Fall is my favorite time of year. Cooler temperatures, soft breezes, vibrant colors. Mercifully, bugs become an afterthought. As a youngster playing soccer, once autumn arrived, I felt I could run all day.

Today, on the flip side of 50, I’m still energized by fall. But instead of chasing a soccer ball, I’ll jump aboard one of my two-wheelers. Yes, that’s plural, because my options include cyclocross races, road rides, and mountain bike outings.

Cyclocross

Cycling’s race-specific discipline hits full-speed after Labor Day. Nothing gets your heart pumping like these lighting-quick, closed-course contests. Membership with USA Cycling is typically required, but one-day licenses are usually offered.

North

■ Oct. 15-16: Craft Sportswear Gran Prix of Gloucester. This two-day festival is among the best cyclocross events in New England. The Stage Fort Park setting is unparalleled. The racing is top notch, and non-stop. www.gpgloucester.com

■ Oct. 30: Orchard Cross at Applecrest Farm, Hampton Falls, N.H. The eighth annual race, held in the country’s oldest continuously operated orchard, serves as the “NorEast Championships.’’ www.applecrest.com

West

■ Oct. 5: Night Weasels Cometh, Shrewsbury. Looking for something different? Race under the night-lights of Ski Ward during this midweek event. facebook.com/nightweasels

■ Oct. 22: Fruitlands’ Cup of Cyclocross, Harvard. Mix adrenaline and art at Fruitlands Museum. Participants can enjoy museum sites and exhibits for an extra $5. facebook.com/fruitlandscupcx

South

■ Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5: Cycle Lodge Training Series, Marshfield. This Wednesday series allows beginners to try cyclocross without the “race’’ aspect. cyclelodge.com

■ Oct. 19: Crosstobeerfest, Raynham. Another Wednesday option, this event combines cyclocross and short-track mountain bike racing. The beer garden is a favorite. crosstobeerfestma.com

■ Oct. 29: Community Cross at Myles Standish, Plymouth. Sponsored by Community Bicycle Racing, the race will be held at Fearing Pond, Myles Standish State Forest. communitybicycleracing.com

Charity Rides

Pedal for a good cause while doing something that’s good for your health.

North

■ Sept. 17: Tour de Greenbelt, Essex. Both options (25- and 50-mile) visit some of Essex County Greenbelt’s most prized properties. Proceeds promote land conservation. tourdegreenbelt.org

West

■ Sept. 18: Cycle the Wave, Ashland. This all-female ride is designed to increase awareness of domestic violence and supports Web of Benefit, a Wellesley-based nonprofit. ma.cyclethewave.org

■ Sept. 25: Ride to Defeat ALS, Wayland. All rides — 70-, 50-, 25-, and 10-mile options — start at the Longfellow Club. alsa.org

South

■ Sept. 25: The Ride for Food, Dedham. 10-, 25-, and 50-mile options. The ride supports 18 food pantries, kitchens, community farms, and food rescue organizations. threesquaresne.org

■ Sept. 23-25: Autumn Escape Bike Trek, Plymouth to Provincetown. Two- and three-day options, with proceeds supporting the American Lung Association. action.lung.org

■ Sept. 24: Rodman Ride for Kids, Foxborough. Raises money for more than 50 charities. Choose from 25-, 50-, and 100-mile routes. www.rodmanforkids.org

■ Oct. 1: William Raveis Ride + Walk, Hingham. Benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund and Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Options include a 12-mile bike ride, a 25-mile bike ride, and a 5K walk. raveisridewalk.com

Mountain biking

The New England Mountain Bike Association has numerous chapters offering organized rides. Additionally, there are a number of regional clubs, such as North Shore Cyclists, that also sponsor rides. To find a group ride, contact your local bicycle retailer.

North

■ Oct. 30: The Wicked Ride of the East, Harold Parker State Forest campgrounds, Andover. North Shore NEMBA has created one of New England “can’t miss’’ fat-tire events because of Harold Parker’s remarkable array of trails. www.nemba.org

West

■ Thursdays at Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle. Merrimack Valley NEMBA’s evening “Easy Rider’’ rides are fun rather than technical. nemba.org/rides

South

■ Thursdays Blue Hills Ride, Milton. Southern Mass. NEMBA holds a ride at the Blue Hills Reservation. Meet at the small lot directly across from the State Police on Hillside Street. nemba.org/rides

If you have an idea for the Globe’s “On the Move’’ column, contact Brion O’Connor at brionoc@verizon.net. Please allow several weeks advance notice.