September is a month I dread for commuting for a number of reasons. One makes it difficult to commute and the other makes it difficult to consider commuting. Let me explain.

As September arrives the long days start to shrink and this makes our usual commute to work a bit dicier than usual. Depending on when you leave for work you may find yourself starting your commute in twilight. That's not too bad but it's that dusk/dawn time that makes it harder to be seen. Fortunately use of bike lights defeats that.

The worst of this time of year though are the visibility problems caused by the sun rising over the horizon. At some point in your morning commute you'll find yourself squinting and trying to see where the heck the road and other vehicles have gone. And rest assured those in cars are doing the same thing! Use of bike lights doesn't really help here. The best way to avoid being in this situation is to NOT be in it. You can change your route to something shaded by buildings, trafficed by fewer vehicles or at least ride in your lane as defensively as possible.Make yourself as visible as you can (break out that day-glo vest) and try to stay out of the way. More than anything simply be aware that the other vehicles are having as hard as time seeing the road as you are.

My biggest gripe about commuting this time of year is that I don't WANT to! You get up in the morning and it's 50 degrees outside. You dress for the ride and it's still 50 degrees. Wasn't it at least 62-65 just last week? What happened? Oh yeah, it's September. This is where the bike commuter needs to double down, grit your teeth and just DO IT! And put on more clothes. Hell yes! More clothes.

A light jacket, longer pants (or arm and leg warmers for the spandex crowd)  can go along ways to making the trip a bit more comfortable. Just remember it WILL be warmer on the way home so make sure you'll be comfortable then. This is a month that will kill your appetite for commuting if you let the colder mornings dissuade you. But mark my words, if you get out there you'll discover the crisp mornings and smooth afternoons can be magical. And if you keep riding through this month you'll be on your way to acclimating to the colder weather and that will help out in November. But let's not dwell on that for now.

Ride Aware!