit middle age. It's best not to listen to songs like Frank Sinatra's "It Was A very Good Year". I'm going to try to ride up the Lake Michigan shoreline this week or next.

 

The thoughts and emotions during a ride is part of the fun. I've had the same thoughts myself lately as I watch leaves blow across the roads and colors changing. Fall just has a way of stirring reflective emotions from times past. Personally I could handle another 6 months of 90 degrees and sunshine but time marches on.

 

Personally my favorite time to ride. That smell in the air, cool weather, and the beautiful vibrant sights you see. Just watch the leaves and you're ok!

 

As great as it is to ride this time of year, I agree that it's a little more emotional than when I was younger.
Had a beautiful ride yesterday but what I felt most was when a wasp flew into my shirt and stung me 5 or 6 times.

 

Autumn is my favorite time of the year and the season from which I have the best memories. What you describe is the very reason I enjoy riding......remembering the past but also looking forward to future rides.

 

Fall weather's the best...it's cool and still sunny. Plus the leaves are cool looking.

 

Best time in NJ too. 80 plus here today ,wont last long .

 

Fall is the only thing I miss about living back east.

On the plus side the riding season here in AZ is about to get good again with the start of its fall/winter cycle!

 

I'm with ya on that, Boz.
Spent the last two days spectacular riding in central & east central Wisconsin, but also couldn't shake the feeling that it's almost over. Kinda like that last summer weekend before school started when we were kids.


It was tempered a bit by the discovery that, ever since I got my Limited a few weeks ago, my 14 year old daughter has fallen in love with riding on the back (she never had interest in riding on my Dyna). So now I've got twice as many reasons to go for rides (wife and daughter)