The mornings are nippy, and where did that sun go? We’ve got what you need to keep biking as the calendar trudges toward the end of 2026.
First… Where to Catch the Colors
The leaves are making their move. The 2026 Fall Foliage Color Map has Rock, Green and Dane counties peaking the end of October and first week of November, so you’ve got plenty of time to get out there. (It’s a forecast, so trust your own eyeballs over the model.) A Wisconsin state trail pass is required for riders 16 and up on the two state trails below. (Available at the shop)
- Sugar River State Trail – 24 miles of old railroad grade from New Glarus to Brodhead. Easy riding, farmland, woods, and 14 trestle bridges over the river. Start in Albany, ride to New Glarus for lunch, and you’ve got a 30-mile day. The DNR lists no closures right now, but check the property notices before you go.
- Badger State Trail – Smooth limestone from Madison to the Illinois state line. Heads up: Stewart Tunnel is still closed for construction, so plan on the Tunnel Road detour.
- Rockport Park – Mountain bike trails on the west side of Janesville.
- Palmer Urban Mountain Bike Park (PUMP) – Mountain bike trails on the east side of Janesville.
Second… What You Need
Hats Beanies Toques
Whatever you call them, you need to keep the ol’ noggin warm underneath your helmet. These hats do just that! Embroidered beanies have a stylin’ bike logo. Made of 100% hypoallergenic acrylic, this one-size-fits-most noggin cover comes in two color combinations: Turquoise bike logo on light gray OR Goldenrod bike logo on olive.
Gloves
No need to have freezing fingers on your early morning ride. The shop has several glove options to keep the fingers nimble.
45NRTH Cool Weather Cycling Glove. For mild winter riding conditions. The important details:
- 56% acrylic, 24% wool, 20% polyester
- Merino wool blend lining
- Silicone Grip
- Softshell outer, neoprene slip on cuff, lightweight construction
- For 32+ degrees F comfort.
Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Gloves – C3 & C5. Windproof, warm, water resistant, breathable. Environmentally sound and safe to wear. It has stretch technology. And the fingers are made to access touchscreen devices.
Kali Protectives Venture Gloves. This glove has a microfiber palm with a silicone palm print (provides enhanced grip). Made with ultralight ventilated material, it has a low profile silicone closure and flex gussets at the knuckles for optimal articulation. It’s also got added protection at the base of the palm. What more could you want?
Lights
Oh, do we have the lights for you! We’ve got head lights, tail lights, combo packs with head lights and tail lights, and helmets with tail lights. Tail lights with USB chargers, or batteries; and the same with head lights. Just So. Many. Options. Come down and check them out, or check them out on the website.
Baskets and Bags
It’s that time of year to layer, and when you get too hot, where ya gonna put that extra sweatshirt? In your new stylin’ bag or basket of course! I do believe we have just about any bag you might be looking for, and such fun colors. And of course, your basic black. Just cuz. If you know, you know.
Third… A Few Fall Riding Tips
- Layer up. Mornings are chilly and afternoons aren’t. Wear layers you can peel off, then stash them in that fancy new bag or basket.
- Top off your tires. Cold air drops your pressure, so give them a pump before you roll.
- Respect the leaves. Wet leaves are slick, especially in corners and over roots, and they hide whatever’s underneath. Brake early and take turns wide.
- Mind the low sun. Sunglasses help more than you’d think.
- Be seen. The clocks change November 1, and it’ll be dark before you know it. Put lights on before you need them, and plan to be home before dusk.