Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday Morning Hike

My wife and I went for a hike through one of our local forest preserves, Maple Lake East. It was a beautiful morning and quite a few people were out enjoying it. Psalm 118:24 (NASB) comes to mind....."This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."  

There were people fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. I snapped some pictures, so I thought I'd share a few of them here.....



A mountain biker coming up the trail.

Another mountain biker enjoying the day.





A shot of Maple Lake; the forest preserve we were hiking around.

There's just something about a relaxin' morning spent fishing.

A group of cyclists taking a break before getting back on the trail.

Some more cyclists enjoying the trails of the preserve.


Friday, June 28, 2013

Quid Pro Quo

Mixed marriages and relationships can be disastrous. Cultural gulfs, societal pressures and ugly prejudices often tear lovers apart. Shattered, both partners are left wondering whether they should've stuck with their own kind.

Yes, it's tough when a cyclist hooks up with a non-cyclist.

At first your two-wheeled hobby seems quaint, even cute. "You want me to wear my Lycra skinsuit to bed? Why would I . . . ohhh."

But six months later, your snookums is screaming: "If I open a cupboard and get clobbered by one more water bottle avalanche, you're going to be sleeping with your precious bike -- in the garage."

For most non-riding partners, the last straw is the new bike purchase. To help you navigate this tricky but essential relationship rite of passage, here are three strategies:

Social Consciousness. You say: "If I have a new bike, I'll ride it to work. I'll use less gas, reduce pollution and cut greenhouse-gas emissions."
This works if you actually start pedaling to work. Or if your partner belongs to Greenpeace, PETA, et al.
It fails if you put your bike in the car and drive six hours to a race every weekend. Or your partner works for the Petroleum Institute.

Personal Growth. You say: "I'll ride more, which will make me happier and less stressed, which will make me a better partner."
This works if the partnership you're referring to involves your lover, not your new bike.
It fails if you ride so much that you're overtrained, which makes you unhappier and more stressed, which makes you a jerk.

Bribery. You say: "If I get a new toy, you get a new toy."
This works . . . every time.

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While I would love to take credit for this humorous missive, I cannot. This comes from the brilliant and hilarious mind of Scott Martin; columnist for Road Bike Rider. This was just too funny not to share.