November 16: Hagg Lake Countryside Loop

It may have been foggy and in the low to mid-forties, but today’s ride to Hagg Lake and back through the countryside was both refreshing and rejuvenating. What a treat it was to see the mist rising off the rippling silver-blue lake waters and evergreen trees beyond.

Heading west on highway 26 and then south on Glencoe Road to Scoggins Valley Road, a thick blanket of fog hovered over the asphalt, depositing drops of condensation on my face shield. I breathed in the chilly, moist air, grateful for my electric gear and insulated textile jacket. Being careful to avoid the slick, wet leaves littering the road, I pulled off into the Eagle Point Recreation Area on Hagg Lake, opening up a panoramic view of the silky blue waters beyond.

As fishermen drifted offshore, I walked along the water’s edge and gazed at the Lake’s serene, undulating surface, framed by orange-brown mud and black and grey pebbles in the foreground and tall, deep green fog-shrouded evergreen trees in the distance. Without my riding gloves on, my fingers soon became numb, and I hopped back on the bike to ride south through the countryside on my way back home.

Traveling through Gaston, McMinnville, and Newburg, I passed dozens of orchards and vineyards, their yellow, red, and orange leaves providing pleasant pops of color in the cloudy, grey fall air. Dark and light emerald-colored pastures and fields appeared beyond the brightly festooned trees lining the road. Cattle grazed in pastures and barns of all sizes and shapes dotted the land.

As I navigated my bike up and over a variety of hills through the mist, I reflected on how grateful I am to be able to ride in so many different types of weather. Returning home, I felt invigorated from the time spend with the wind in my face and the rumble of the road beneath me.