It was reading 38F outside the kitchen widow when I left, and was only several degrees warmer when I arrived @ Carpenter's Brook for the start. 4 of us rolled down the extended driveway from the hatchery w/wetness still on the road. I was comfortable w/full tights, bootie covers, ear wrap and mittens on. 

The colors in the trees were near peak in may spots on this ride and cool, damp air enhanced the wood's fragrances. There was a mishap around mile 16 when a front wheel crossed over the rear wheel of another rider just after a turn, bringing down 2 riders. The speed was slow enough so that the only damage was some tearing on the outside of a bootie. The 2nd downed rider was unscathed. So much for the veteran riders theory that they never go down. 

Terrain was rolling with frequent short and steep bumps. No wind to mention, but a surprisingly stubborn collection of lake effect clouds and some roads never fully dried out. Popular this year were many hanging ghosts and goulish children meant to sway in the breeze as if they were flying. Several unusual sites included palomino ponies AND palomino donkeys. 

Our pace was casual allowing for frequent conversation and no thought of drafting. Several potential chasing dogs were on a leash. The route deviated toward the end onto Ditmar Rd to avoid Weedsport and Rt 31. We got more sun at this point which accentuated the golds and orange/reds along our way. We stayed comfortable from the cold and finished the 39mi in 3hrs. Vertical gain was somewhere between 2,000-2,400ft. All in all, a very nice ride.