Put away the summer jerseys...

The sun was out in full force but it was not a day to worry about sun screen. It is most definitely autumn and it wouldn't take much to feel like winter. In spite of the bright sunshine it was only in the mid-forties when I went out today and for the first time I had both winter gloves and ear protectors under the helmet. So long as I dress in layers I can still be pretty comfortable but there was certainly no doubt that the summer temperatures are gone for this year. We have probably passed the peak leaf season but there is enough left on the trees that with a strong afternoon sun the backroads are still good for some ooohs and aaaahs. Funny little story today....I stopped alongside someone's driveway on a country road in the Sourlands (what New Jerseyans call the Sourland Mtns - really a nice collection of hills and all country) for a drink and quick snack. The homeowner came down the drive to collect her garbage cans and asked if I had seen any bears...Bears??! says I. Keep your eyes open she says - this is garbage collection day and this is when they seem to come out....I rode off wondering if I could kick it into high gear and outrun a hungry bear....Who would have thunk it in New Jersey?