October has always been one of my favorite months for riding (just like the other 11)! The crisp mornings, the changing colors, and even the autumnal aromas all combine for incredible sensory overloads. Hopefully you’re out there cycling, taking it all in.
For more than two decades, I’ve been penning this column for you; over that span, I used to really look forward to the October installment. Why? Because there used to be tons of South County event ride opportunities during the 10th month. Who else remembers the Earthquake Country Bike Ride, the Condor Classic, the Bonfante Harvest Ride and the Coyote Creek Cycling Classic? Alas, these events have all disappeared like an expensive bicycle secured with a cheap lock.
Please don’t despair. There are still many fantastic October bike rides in the greater Bay Area and beyond (as noted in Save the Dates). Consider waking up super early and driving to these events; better yet, book a hotel room and turn the ride into a weekend adventure.
A nearby October opportunity that has really caught my eye is the Bike to the Future, taking off from San Jose on the 29th, AKA “Hallowheels” Day! Riders may choose from among four routes (between six and 51 miles) as they help the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition raise funds “…for healthy, just communities and safe, accessible streets.” A post-ride festival will feature live music, food, prizes, drawings, Halloween costume and bike decoration contests, event booths, a family bike rodeo and more.
Save the Dates
• Oct. 7: Wine & Roses Ride, Templeton, wineandrosesride.com
• Oct. 14: Biketoberfest, Fairfax, marinbike.org
• Oct. 14: Best Buddies Challenge, Marin, bestbuddieschallenge.org
• Oct. 21: Foxy’s Fall Century, Davis, davisbikeclub.org
• Oct. 22: Cycle of Hope, Palo Alto (and virtual), habitatebsv.org
• Oct. 29: Bike to the Future, San Jose, bikesiliconvalley.org
• Nov. 3: Giro D’Vino, Acampo, deltavelo.org
Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke is a cyclist, seeker, song farmer and scribe. Send your cycle celebrations and cerebration to [email protected].
