Mixed relationships can work!

Brian and I are both very enthusiastic about all things bike and all things whitewater kayaking. I had just started to ride on the roades when I met him. He introduced me to mountain biking and helped me through the...er rocky start. He has also helped me push my kayaking skills further than I could ever imagine, running waterfalls and class V rivers. When we travel to our adventerous destinations it is very common, especially in kayaking, to see the hubby without the wife. There are often jokes flying around about "I escaped today, but can't paddle tomorrow." Many people seem envious of us that we can play together and our time together is boundless. Brian and I can spend almost every minute of our lives togther, but that's not a trait that every person has. In some relationships, a weekend boating trip let's both people have their independance and personal time.

It has to do with communication. Cycling and almost anything else is a sport that for the people who do it, are passionate about it. The other member of the relationship has to appreciate (not just accept) that is that important to the other person. But I would suggest, that if you are spending more than 15 hours at your sport on top of leaving for work each day, that you have to discover if that kind of "distant" relationship is something that you want. If you think you will wish he was with you to share in the experience that may pose a long-term problem.

Of course...and I meant to finish it there...we do have all our sports in common, so sometimes there's little to talk about. I can't really interest him in the realm of my unique experience (such as scuba diving) because we do the same thing. "Then there was this big 16' foot waterfall, the right side crashing into jagged boulders..." he'd say, "yea, I saw it." So we are a little limited in that aspect.