It happens about this time every year. The kids are back in school, sports are in full swing, the days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler... and I can't find my chaps! Why? After 17 years of riding, you would think that I have this all down to a science by now.

For me, the riding season isn't defined by a date on the calendar. It's defined by the person saddled on his or her iron steeds with hand on the throttle, foot on the shifter, and the determination to ride until the big yellow PennDOT trucks hit the road with chrome's worst enemy... salt.

And even salt can be washed away in a day or two to allow for even more riding well into December.

Many people get into the mind-set that because summer is over and we're into October riding season must be over as well. What? Please find that date for me on your calendar that says "end of riding season." There is still plenty of time to ride, so please don't make room in the garage for your two-wheeled piece of sanity just yet.

Right now, the weather couldn't be any better. If we take a look back to the beginning of the year, we had a very damp start to say the least. On more than one occasion I found myself coming through the back door with water running off of my rain suit onto the kitchen floor from what seemed to be a very long ride home in the rain.

Once the rain moved out, the infamous 50 days of sun that Pittsburgh is granted each year settled in on the city and the hot temperatures made it difficult for even the most seasoned rider to stay put on Carson Street while waiting for the next light to turn green.

Scooting along through August and September, we saw some great riding weather, but I think some of the best weather is yet to come. October riding will become much more comfortable. Instead of a sweaty T-shirt and the sting of sunscreen in the eyes, we'll have the option to dress in layers once again while we enjoy the rolling hills, the relaxing winding roads, and the beautiful fall foliage that southwestern Pennsylvania has to offer.

Some of my favorite day trips include rides to Ohiopyle, the Laurel Mountains, Conneaut Lake, and Wheeling, W.Va..

Even though we cruised well beyond the official last day of summer, some of the best riding is still to come all the way through October and even into November. Once I find my chaps, I'll see you out on the open road!