I’ve had some pretty cool jobs in my time, but nothing can compare to the position of Mountain Bike Tour Guide that I once held….oh, and I should also mention that this job was located on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Okay, so having a job that puts you on the seat of a bike has got to be enough to make it the best one ever all on it’s own, but there was so much more to it as well.  The bike tours were catered to the cruise ship passengers who had just arrived on the island and had chosen a bike tour as their option for the day.  We’d get everything from hardcore cyclists to others who looked like they’d never been on a bike a day in their lives.  But no matter who they were, we would have a fantastic time with them.

One of the things that made the tours so great was that I did them along with one of my best friends in the world…..Royston.  He’s been my good friend since I first went to St. Kitts and was even the best man at my wedding, and hanging out at work with my best buddy made things extra special.

I also liked the instant gratification that came with doing the bike tours.  Seeing the smiles on peoples faces and befriending everyone while riding through cane fields and trails was one of the best perks that came with the job.  Of course, having them hand you a nice fat tip before heading back to the ship was a pretty great instant gratification as well.

Working in your element along with your best friend also brings out about as much fun that can possibly be had. Each tour was a bucket full of good times.  Along the tour we would make several stops and give people historical facts about the island, but Royston and I always had a way of making the facts really fun and goofy.  You see, each tour one of us would cycle in front and lead the group while the other would drive the support vehicle behind….and then we’d switch off for the next one.  Well, on the tours that I biked and Royston drove we’d make people laugh with our Plantation House history lesson. We’d tell them about life on the plantation, the slaves, and the eventual abolishment of slavery. Then I’d go on to say that the locals are making up for it now by making the white dude sweat it out here on the bike while my partner relaxes in his truck (see the photo on the right to help you get the joke).

So what was your best job ever?  Did it have anything to do with cycling?  Let us hear all about it.

It’s my Anniversary today.  Yep, seven great years with “the cyclist’s wife” and still going strong.  It all started with our first date on Friday the 13th of July, 2001 and we continued with the theme of the 13th by tying the knot on Sand Bank Beach in St. Kitts on Saturday December 13, 2003.

I’ve really been reminiscing on our time in St. Kitts and today is just one more reason to think about all the great memories had on that island.  It really has been a life full of the good stuff and I’m thankful for all that you’ve helped me achieve and all the places you’ve come along with me.  As I sit here at the computer, my heart and soul is warmed by the thoughts of our wedding on the beach, the flower petals on the sand, the Atlantic ocean views, and of course….the most fantastic wife in the world.

Today’s post might not seem like a cycling type blog, but it’s got everything to do with me becoming the cyclist I am today.  You are my biggest fan, and you make me feel like I’m a pro cyclist on each and every ride.  There’s no itching going on over here, baby…and I look forward to the next 7 years times 10.

For the rest of y’all, thanks for checking out today’s indulgent post, and a Happy 13th to you as well.

Seven Years With the Cyclist’s Wife

Seven years already and how full it has been
The things we’ve done and the places we’ve seen
Although I complain and get mad far too often
I’m living the life that I only used to imagine
You might not believe me or maybe only a little bit
But there were many days I spent dreaming of a relationship just like this
I spend too much time focusing on little things and I rant
You always deliver completely on the things most important

You’ve brought me into the world of being a Dad
Something I never would have known, but I’m so incredibly glad
You told me how great it was and the un-conditional love
Now I know, and it’s something I could never have dreamed of
You’ve helped me become the best Dad I can be
And together we’ve created one incredible Family
This is only one of the things that makes me Love you so much
Also your Smile, your kindness, your values, your touch

Seven years ago today we were living a dream
Getting married on the beach and living on the Atlantic bream
Although that location was my Heaven on Earth
I know there are other things that have much more worth
We may get there again…together we can do it all
With focus and teamwork, together we cannot fall
A lifetime of memories already in all we have done
Makes me excited for the future and the great things to come

I Love You Amanda and enjoy every day
I’ll try to do better with my actions and things that I say
Every day I’ll get closer to the Husband I want to be
Learning and growing….one day we’ll see
I would have loved to buy you gifts and pile them up in a heap
But you know that I happen to be just a little cheap
However, I know you’ll appreciate this much more than something trite
You are a beautiful person…I’m so happy you’re my Wife