Can smell fall in the air today. Its cool, leaves starting to change....and the end of another riding season looms. But not over yet. Got one more long ride in me, for about a week....camping, with no real destination in mind. Just ride.

Made it from Ottawa to Halifax and the Cabot trail bout 3 weeks ago....3920 km in 4.5 days and learned a lot about myself and my F800gs purchased in April of this year. Its hard riding 1000 km a day. My butt was so sore, I can still feel a little pain in my tail bone, and I had to do something to my grips - Grip Puppies are great and I love them.

I also changed my back tire, by myself using road tools only, and its the first tire change I've ever done on a motorcycle. Went from a Mitas E07 to the Hideneau Scout K60 after much research and debate. I sure like the new tire on the tarmac, but not sure off road - but right now I am mostly riding tarmac...and my brother highly rated the K60. You know, it will wear out and I can try something else as my riding will change.

I'll put on about 15,000 km before this season is over. Was aiming for 20k, but work determined otherwise. And lots to do on the off season. Bringing the bike into the house for the winter to finish all the mods I want - panniers, electrical, mods to the back end moving brake and turn signals further back....plus paint and other stuff.

Still - this reminder today of impending winter makes me just a little sad. I know there will be some nice days ahead. I know there will be winter. And if I'm lucky enough.....there will be spring again....

Sigh....

It's been autumnal in the UK for pretty much the whole damn year. We joke about English weather being bad but while other parts of the world baked, this year it's been awful - we had nonstop grey, drizzly uninspiring nothingness. So as much as we can see the seasons changing, and as much as I hate the end of the summer, as you say with luck it heralds the emergence of a better year next year. A bit of time spent in the garage, a bit of time spent planning, more dieting to clear the lockdown pounds(!), roll on 2022.... it can't be worse, can it?

Here in Victoria, BC, it's rare for the temperature to drop below freezing, so I can do some local riding all year-round. I've definitely noticed the mornings are cooler, and have put away the summer jacket and pulled the warmer riding gear out of the closet.

"more dieting to clear the lockdown pounds"
With COVID I've been more active outside than ever! I get out and walk at least an hour a day, and I'm just generally more active to stay busy. That said, one of my close friends has stayed home more with COVID, and has put on 15 pounds!

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250