By this time of year, I've had just about enough of riding in the cold. I'm "Jonesing" for warmer weather. I KNOW it's coming, but I also know what comes with it...
"Winter warm-up" days and early spring are always a tough time for me as an off-road cyclist.
I can't wait to shed some layers and hit the trails! There's always this new feeling of freedom when I can ride my bike and not feel bound-up like a mummy or Randy from "A Christmas Story."
The catch is that these also tend to be the days when I can potentially cause the most trail damage.
Now there are some days when I can ride an encounter a few soft spots here and there -- and then there are those days when I find myself sinking down and leaving ruts. These are the days I stay off the trails and find someplace else to ride -- even if it means an urban assault or, god-forbid! -- road ride! 
I know that there will be plenty of good days when I can enjoy the trails.
It's not "ALL ABOUT ME," so I try not to be selfish and leave the trail damaged for others.
Not only does this decision spare the trail, it also doesn't leave the trail looking like a mess in the eyes of other user groups.
I really don't want a hiker to go home and say, "you should see the damage those mountain bikers cause to the trails!"
I encourage you to be a responsible off-road cyclist.
Take a minute to learn about what's recommended under certain conditions.
For example: the idea that you shouldn't ride around isolated wet/muddy spots -- that just makes the situation worse and the trail wider.
Eventually, maybe VMB can have a static page with links to some off these basic trail-guide resources from International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) or whoever.
It might also help to educate riders who are new to the sport.
For now, here's a useful page from the IMBA site.