My Love Affair with Beach Boardwalk Biking

The beach, Disneyland, bathing suit clad men, 80-degree weather, Sea World, beautiful landscapes – what’s not to love about California?

I just got home from the Sunny State on Sunday and I already miss it. I went to the annual Pageant of the Masters show, did a little shopping and spent lots of time at the beach. While at the beach, I rented a beach cruiser and cycled up and down the boardwalk. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite activities.

My love affair with boardwalk biking has a long history. I fell in love with the activity as a young girl accompanying the Stewarts on one of their annual beach trips. While riding a two-person bike, Heidi and I almost ran over a woman roller skating in a cheetah print bikini. To this day, I still laugh out loud when I remember this incident.

Laughter is always a byproduct of boardwalk biking, which is why I enjoy it so much. Earlier this year, my sister found a bike that would accommodate eight. We had to have it, despite my brother-in-law’s wishes. We piled in, with two kids in the front basket, and laughed as we rode up and down the boardwalk.

Last weekend, I opted for the simple, traditional, one-person beach cruiser. I rode along the coast recalling the cherished memories of boardwalk biking with family and friends. And I laughed.

It’s great to be me.

Looking for Love

A few months ago, my bishop called me into his office to ask me if I had “exhausted all my options” with dating. I quickly answered, “yes!” He then raised his eyebrows and said, “even online?”

Ironically, those who have never been required to use this online tool are great advocates of the program. Those of us who have actually logged on a time or two know better.

So here I am in my second week of having an online dating profile and the popular song “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places” keeps running through my mind. In fact, I’m convinced the songwriter for this popular tune was inspired to write these lyrics specifically for online hopefuls.

My inbox is now full of emails from interesting fellows. Here’s a sampling of what I’ve received to date:

“I believe we played with each other in the pre-existence. I remember pushing you on the swings.” ~ a 71-year-old from California (yes, 71)

“You haven’t responded to my email in two days so you’re obviously not taking this opportunity seriously.” ~ a 38-year-old from Utah

And my personal favorite:

“You’re gorgeous. Are you normal?” ~ a 40-year-old from California