As winter approaches the heat map of activity take a massive lurch to the South in November - with the odd exception.
California hosts a number of rides with the first being the Mike Nosco Memorial Ride in Newbury Park on the 3rd. The tough 80-miler, now in its 7th year, commemorates the life of Mike Nosco and raises money for a foundation in his name that helps local recipients. Entry is free with donations a moral obligation.
The wonderfully named Temecula Spandex Stampede will offer something a bit different in its first running on November 8. The field is limited to just 200 riders who are promised the heady mix of: "Wine, Cycling, Spandex, Good Times". Only 20 spots remained on October 27.
TheTour de Foothills is going back to its original start/finish location in historical downtown Upland and will have a beer garden and bands after the ride.
The Giro Della Costa Centrale Gran Fondo declares itself the "Godfather of ALL RIDES!" and is a breathtaking and challenging timed tour of the San Luis Obispo County coast and wine country backroads. It is not for beginners. Afterwards there is Italian food to enjoy and a free bike valet!
Shifting West, Arizona hosts El Tour de Tucson on November 21, its traditional Saturday before Thanksgiving date. The main routes feature vistas of Tucson's beautiful four surrounding mountain ranges - three rise over 9,000 feet- against the backdrop of the majestic Saguaro cactus, icon of the Sonoran Desert. Course profiles range from flat to rolling or moderately hilly. Over 9,000 cyclists are expected.
The TdeG's recreational tours on Sunday the 7th, are a complement to the famous individual and team time trials. There are routes between 14 and 65 miles that meander along the tree lined banks of the Guadalupe River and the limestone cliffs of the Balcones Fault. Except for the shortest, all rides are described as hilly and challenging. Dinner and dancing at Wurstfest complete the day.
The Turkey Roll Bicycle Rally is on the 21st and is the 33rd installment put on by the Denton Breakfast Kiwanis Club. There are five courses with 68 miles the longest and amazing food at the rest stops is promised.
Reaching the Atlantic, on the 7th, the Tour de Tugaloo in TOCCOA, GA offers a chance to explore the less-traveled roads of the Historic Tugaloo River Corridor, Lake Hartwell and foothills of Western South Carolina. Proceeds benefit the Stephens County Foundation in support of the Tugaloo River Corridor and other community projects.
For the hardy there are two events in the Northeast that defy the weather.
The Rivers and Lakes Century in Schuylerville, NY, on the 14th is part of the Adirondack Ultra Challenge and promises "just enough climbing to help keep us warm and to spice things up a bit". It is unsupported.
It is not for wimps as the FAQ section of the 50-miler makes clear.
Q: "I may get tired and not be able to ride the entire course, can I bail if I need to?"
A: "You can bail, but you should expect to be ridiculed by the other riders that complete the full course. It's an out-n-back course, so you can always turn right around."
And finally, if you really fancy getting away from winter there is still time to book flights to GFNY Cozumel on November 22 and "get ready to ride in paradise" to use the event's catchphrase.
The event, which is affiliated with Gran Fondo New York circles the island of Cozumel and has 40 miles of ocean roads. Thermals and overshoes are not required.
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