I hope your summer was both fun and successful. In cycling terms, this means getting out on your bike as much as possible. If you are the competitive type, you may have entered a few races, or even a triathlon. If you are like me, duking it out with others or racing a clock isn’t your thing and simply getting out and riding is fun enough. Regardless of your preference for dirt or pavement, competitive or social, remember, pedaling is the uniform point that links us all.

As a part of the cycling industry, I seem to be able to ride more in the fall-winter-spring than I ever can during the summer. This year was no different; between work, events and an untimely injury in the Whistler bike park (separated shoulder and a couple of broken ribs) my bikes hung on hooks way too much. I was able to jump-start the fall with a gem though: After the big push in Las Vegas, a group of riding friends and I headed to Moab Utah. We rented a place and rode all the favourites. This destination is always fantastic; once again this trip did not disappoint.

Being back in town and at the office with no work trips on the immediate horizon, I can get back into the swing of things and ride as much as possible. My early morning pedals with my fast, furry riding partner are back in full swing (we haven’t missed a morning ride in weeks). Saturday morning group rides have started again, and we even tossed in a staff and friends night ride last week after work where 12 riders came out. Things are looking up. It is great to get out with my local riding friends again.

Hopefully the weather in your area isn’t shutting down your ride time. As long as it isn’t icy or snowy, try to keep on riding. Night rides certainly help keep the fun-factor high. Trails that you have found stale in the past can suddenly become much more challenging and fun at night. Grab some riding buddies and go hit them.

As the winter weather tries to evoke hibernation, resist! Fenders, lights, tights, jackets, warm mitts and chain lube, here we come. Keep your rides fun and enjoy them all.

Steak Sauce