The days are shorter. The forecast changes its mind every few hours. One morning you need gloves, and by lunch you’re wishing you’d worn short sleeves. That’s fall in Georgia, and it’s one of my favorite times of year to ride.
I don’t have a complicated system for fall cycling. I want to enjoy whatever sun we get, stay safe while I’m out there, and probably drink a coffee somewhere in the middle. Over the years, that has turned into a handful of rules I actually follow. Here they are.
Rule 1: Start early, but let the sun beat you out the door
With the clocks turned back for daylight saving time, the sun comes up around 7 a.m. here in Atlanta, and I like to roll out not long after that. Leaving at first light gives you the most usable daylight without starting in the dark.
Yes, it’s brisk at first. That’s part of the charm. Here in Georgia, it usually warms up after about an hour, so the first few miles are the only really chilly ones. By the time you hit your coffee stop, you’re comfortable, and the rest of the day is yours.
Rule 2: Ride the routes you know
With less daylight and less predictable weather, on quick rides I’d rather head out on a familiar route where I already know the turns, the hills, the bathroom stops and how long the whole thing takes.
A few of my go-tos around Atlanta:
- The Stone Mountain Trail. A classic for a reason, and a great way to get miles in without much thinking.
- A loop through different Atlanta neighborhoods. Stringing neighborhoods together keeps things interesting, and fall color makes even familiar streets feel new.
- The south side of the Beltline. It’s especially nice on weekdays if your schedule allows it.
When you know a route well, you can focus on the good stuff: the crisp air, the leaves and the company.
Rule 3: Dress for mile 10, not mile 1
The biggest fall mistake is dressing for how cold it feels when you step outside. You warm up fast once you’re pedaling, so start cold and dress for how you’ll feel after the first stretch.
Here’s what I wear on a typical fall morning:
- My regular kit. In Georgia fall, I don’t need to cover my knees yet, but maybe you like to!
- A light windbreaker. It cuts the morning chill and packs small once things warm up.
- Gloves. Cold fingers ruin a ride faster than almost anything.
- Photochromic glasses. These lenses adjust to the light, so they work in the dim early morning and still protect your eyes in full sun later on. No swapping lenses mid-ride.
If you run colder than I do, knee warmers and arm warmers are your best friends. They cover you when it’s chilly, then roll down or come off and fit in a jersey pocket once you’ve warmed up. Someone once told me the rule for knee warmers was under 50°. They’re the easiest way to handle a ride that starts at one temperature and ends at another.
Rule 4: Plan the coffee stop
I’ll be honest: coffee is a big part of why I get out the door on a cool, overcast morning. A planned coffee stop is a motivator before the ride and a reward in the middle of it.
It’s also practical. A mid-ride break is a good time to peel off a layer, refill your bottle, check the sky and decide whether you’re adding miles or heading home. Pick your café before you leave, and the hardest part of the ride (getting started) gets a lot easier.
Rule 5: Know your no-go line before you check the forecast
Fall weather is all over the place, and if you let every forecast talk you out of riding, you’ll miss a lot of great days. So decide ahead of time what actually keeps you home.
My rule is simple. I’ll ride in any Atlanta temperature, in light rain and in light wind. If it’s extremely windy or seriously rainy, I stay home, and I don’t feel guilty about it.
Having that line drawn in advance means less waffling at 6:45 a.m. and more riding!
What are some of your cooler temp riding rules?
