For many of us here in Missoula Winter has dragged on a bit too long.  Sure the skiing has been good and continues to be, but really, I think I am ready get back on two wheels rather than two planks. 

I woke this morning to clear skies and bright sunshine.  What a great change from the gray and snow that have lingered for far too long. I have been looking for signs that Spring has finally arrived. Sun and blue skies give a hint that maybe Winter's grip may be loosening.  But this morning I found a sure sign that Spring has arrived.  My kids asked if they could ride to school.  Yes!  "what is the big deal, Papa?" They asked.  "We've ridden to school lots. Why are you so excited?".  I was excited because much like swallow returning to San Juan Capistrano or the Monarch Butterflies returning to Mexico, my kids have an innate sense for the arrival of Spring.  The decision to ride to school is less a conscious decision and more a natural pattern like bears coming out of hiberation.  They are not sure why they do it, it just happens.

The surprise came when my kids hopped on their bikes.  I haven't aired up their tires since last October.  Tires were low, but no real surprise there.  The real surprise came when they started to ride off down the drive way.  Who lowered their seats over the Winter? Wow. Did they grow that much?  I think I raised each of their seats about 2cm or more.  I suppose 4 months is a long time when you are elementary school aged.  The bummer for me but the good news for them is that on each of their bikes I had to raise the saddle to the limit line on their seatposts.  I don't think they will be on these bikes much longer, they make the bikes look tiny.

But at least the sun is out and the weather is warming and I appreciate the accuracy of their predictions.  I will trade that for a couple of new bikes in the garage for sure.