Although Friday surprised us with a fresh foot of snow, it was nonetheless a glorious weekend. The plows made their rounds, the sun shone in a clear blue sky, the temperatures rose, and the scarves were distinctly loosened. Navigating through the still snow-covered streets, I could feel something new and fresh in the air - unmistakable signs of Spring.
There was the wet snow, softening under the sun's warm rays.
There were the delicate buds, with their promise of new leaves in the weeks to come.
There were the fences in need of mending, having unburdened themselves of heavy snow banks.
There was a fresher, younger quality of the afternoon sun's glow.
There were the pothole lakes cheerfully reflecting cerulean skies.
There were the colourful chairs on the lawns of local college campuses.
There were the freshly liberated bike lanes.
And perhaps the most noticeable change of all, were the dozens upon dozens of bikes. They emerged out of hibernationen masse, heralding the official start of Spring.
Some of the bikes I had seen in the neighbourhood before, but not since November.
Oh hello again, slate blue Mercier mixte. You look positively radiant!
Long time no see, copper Raleigh Lady Sports. Warming those old bones?
New handlebar tape this season, Bianchi Nuovo Racing?
Oh, but what's this here? You are new this year, aren't you, oh teal Dutch Gazelle with full chaincase?
And you, Babboe cargo trike? I haven't seen you around before. Have you moved to this neighbourhood over the winter? Welcome, welcome.
A local university recently installed bicycle racks along the entire length of their rather expansive Science Center. After sitting largely empty since their installation, on Saturday the racks were suddenly 3/4th full - snow storm of the previous day notwithstanding.
It was not a coordinated effort, but it surely felt like one. The neighbourhood bikes have had their say. And they've declared it the official start of Spring.
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