First day of Fall

Summer is dying, and fall officially starts Sep. 23rd. If you happen to find yourself in an area that is lucky enough to experience all four seasons. Most people love the transition from Summer to Autumn to Winter it is a welcome break from the oppressive heat. We have been programed to love Summer. Summer afforded freedom from the bondage of school. I loved Winter for the snow-sports, and Summer (for me) was spent working on the farm, so I had for the longest time loved the fall and Winter. Now that I am so far from the mountains, snow is a hassle to deal with and no longer seen as a plaything.

The days have been getting shorter since the first day of Summer, soon we will see the setting sun around five PM. The lights come out and the temps drop. Morning rides will turn from chilly to cold, embrocation will give way to legwarmers, summer-weight will be put away in favor of wool. Cycling caps are an ever-present sight with the brim just poking out between the helmet and sunglasses. No longer is flesh exposed to the elements, every bit covered from head to toe. Suiting up for the ride is a gamble...too much, not enough, just right? Check the temp four to five times, and then try and remember that you generate your own wind chill. Is the sun out, is it windy, is it going to rain/snow. Oh, dressing for a ride.

Then it happens. Stuck inside, on the trainer watching old DVD's of le Tour, Paris-Roubaix, Flanders, and lots and lots of mind-numbing TV. Getting fat. Hairy legs. Fading tan-lines. Road rash healed into new white scars. Winter beards, sorry ladies they are awesome. Getting Fatter. Holidays. Even Fatter. FTP tests. Sweat covered top tubes, puddles on the floor. Trying to find the motivation to do anything other than eat and watch TV. Beer.

All of that, and then, Spring