It is back to school. It is college football. Porch sitting, cool mornings and chasing the light. Always chasing the light. One of the very best riding seasons is here. The transition from summer to winter is a special time. The Ozarks are such a great place to ride and experience fall. Here are some tips for riding during the fall season.

6 Tips for Riding this Fall Season

#1 Lights! Get them. Use them. Don’t forget to charge them.

Be loud with your lights. Let those cars see you! 

#2 Watch the direction you ride in. The hills around here often make it difficult to see if you are riding east/west while the sun is rising or setting. Motorists will have more trouble seeing cyclists for sure. It’s best to ride north/south when the sun is setting/rising.

#3 Apparel. Bring the right apparel. I almost always carry a vest this time of year. Temps drop quick and if you need to stop to change a flat you can get pretty chilled. It can make the difference between being comfortable or uncomfortable for many hours on the saddle.

A good set of lightweight gloves. DeFeet still does the trick for me. I normally take two sets. I can add a set, wearing both for added warmth or remove a set if the hands start getting a bit toasty. I like the price and I like that they are made in the USA. Hey if they are good enough for Boonen then they are good enough for me.

I am a big fan of the Castelli Leggero vest. The fit is really close, so no baggie bits flapping in the wind. A mesh back for breathing and the front cuts the wind nicely protecting your core bits.

It also packs away nicely.

#4 Groups. When riding on the road at night try to find some other folks to ride with. The visibility for motorists is much better.

#5 High-Vis. High-visibility apparel has become popular again in cycling. Wearing bright apparel is an added level of security. Like I said be as loud as you can be on the road. There are a ton of high-vis options out there for you. You can get shoe covers, gloves, arm warmers, jerseys you name it.

#6 Chill out. I like to take the fall season to “take stock” on a year of riding. Go for rides without an agenda or plan. Enjoy the company of others a little more. Explore new routes and above all revisit why you spend so much time on a bike in the first place.

Now go out and enjoy this awesome time to be outside. Ride fast & be safe!

What tips to do you have to offer? Please comment below.