Less Bugs and Less People

"They're the Same Thing Right," He Said

Cold weather riding brings joy to some of us. Layer up and head out on less crowded trails. No need to worry about heat exhaustion and other hot weather challenges. Here in San Diego, our local mountains get cold when the Santa Ana winds set up.

Cuyamaca on a Friday morning around 7:45 — 31 degrees Fahrenheit. The next morning in the Lagunas around the same time — 42 degrees. Both outings found me finding nearly no one on the trails.

The pale light and slanted shadows on early morning rides in late fall are reminders to get out more. The nip on the nose feels good. The cold fingers and toes do not, but I know they’ll warm up after pedaling a little while.

Up on Los Gatos, I stopped to take it all in and eat an apple. Another rider arrived and we chatted.

“Good morning. Beautiful out here.”

“Yeah, it is a good morning.”

“I always look forward to cold weather riding.”

“Me too. Just need layers.”

“Less bugs. Less people.”

“They’re the same thing, right?”

After he said that, he pedaled off. He didn’t have anything else to say, I guess.