The joy of getting older can be expressed in the form of genuine delight in opening Christmas presents that contain socks and undies, in a way unimaginable as a teenager when you'd watch your Dad do the same. There is nothing, absolutely nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a brand new sock or that gentle cupping of the gentlemans area that new soft, yet slightly supportive pants bring...almost!
Yet even after the first wash, nothing can bring back that virgin sensation. It's gone, forever, and with it the memory of your 'first time'. Most clothes get saggy or worn out. For some, out of favour. Running apparel is a constant cycle of wear and wash, wear and wash. If you're lucky, you might spot it first. A slight whiff as you find a pile of clothes and raise it to your nose. 'Are these clean?' you ask, then equating that smell with fresh laundry.
But when Santa brings you fresh running stuff, again, there's nothing like it. That fresh feeling. Never mind the colour, style or the fit. It's the smell. There isn't one! Simple pleasures for a simple man. There was evidence of a good Christmas night out on the roads this Boxing Day morning. But the best sights were off road as the sun rose across the Bollin Valley. Just a few of us, all agreed that mornings like these make a great start to a day. And bacon!
