The Season of First's...

There is something about the change of the weather in the fall that I really dig. After the wicked stretch of sunshine we had out here on the west coast I found myself almost itching for leaves to start falling and the innevitable weather change. The first ride crushing the fallen leaves under tire? Everything just smells different. The first time getting caught out at the top of Credit Line sans HID's as the light quickly fades. Wicked fun pinning the trail feeling faster than ever. Great training for the balance. The first rain ride. Heavy rain ride! Sqaumish has had over 800 mm of rain since Nov 1. What is that 4 feet? The first true night ride. The first snow ride. I love it! Today was a hard pedal even in only 3cm. Looking forward to that first steep fall line ride in a foot of the puffy stuff. Not the first time I have not seen a soul during my 3 hr tour. First time my old frosbitten toes have given me grief this year. First time I truly admire the ability of my buddies with kids that still get out often on their bikes. I have my first, Finn. Not the first time Marley has crashed in front of the fire after a ride but the first time he has gotten up from his slumber with a limp and a groan. Maybe the next snow ride will be his first wearing his fancy fleece jacket. This 4 th season is usually the first time all year that I feel like taking a brake from the bike for what 2-3 weeks. 06 will not be the first year I dont park the bike for a breather. I'm hoping 2007 holds a few first's. First time in a few years I will have a dh rig early season. First year in a few that I will be on the same bike as the previous year. Some first place finishes would be nice!