Run away...Run away...

Time to take a ride and forget all about the pressures of the job and home. Who said escapism is a bad thing? I have decided to take a ride in Northern Indiana and Ohio, and stay in Fort Wayne for the weekend. The plan is taking 1/2 day vacation on Friday (already scheduled), ride all day Saturday, and return on Sunday.

The goal is to ride amongst the changing colors of all the trees. The best rides are those where the leaves are just turning, but are not covering the road making it slippery. So I have a hotel in Fort Wayne expecting me, and a rough route to follow the Fall Foliage map.

But like any ride, there always seems to be a challenge. Last ride, it was temperatures moving toward 90 degrees or more. This time, just a few days later, it is the cold! Temperatures will drop near freezing at night, and only reach the low 60's during the days.

Normally, I would consider this perfect riding weather, but I am not sure the body has had time to acclimate yet. So I will be wearing the heavy leather jacket, chaps and of course the full face helmet, boots and gloves. Under the gear will be heavy shirts, jeans, neck protection. On the bike, I have larger lowers and engine guard chaps to deflect the bone-numbing windchill.

Hang in there. I will be back on Sunday and should have a couple pictures of blazing color and people I meet along the way.