Monday, January 14, 2013

There Is Definitely A Line

Yes, I rode to work today.

0700 CST
It was a chilly morning. Last Friday there were bikes and scooters everywhere. Today I didn't see a one. The cold didn't stop the bicyclists, but it seldom does. They are out in all kinds of weather. I've even seen a few souls attempting to ride in the snow. I wonder about the wisdom of such a thing. There is definitely a line between being adventurous and being foolish.

In last Friday's post I mentioned how this area can experience large temperature swings. This had tragic consequences for one family over the weekend. You may have heard about it in the news. A father and two of his sons went for a hike Saturday morning. It was warm Saturday morning, but the forecast was for rain and plunging temperatures. They were caught out on the trail wearing only light weight coats and no raingear. They became lost. In the end, all three died from exposure.

So very sad.

I read the article in our local paper and saw a quote from the father's father-in-law. Talking about the family and how they liked to go camping, hiking, and stuff, he said, "They are very adventurous.” (click here to read the article)

Yes, there is a line between being adventurous and being foolish. Sadly, most often one doesn't know one has crossed the line until it is too late. Here's hoping both you and I have the playfulness and joy to be adventurous, while being wise enough to know where the line is.
  • 18F/-8C and clear for the ride to work.
  • 24F/-4C with a few clouds for the home ride.

4 comments:

  1. That is so deeply sad. Where was the "nagging" mother to say "Here! Put this on!" as they went out the door.

    Weather matters.

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    1. Yes, Martha, weather matters. And, it is very very sad.

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  2. So sad. We must always be prepared not just with supplies or gear but prepared unexpected adventure.

    Whether hiking or riding we must try to minimize risk or at least accept the outcome of that risk however sad it may be.

    Safe travels in your chilly weather.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, planning and being prepared can save an adventure from becoming a tragedy. Tragedy can happen anyway, but we can certainly do our best to make it tougher for it to happen.
      ~k

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