You know it's spring (or almost) when...

Bill McKinney

 We're still at least a good 6 weeks from any sort of legitimate spring, but I've thinking ahead to those warm days and considering how to "wish" time forward.  As I sat typing in my latest adventure in the pain cave I looked down at my hairy leg and decided today's the day I break out a new razor and leave the days of Fred behind for another year.  I'll see about posting before and after pics if I can remember.  

Anyone else got a spring ritual?  Anyone else starting to get a little cabin fever?  It's been a tough winter, and it's not over yet.  We're expecting another 6 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow, so the snow blower will be back in action.  At least I'll be nice and smooth under the long johns, though!

chris malone

Every spring I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror wearing just my bibs and every spring I look like the pro wrestler wearing a singlet that loses to the crowd favorite. And then I go ride in the mountains and remember why I wasn't going to let this happen again.

Gordon Cherwoniak

@ Bill - I know its officially spring when everyone has quit talking about it.  Being from the Great White North it can cold for awhile here.  We are experienceing a cold snap now -30C (-22 F) over night.  I know its cold when we get close to that -40 where the F and C meet and that's not necessarily a good thing. 

No realy rituals other than shaving the beard, which has already been done for this year due to some pictures over Christmas.  This was a SAU request which at the time seemed relatively minor but with the cold I am missing the extra warmth it provided.

@Chris - Too funny maybe one of these years you will take out the favorite.  Hey at least the bibs still fit.

Gordon

Beth_S

Does obsessively shopping for spring cycling gear count?

Al Truscott

... I do my first ride outside in the sun on roads with neither black ice nor residual moisture on them ... like TODAY!

Paul Hough

...when it's 80 degrees outside on 19 Feb and you are at swim camp in Clermont with Sara McLarty!   I had time to run 10 miles between the morning and afternoon session and was putting on the sunscreen like it was summer. Sorry guys, but that's why I live in the South.

Scott Alexander

First 'event' the last three days means first leg shaving, like Bill. It'll happen once a month now all the way thru my last race of the season - in this case, IMAZ.

docjeter

I know its close here in O=H=I=O because it was 58 degrees last friday, then we got 9 inches of snow yesterday. The end is in sight! Spring WILL come, right?

Kitboo

Pretty sure I'm the only freak who is still hoping for more snow---the skate skiing has been so awesome this winter; and I'm on the steep part of the learning curve.
However, my mountain bike has been really disgruntled due to lack of winter riding. She's planning my next endo. I just know it.
I really wish it would just be good snow for skiing for 2 more weeks then suddenly 40 degrees and dry trail. A complete bypass of mud season.
Spring ritual? Giving my mtb some velo lovin' and drooling over trips to AZ and British Columbia to ride.

gina

it's time to start seeds (indoors) for the summer garden...

 

gilliatt

I am a pretty avid morel mushroom hunter. I follow the morel progression map to watch it progress north across the US. I do a lot more hunting morels than eating of them. I give most of mine away. Luckily I live in an area where they are thick and I can hunt them on my own land or on adjoining farms.

http://www.morelmushroomhunting.com/morel_progression_sightings_map.htm

I also watch the countdown to spring training for baseball.

Bill McKinney

Oh Gina! That's a great idea. I've decided since I only have a small plot that gets good sun to switch over to all herbs this year. Last year I had 3 tomato plants, and they took up too much space for the paltry yield. The fresh thyme, oregano, parsley, and mint, however, gave us lots and lots of good additions to many things (especially mint cocktails)! I'm definitely going to have to get some basil going ASAP...maybe some Thai basil, some purple basil, and some heirloom Genovese. Any other suggestions...maybe we need a separate gardening thread! Yellow thyme? Is sage worth the space it takes up...maybe just to have for Thanksgiving...ooh boy!

Paul Hough

Dudes... I got up this morning at 5am and it was already 69 degrees. It's another 80 degree day right now and when I went out to get the mail, the Ice Cream truck was making the rounds through the neighborhood. It looks like we are sprinting to summertime overnight!