I enjoyed my 1st CNC last year. I was the guy riding the whole time with my orange safety flag above me on a regular upright bike. I can't come this year, but would love to find another cool weather group ride later if you know of one.
There is an absolutely beautiful 2 to 3 day weekend ride in Staunton Virginia in the middle of October, almost always the weekend after CNC. Riding in the Shennandoah is awesome. I don't know the web site but you can google it.
Just to flesh out the information for the Fall Foliage Ride in Staunton, VA here is the date and contact:
FALL FOLIAGE BIKE FESTIVAL OCTOBER 19-21 STAUNTON, VA http://www.shenandoahbike.org
Barbara Wright: fallbikefestival@comcast.net
It is indeed a fun weekend. Lots of mileage options including the "Apple Butter Century" and fat tire rides. Good weather, good fall colors, nice host city, and pretty well organized.