On Tuesday, I really wanted to get out for a ride. It was cool (around 50 degrees) and overcast — a dreary-looking day. And I knew it would get dark while I was on my way home. It would’ve been easy to stay home, but I felt like riding, and I wanted to see some changing leaves. So, I rode.

View 2009-10-13 Shilo + Lake Griffy in a larger map

Once the temperature gets down to around 50 degrees, the number of riders on the roads drops significantly. I did see a few other cyclists, but not many. Fortunately, car traffic was light as well. I took State Road 45 out to Tunnel Road.

I turned onto Shilo Road, where I ride frequently. In this direction, it’s a fun, mostly-downhill road with a lot of twists and turns and switchbacks. Much of it goes through dense forests, and between the cloud cover and the trees, it was too dark to take many photos.

After a while, the road exited the woods and spit me out by Bean Blossom Creek. I stopped to rest on the bridge.

These are all familiar roads, but I especially love to see them in the fall. I saw some Dan Henrys for the upcoming Hilly Hundred ride. I rode on, debating which route to take home.

As I rode up the long Firehouse Hill, a helmetless roadie passed me quickly. I thought about giving chase and kept him in sight for a while, but eventually I fell back.  The more spirited effort was fun while it lasted.

Eventually, I decided to ride down by Lake Griffy. I don’t often ride by this lake because it requires going down a big hill, then once you cross the lake, going right back up again. It’s a tough climb. Normally, I don’t shy away from tough climbs, though, so I’m not sure why I tend to avoid this one. It was getting dark so I stopped and flipped on my lights, then really enjoyed riding down the big hill.

The lake looked absolutely beautiful, with some trees turning, and the sun having recently set over the lake.

I rode up the hill on the other side of the lake. It was a tough climb, as always, but completely doable. I shouldn’t avoid it in the future.

After being in what feels like a remote area, the road abruptly intersects the Bypass, one of the busier roads in town. It’s a bit jarring, really. I crossed the Bypass and headed home via smaller roads through town.

It was a lovely ride of about 25 miles. I was glad I got out.

File under: Bicycling, Road Biking