We’re approaching peak color here in fall leaves and autumnal bliss. Mornings are significantly cooler. This morning temperatures were around 40F. But days warm up nicely into the middle 60s. I forgot how cold 40F is on October when we aren’t used to it. It’s nothing like 40F in early March after a long cold winter when we’re in shorts and t-shirts!
As we are commuting, riding on errands, joy riding or walking, etc. we see all the changes in seasons this time of year.
Saying farewell to lush green foliage and welcoming all the color of changing and falling leaves are scintillatingly sensational to ride and walk through on a daily basis.
I observe on the wheel of a bicycle and walking leaves spiraling and winding their wondrous way down to the ground with rain drops or gusting winds. Whirlwinds of leaves start, increase in volume and then disappear in the wind as I ride by.
I drive a hybrid car largely once per week for groceries. It comes out to not more than 20 minutes a week in my iron cage. I worry about most people in our society that drive daily for far longer periods of time.
It is my experience that non-car road users are much stronger especially related to senses. They are exposed to the elements on a regular basis and as a result their senses become stronger and more refined. Food tastes better, aromas of nature smell better, hearing is also more acute.
For example, I was riding in a challenge-year on the way home at night from my place of employment. I was looping around the area for more miles and I found myself in a pristine marsh with crickets and geese when I rode harder up a hill and over a bridge where a fast-food restaurant was pumping out dirty grease which subsequently made me deeply nauseous as my lungs inhaled increasingly on the ascent.
As we as consumers continue to refine our senses and hence tastes, manufacturers are forced to improve their products as well.