Fall is creeping into Hillsboro and it’s changing my bike commute.

This morning was 41°, a little chilly for my summer “uniform” of shorts and a button-up shirt. Cold isn’t all bad; I can crank hard without overheating. And it gave me something to talk about with another bicyclist while we waited for a signal.

Yesterday’s ride was a warmer 55°, but the roads were still wet from overnight rain. I slowed down to stop the rear wheel from sucking up moisture and flinging it at my back.

Monday, I wimped out and drove. I didn’t want to bike in the morning rain.

The days are getting shorter. Right now I’m fighting glare: the sun is low and dead ahead coming and going. Pretty soon, I’ll be riding in the dark.

I’m going to need a few things to keep biking to work:

• Front and rear fenders. Because I’m using a mountain bike with front shocks, I understand my choices for the front fender are more limited. That’s too bad. Fenders could be useful in the summer, too. Some sprinklers soak the bike paths.
• A light, waterproof jacket. I can pull out when I need protection from cold or rain, yet can easily stuff away when I don’t.
• Front and rear lights. Although a dynamo system would be awesome, I think I’ll to settle for battery-powered. My bike lanes aren’t dark, I just want the cage drivers to see me — and not hit me.
• Rear rack and pannier. This isn’t mandatory, but it would be nice to lose the backpack.

Are you still biking to work as the weather changes? Or are you eagerly awaiting good weather?