Red tree day

I have been looking forward to today's ride all week, because today is Red Tree Day.

There is a tree on the way to our trail that turns a deep, vibrant red for just a few days each October.  

It's not quite at its peak, but given the windy forecast, it's likely that all the leaves will be on the ground tomorrow.

In keeping with tradition, we stopped to take photos.

A jogger saw us and offered to take a picture of the three of us. I love this!

We rode past the tree and dropped down into the river bottom. 

There's no red down there, just green and gold.

When the sun was shining it was almost-but-not-quite too hot. When the clouds blew over the sun and the breeze kicked up it was almost-but-not-quite too cold.

I call that perfect riding weather.

We rode past the Coal Creek Arena...

and into Eagles Nest.

This area is only open for a couple months each year. The first section is barren and filled with prairie dog holes.

No one likes this part.

It's worth it, though, to get to this.

The wind really started to howl as we turned to head home.

The leaves were still on the red tree as we rode past.

Maybe they'll be there tomorrow, too, but I'm not counting on it. 

Red Tree Day 2021 did not disappoint. This was an absolutely wonderful ride.