Chill

Fall is here, or maybe it’s been here since August. Raininess, which has plagued us since spring, continues unabated, and now the nights are cool and the heat has come on a couple of times, just enough to burn off the chill. The days, of course, are short, and now it’s a struggle to get in a ride after work before the light goes flat, even on days when the rain holds off. But tonight it stayed clear and bright and I ran like crazy to get my bike and get a ride in, up from the river to Albany Rural Cemetery, around the cemetery a few times and then out to Siena College and back, a quick 30k or so with some good shoulders and traffic that isn’t too bad. But the chill is definitely there, and sucking in cold air on that first hill gave me that familiar lung-burn of fall.

Last week I took that route further, out Maxwell Road and into the heart of Colonie, to the new(ish) Crossings of Colonie park. All I can say is, omigod. When Colonie sets out to build a park, it doesn’t screw around. Miles of multi-use trails (I wouldn’t bike on them, too much slower traffic), gorgeous pond, nice playground for kids, beautiful buildings and restrooms, all nicely planned and lovely. All set in 130 acres right in the middle of the most built-up part of the town, running right behind Wolf Road. Can’t wait to go back with my blades!