With one last hot gasp summer surrendered to the crisp air of autumn.
Temperatures in the low 50s makes for some cool morning riding. The chill makes me sit up straight, squeeze the grips a bit harder, relish the dazzling clear air. Together they lead me across still pathways as I make my way to work.
As some riders start to think about winterizing machines I’m doing the same thing — only with a focus on riding rather than storage.
The light is already low in the sky when it’s time to head home. Not long ago the sun would still be beating down on the scooter when I arrived. Now it waits in the remains of the day.
Everything looks strange to me this time of year. Shimmering with life but as it lingers at the edge of decline. I’ve passed this tree many times, a solitary bellwether the persistence of life. There have been other trees, standing as this one, until I pass one day and it’s gone, victim of lightning or chainsaw, fate or whim. Each a reminder of the changing nature of existence.
Riding makes everything ok, or at least feel that way. Wandering on two wheels distills what’s important to a few simple things — the road surface, the road ahead, and the people and things I might encounter. During the time astride the Vespa not much else matters.
Just me and the tree. All part of cool weather riding.
Suspect you got a bit of a shock this past Monday morning with cool temperatures; especially as compared to the temperatures of the previous week. The daylight is shortening, and with it different opportunities for photography. The sweet light times each day become closer and closer.
Soon riding to work will be in the dark as well as riding home. Times when maybe four wheels are better than two, at times. Bambi of all shapes and sizes abound at this time of year as well as other critters. Be careful out there Steve!
It was a bit of a shock to suddenly realize how short the days have become with even shorter ones ahead. The light more than the temperature was responsible with dog walks in the predawn moments now common.
Hadn’t thought about the changes in Bambi activity. I’m always on the lookout for them. Haven’t seen one in awhile. I suppose that means I should expect on today on the way to work….
I like that last shot’s angles…..
As to cooler weather for riding….bring it on faster!
The cold weather will be here before you know it. Time is passing rapidly — not something I’m excited by, especially as I am getting older. I long for those days of youth that seemed to last forever………………….
I also like the last photo.
The mornings are definitely starting to cool off. I’ve seen the high 20s (°F) already. And it is starting to feel like Fall is just about over in spite of the fact that according to the calendar it hasn’t even started yet.
Being in Alaska you’re calendar is motivated by other planetary actions. Thinking of the high 20s right now kind of makes me ill. I need to ease into that like I do in cold water in a creek.