Jack Sprat? Jack Sproket? Jack Spoke?

After a long day of studying, my sweetie dragged me out of the house for a trip to Best Buy in order to rope him some birthday loot. He lured me away with the promise of a bike ride - it's about 6 miles to Best Buy, and it would be a nice way of getting exercise today.

After pumping up my back tire (slow leak that I can't find, which means tomorrow's workout will be taking the bike to the bike shop), we took off along a route of my choosing, riding in the street as one should. I found it pleasant; Ferrett had a miserable time. He's wary of the cars and he found it tedious.

So on the way back we took his preferred route (who says I can't compromise?), down Lorain Road on the sidewalk. He was all smiles.

I was miserable. The sidewalk is a lot bumpier, there are all kinds of obstacles to avoid, and it's generally unpleasant.

For Ferrett, though, those challenges were what made his ride enjoyable. His mind and body are busy, summing up the risks, addressing the obstacles, adjusting to the bumps.

He needs a ride that's like a video game. I want a Zen experience. There is nothing Zen about riding the sidewalks.

At the end of the ride, he looked at me sadly. "I guess we're just not meant to ride together."

I smiled back. "On the contrary. From now on, I'll ride on the road, you ride on the sidewalk, and then we can ride abreast and actually talk to each other!"

Together and between us both, we'll lick the problem clean.