Flashback to 2018 - I'll tell the story (Ashley) I was living and working in Dallas, Texas as an Interior Designer and living with a good friend from LSU on the east side, near white rock lake. I had always loved riding my bike and would ride down the Santa Fe trail, which later connected to White Rock Lake in the heart of east Dallas. For those who are not from Texas, it is hot AF almost all year-round, especially the summers. Many flock to the nearest bodies of water and White Rock Lake is a popular spot for walkers, runners, rowers, and most common - cyclists! Who knew people here took it so seriously. I casually road bikes in college and had purchased my first road bike while attending LSU. I became in love with it and enjoyed riding after work down to the lake and on weekends. A friend of mine encouraged me to check out the group ride scene and *hopefully* connect with other women/maybe meet a cute guy to ride with. I started attending a Wednesday night group ride that was locally run by a shop in town. I was terrified to check it out, but it ended up being a good time and people were very friendly. I can remember one evening we stopped at a spot around the lake to wait for others to join the ride. Along came this cute, red-headed, tattooed guy who seemed to know many on the ride. I'll never forget his smile and friendly demeanor, but of course I didn't say a word to him. I stayed quiet in the back and watched from afar. Flash forward to January 2019... I had taken a hiatus from dating and had my first heartbreak a year before. One weekend, a friend was in town from LSU and talked me into getting on the apps again after her positive experiences. After some convincing, I agreed. I downloaded an app and low and behold the first person to pop up was Clayton. I immediately recognized that smile and tattoos. He had a photo in a cycling kit, the same one I saw on the ride, so I knew it was him. After messaging him asking if he attended those rides, we began chatting. In true Clayton fashion, he was direct and persistent on scheduling a date pretty quickly. I already had a date scheduled with a different guy that Saturday night before ours and wanted to cancel, but my mom encouraged me to go regardless. Let me tell ya, it was not great and all I could think about was how excited I was for Clayton and I's the next day. Knowing that Clayton was a bit edgier style-wise than me, I wore my vans and a flannel - had to look cool and casual! We met for coffee in the afternoon and ended up talking for a few hours. Of course he commented on my vans during conversation - bonus points. I knew it then and there that I really liked this guy. As we were leaving, Clayton immediately asked me what I was doing the next day or so. Giddy and excited, I drove straight to one of my best friends apartment to give her the recap and told her, "I am going to marry that guy." Almost 6 years later, Covid long distance, a big move to Denver and 2 dogs, here we are! We are so thrilled for this next adventure and cant wait to be surrounded by the people we love in our favorite place, the mountains!