[jyl]

Here in Portland, and in many places, the seasons are turning.

For the last few months, I've ridden into work in near daylight (I go in at 5:15 am) in shirtsleeves or a light windbreaker. Returned home under bright sun (I usually leave work at 3:00 pm), sunglasses on, panting in the heat. Riding the stripped-down vintage race bike, admiring the supple legs of the lady riders in shorts.

All that is coming to an end. It is now almost dark when I ride in, and I'm wearing a light fleece vest under the windbreaker. There are some warm return rides, but also some gray, windy rides.

Soon I'll be pulling on the yellow rubber rain jacket and the rain pants. Booties, thicker gloves. A hat under my helmet, then a balaclava. I'll switch to the fendered mountain bike with the twin headlights.

Riding out into the pitch black rain, face and glasses streaming, shivering with cold, stiff legs pedaling hard to warm up. Riding home will be a headwind fight, no bare legs to ogle.

I don't know what I think about this. Commuting in the Portland winter isn't all bad. There is something exhilarating about forging through rain and dark, sprinting through the storms, arriving at work breathing hard and ruddy-cheeked - I like that. I don't drink as much coffee in the mornings any more, no need for it. The Calvinist side of me appreciates the adversity and challenge.

But there is a dread, or at least a sorrow, as well. Gone soon the easy glides into work. Wet gloom and the threat of black ice ahead.

How do you feel about commuting at this time in the seasons? Are you looking forward to winter? Or hoping for a long warm fall? Or do you live in Southern California?