In the fall of 2020 Kelsie went to Pioneer Midwest to buy XC skate skis. It just so happened Jake was the one selling her skis that day and asked her out an hour after meeting her. Kelsie's friend and co-worker, Rita, recommended Pioneer Midwest when Kelsie asked her where to buy XC skis, because her friend, Adam, is one of the shop owners. (Confused with the connection yet??) So, after work on September 28, 2020 Kelsie walked into the ski shop and was immediately greeted by a grinning and friendly, Jake. Jake fitted Kelsie for skis and brought out nearly every boot in the store for her to try on while they talked for an hour. Jake's co-worker, Tom, was observing the ski fitting process on his second day of work and would later ask Jake, "What exactly are we selling here?" Tom likes to tell the story from his perspective whenever he has a chance. Kelsie finally made a selection on boots, paid for her new gear, and Jake kindly offered to walk her the ~20 feet to her car. Before she left, he asked her if she wanted to go skiing sometime. A safe (but effective) move. They exchanged numbers, and Kelsie, not wanting to wait until there was snow to see him again, suggested they go on a bike ride. Three days later, on October 1, 2020 they went on a 38-ish mile bike ride (complete with a stop for tacos and beer). Jake could keep up with Kelsie on a bike, wasn't as socially awkward as he claimed to be from his homeschool upbringing, and really was "the nicest guy you'll ever meet" as she'd been told by mutual acquaintances. Jake will say later he didn't realize how much of a test that first bike ride was, after getting to know Kelsie and her family. (He passed the cycling test, no problem.) They've been biking, hiking, climbing, skiing, running, backpacking, and more together ever since. :)

Jake proposed in Afton, Minnesota next to the St. Croix River, halfway through an 80-mile bike ride (of course it was on a bike ride) on June 12th, 2022. They enjoyed the rest of the ride home together before calling family and friends to share the news!