Christie and I used to have a go-to date: she bikes and I run. We did many routes along the dike in Alamosa — and even back in Moorhead — this way, getting to know each other, talk through the mundane, and dream about grand adventures like having kids or trying to locate the best all-you-can-eat buffet.

It’s been far too long, but we’re kind of getting back into it now. There are few things as enjoyable as sharing a magnificent view, trail story, or hard physical effort with another person. When it’s your wife, it’s all the more special.

Before you know it, Novi will be out there, too. She’s already started on the the skierg seatbelt.