When you start seeing those big flakes of snow floating down from heaven, it's hard not to get your hopes up. The throttle thumb starts twitching and the need for speed flows through your veins.
But alas, Mother Nature is just doing that thing she does-teasing us.
Let's be real, no matter what we want to think, winter doesn't come in October. Any flakes of snow we see in the valley will be gone before we can even put fuel in our sleds. Snow before Halloween is pretty much no more than an obnoxious rain.
True, the higher elevations might hold on to a little of the accumulation, particularly in those areas that are sheltered from the sun. But unless you are ready to ride the moment the snow stops falling and the sun breaks through the clouds (and willing to chance the rocks, stumps and whatever hazards that are lurking under the snow), even this snow only serves as a glance at what's to come.
Now don't get me wrong, I do like to see those big flakes stacking up on top of each other . even though it does create havoc with my golfing plans. But I've come to understand that snow in October is much different from snow in November. Although snowmobilers get excited by October snow, it is actually meant to stimulate the hunters. They are the ones who best benefit by these harvest storms.
So for now, I'll just sit back and wait until the golf courses reopen for the last few weeks of the season. I'll keep the sled stowed away, perhaps taking a few minutes to polish the hood or tinker with some suspension adjustments.
The time is short. Winter will be here. There's just no need getting too excited until it's our turn to enjoy what Mother Nature offers.
SJ