Yesterday, I briefly mentioned the Japanese practice of “firsts” for the New Year – hatsumode is viewing the first sunrise of the year, while hatsuhinode is the first visit to the shrine.

Many Japanese will write haiku (the 5-7-5 poetry that often evokes nature and related themes) of other firsts such as the first laugh and even the first shopping trip of the year.

So how about 初自転車, or the first bike ride of the year? What is your inaugural bike ride for 2013?

This is a pre-scheduled post, but hopefully I’m a little ways up the coast on California Highway 1. It should be a beautiful if chilly day.

Image from the US Library of Congress via Carlton Reid, who can tell you a little more about it.