Go on an Adventure! The world is full of amazing people.

One of the most important elements of health is the ability to perform healthy exercises that do not feel like work and are an opportunity for play. This past weekend, my dad and I took a few days off on our bikes and explored southeast Wisconsin. We spent that time on the Glacial Drumlin Trail, a rail-to-trail route from Milwaukee to Madison. Within a 50-hour time frame, we racked up 161 miles and camped off our bicycles for 2 nights. We stopped for water when we were thirsty, we pulled over for snacks when we were hungry, and quenched our appetite for bicycling by stopping at every bike shop we found along the way. After setting up camp, we rode to the nearest grocery store for supplies to eat fresh every night. The first night consisted of beef tenderloin cooked medium rare over an open fire with onions and mushrooms to top it off. It was one of the best meals I have had in years! Along the trail, we met other cyclists who saw we were packed up and were curious about our adventures. They would slow down, talk, and ask what we were up to. When attempting to pick up firewood with bicycles, a friendly farmer moseyed out to the end of the driveway and started a conversation with us. After a few minutes, he offered to load his truck full of wood and drive it to the campsite for us. Each time we stopped, we were greeted with curiosity and support from everyone who saw us exploring the world off our bikes.

Most importantly, I spent some incredible time with my dad. We had all that time to talk, contemplate life’s trials, and experience the physical challenges of the route and the miles. He is nearly 70 years old and stuck with me every step of the way. We never know how many opportunities we have with the people in our lives or how many opportunities they have with us. There is always work to be done, responsibilities to prioritize, and feelings to express, and without some occasional exploring and play, those responsibilities seem to lose a little bit of meaning. When we returned home after 50 hours, my three sons were there to greet me and their grandpa with excitement. I can’t think of anything more valuable than being that example for my sons. Be strong, explore, stay playful, and love those around you. I am greatly looking forward to their next adventure and to being able to join!