Autumn. Say what you will, it's the season of change. Elections, new school years, new fashion (if you are so inclined.). But mostly leaves. Ah yes. Leaves. They do not change here, in perfect weather "OMG-I-don't-even-know-is-it-winter-or-summer" San Diego. In other parts of the world, like Flag, and leafer mecca, vermont, the public is starting to get a wondrous little show that adds such ambience to life. Sets the mood. In memory of that, I'll share a favorite memory. October 2004, I was with the NAU cycling club somewhere in the peaks. We crested a hill and a glorious autumn rain started, barely perceptible to us, but it started a cascade of gold, orange, and merlot aspen leaves to fall. We were enveloped in leaves, and riding the trail was like riding a golden path in a world of orange. Somewhere along the line, I let the brake go and I just remember flying through the trees. Everyone has memories of special almost zen like moments. Most all of mine take place in the fall. Tour de fat, the first blister of cold, and biking around a deserted copenhagen at sunrise all sit there in my head, fall as the backdrop. Its a time of year that's good for the memories. So even if I can't have leafy memories this year at least it doesn't mean the end of cycling season. So maybe san diego has something going for it there....