ypsi~dixit

Our hardy pioneer forefathers were all about sustainable fun. They didn't burn fossil fuels to go to some energy-burning entertainment facility only to be bored due to the lack of what Ignatius J. Reilly called "a rich inner life."

Nosir. They were perfectly happy biking to distant arboretums and eating muenster cheese on baguette slices and oranges and trail mix and Earl Grey tea and gummi bears, and admiring in awe and gratitude the surfeit of summer beauty all around.

Let's take an instructive lesson from their example.

The challenge of the day is to not second-guess yourself. Actually, that will probably be too steep an order for most people. If you can keep from third- and fourth-guessing yourself, consider yourself a high achiever. The void, of course, moon in Virgo likes to be certain. Unfortunately, today there is nothing less certain than certainty.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Leaping before you look has never been wise, though often for you, it works into a funny story, if nothing else. This is a good day to be more mindful, cautious and mature.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Keeping different parts of your life aloft is a tough juggling act. Drop a ball now and then. It isn't nearly as embarrassing or disastrous as you feared. In fact, it's what makes you human.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Sometimes, knowing all the answers has less to do with asking the right questions than it does with accepting that your life is not a test you can pass or fail. The only marks that count are the ones you give yourself.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If you let your guard down, you may reopen old wounds that never really healed to begin with. However, allowing yourself to feel the pain for a moment leads to a lifetime of full recovery.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You can't force people to be peaceful. It's a state that is only achieved through understanding. So, as much as loved ones feud around you, don't get involved or try to solve anything. Your example of compassion is influence enough.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Today features interesting twists in the plot and new information that bubbles to the surface. Don't bother taking scrupulous notes -- you won't be able to capture moments this way. Let your heart be your record.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Supermarkets line the shelves around the perimeter of the store with quick-fix junk food. Feed your soul like you should your stomach by venturing into the middle aisles and making life choices that are healthy and satisfying.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Hey, you water-treading silly! Start grabbing hold of the lifelines being thrown to you. You're doing others a favor, too, you know. Everyone needs to be needed sometimes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Relationships blossom once you get past the futile finger-pointing stage. When the blame game stops, you may discover that you're really with a partner who is generous enough to share everything.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A friendship may indeed require more of an effort than you want to make. Do an honest assessment of the price you're willing to pay to keep the relationship alive. If the cost is too dear, cut your losses.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Oh, the responsibilities! Sometimes you're able to derive pleasure from your talent, but now it seems the pleasure is all for other people! Reserve hours to be joyfully lollygagged away for you and you alone.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The stars highlight the complexities of your position. Your plan is to simply do your best. It's a fine plan. If the end result is good, then don't worry what the critics say. If not, disregard the praise you've received and try again.

I for one am impressed. I've done the Ypsi-Ann Arbor ride a few times, but could not consider myself a "true biker"...yet. Still working on it.

Biked to work today - temperature was reasonable when I left the house at 5:30 this morning. Just stepped outside for lunch. Yikes! It's going to be a very hot ride home.

Tom: I don't need to tell you to take it easy on the way home. Bring water and take a bandanna, soak it in water, twirl it into a coil, and tie it around your neck (my favorite trick for keeping cool). There's a heat advisory on, and it could spell a real medical emergency for some people.

Lisa: Once you do it, you'll see how easy it really is. It's all nice, easy paths. It's mostly just a matter of time more than anything. I am a slow biker and it takes me 1 hour 15 minutes door to door between home and work.

But, especially in the fall, it's so exquisitely beautiful.