First cold ride of the off season. 28 degrees is not so bad. A smaller group rolled out as I suspected. But it’s way better to ride with people when conditions are not optimal. Every year I forget how to dress and usually over compensate with too heavy a kit. But I had it dialed decent this morning. Turned out to be a great day. We tackled the Flughafen (Airport) Loop. 58 miles of flat to rolling terrain. Some sections of road are buttery smooth.

So it begins.

Lots of layers is the key to cold weather riding.

Still some great fall foliage.

This was one of those rides where you get down to business. Too cold & windy to talk.

Except when you stop of course.

Josh R didn’t shed a single layer.

Headwind home made it a grind.

Tea time! Hydro Flask rocked. Kept old Earl Grey warm for 4+ hours.

One of the best parts of cycling. Let’s Eat! Bento box from Shogun.

Sunday we hooked up with the Tri-Sport Club. They ride down to Van Buren every year then take the train back. We broke off at Winslow and made a loop out of it.

Sunset road is great.

Gnarly southeast wind this morning.

Sunset is a twisty 9 mile gentle climb. Abraham Lincoln has the KOM.

Regroup at the top.

Gnarly tailwind for the next twenty miles. The bunch was eager to make use of it.

Ozarkia.