Motorcycle Cruising in the Fall

Motorcycle cruising in the fall is one of the most enjoyable things any motorcycle enthusiast can experience. The air is a little colder and the scenery is breathtaking. Seeing all the fall colours immediately puts my mind in a calm place.

After-Work Ride

The other day I decided it was time for an after-work ride. I pulled the bike out of my garage and started to gear up. As soon as I got my chaps and jacket on my mind was already beginning to calm. I started the bike and it purred with a shared excitement with my own. The high idle setting kicked in immediately warming the bike to a temperature it likes to operate.

As my bike prepares itself for the ride, I continue to gear up. I put my Samsung earbuds in and selected a playlist for the ride. For this round, I choose the playlist “Songs you can sing in the car” from the Spotify app. As the name suggests a familiar tune comes on. I find myself quietly singing “Life is a highway” by Tom Cochrane within the confines of my helmet. Of course, I pull the visor down so that no one can witness my debut of garage karaoke.

My bike slows its engine indicating that it’s warmed up. It’s ready for the ride, as am I.

I climb on and make some adjustments to my phone holder and my positioning on the bike. I give the throttle a couple of test revs to make sure it’s responsive and ready to go. I pull in the clutch, pop the bike into first gear and I’m off.

Leaves on the Road

Getting out of the community normally isn’t anything special but in the fall it’s a different story. My neighbourhood is full of properties with deciduous trees that are all in various states of colour and the volume of leaves remaining on the branches. For those that have dropped much of their leaves already, there are small piles on the side of the road.

I navigate my bike toward these piles, scattering them to the side as my tires roll through them. The leaves gently roll out of the way knowing that the bike needs a cleared path. They are more than happy to comply.

Always Start on a Full Tank

I get out of my community and need a quick stop for fuel. In my mind, it’s always a good idea to start any ride on a full tank. You never know if your planned ride will suddenly become an epic ride just because your mood changes and the wind points you in a new direction.

Back on the road, I am ready to officially get going. It takes some time to get out of the city but the path is enjoyable. I get the thrill of accelerating my bike as each light turns green and the practice of down-shifting and slow riding as they turn red. I repeat the process multiple times before making that final turn onto the highway. My mind imagines a road sign just for me that says “Just ahead, open road.”

I turn onto the highway and accelerate. I start to feel the cool fall air and am glad for the extra layer under my jacket this time. The city is fading in my mirrors as I glide over the asphalt hills.

I head north onto a particularly fun stretch of road and accelerate. The bike easily settles into this new pace as the suspension gently absorbs the road’s imperfections. I can see my first turn in the distance and accelerate a bit more. These bends are fun on their own but they become a delight when you hit them with a bit of speed.

Navigating the “S-turns”

I enter the turn leaning heavily. I can’t see it but I can feel the grin on my face. My facial muscles pull the corners of my mouth up as my eyes remain concentrated on the road ahead of me. I come out of the turn upright once again only to lean the other way. I’ve got the first “S-turn” out of the way and am eagerly anticipating the next.

After what feels like only a few moments I come to a sharp turn in the road. This will take me west on a path toward the mountains. I can see their silhouettes in the distance but I will not be going to them today. I will get to enjoy their overwhelming presence from a distance this time.

Stop to Admire Nature

I come to a stretch of road where there is a solid line of trees along the side. They have all turned a beautiful bright yellow and I pull over to enjoy the view. As I sit there watching, I can see the calm breeze breaking the occasional leaf from its host. I watch as these slowly flutter to the ground. There’s not a car in sight leaving me with a truly peaceful moment where I can observe the wonders of nature.

I fire my bike back up breaking the peaceful silence and pull back out onto the road.

As I continue along my journey I encounter more stretches of trees wearing their fall attire. Most are the bright yellow that I encountered before but I do get the treat of seeing the occasional orange and the very occasional red. I cruise along enjoying the sights of this very unique time of year.

Onto the Highway Home

My leisurely ride comes to an end as I approach the major highway that will take me home. I merge into the heavy traffic and bring the bike up to speed. People seem to be relaxed on this road today which makes my ride that much more enjoyable. The path is straight and fast as I make my way back to my home city.

I arrive back home, once again navigating through the piles of leaves that have found their way onto the road. I pull into my driveway and shut off the bike. My hips are a bit sore but the pain is welcome given its source.

I push my bike into my garage and let out a small sigh. It’s only a matter of time before the trees are bare and the temperatures get below my threshold of riding. The riding season is coming to a close which always leaves me a little sad. Until that time officially comes though, I will continue to get out and enjoy whatever nature chooses to show me.