Sporting Road

You start dying slowly if you do not travel, if you do not read, If you do not listen to the sounds of life, If you do not appreciate yourself. You start dying slowly When you kill your self-esteem; When you do not let others help you. You start dying slowly If you become a slave of your habits, Walking everyday on the same paths… If you do not change your routine, If you do not wear different colours Or you do not speak to those you don’t know. You start dying slowly If you avoid to feel passion And their turbulent emotions; Those which make your eyes glisten And your heart beat fast. You start dying slowly If you do not change your life when you are not satisfied with your job, or with your love, If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain, If you do not go after a dream, If you do not allow yourself, At least once in your lifetime, To run away from sensible advice… ~Pablo Neruda

After tubing in Jamaica, my daughter is hooked on tubing rivers.  Chukka Tours writes, "Drift into a side of Jamaica that feels slower and more connected at Lethe Village, where river tubing becomes more than a ride — it becomes a cultural journey through the countryside. Glide along the peaceful Great River with rum punch in hand as the lush scenery invites you to relax, take it all in, and experience a different side of the island. Beyond the river, the experience continues through Lethe’s garden pathways, surrounded by local flora and fauna, where your guide introduces the banana plant — a fascinating look at one of the island’s most versatile natural elements. From root to leaf, the story unfolds into the tradition of making duckunoo, also known as blue draws, before you enjoy a pre-made tasting of this island treat. Blending relaxation, flavour, and local heritage, this is an authentic journey through Jamaica’s countryside and culture."   We loved it. I grew up with this on the Apple River, so I'm down too.  Apple River Tubing takes lazy river fun to the next level with over THREE miles of river adventure for the entire family! We provide the tubes and transportation. All you need is a good time. Join us for a tubing or tanking trip at the Tubing Capital of the World! For tubing in Colorado, check this out... https://www.5280.com/5-places-to-tube-in-colorado-this-summer/?utm_campaign=The%20Local&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fpPgmxnNquF7AM9VkbJsQYvs8Y6vod9SiUt1lXHHlsshfmnwlzwwAn5J-weyHghjTWueqNjikWlAjWCQmcKkBjlTSig&_hsmi=311394301&utm_content=311394301&utm_source=hs_email

Why Padel Is Becoming the World's Favorite Racket Sport Pickleball may dominate headlines in the United States, but another racket sport is quietly taking over the rest of the world. It's called padel (pronounced PAD-el), and millions of players are discovering why it's one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. Although padel and pickleball share a few similarities, they're very different games. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash into a fast-paced, highly social sport that rewards strategy, teamwork, and quick reflexes. Once players step onto the court, many quickly understand why it's developing such a devoted following. What Is Padel? Padel is best described as a hybrid of tennis and squash. It is always played in doubles on an enclosed court that's about 25 percent smaller than a standard tennis court. The surrounding glass and mesh walls aren't just barriers—they're part of the game. After the ball bounces on the court, players can use the walls to keep rallies alive, creating longer exchanges and more tactical play than traditional tennis. The scoring follows standard tennis rules, but the serve is always underhand. Because the court is enclosed, there's less time spent chasing balls and more time actually playing. Padel vs. Pickleball The main difference is that padel is a fast-paced, multi-directional sport played inside a glass-enclosed "cage" where the walls are in play, whereas pickleball is a slower, highly tactical game played on a smaller, open court with a signature "no-volley zone" near the net.  While pickleball has historically dominated North America, padel is a massive global phenomenon that is rapidly expanding its footprint into premium clubs across the United States. Tennis provides a more vigorous cardiovascular workout than standard pickleball doubles,