Originally Posted by autonomy

Hey, I'm in the same position as you (toddler) and get the feeling - sometimes you genuinely need to help out, but often it's just feeling guilty about not helping your spouse or not spending time with the kid... I found that you just have to make a plan and go out and ride and they will really be OK without you for a couple of hours. I try to get up early (like, plan to leave by 6:30am or even 6 if you can), get my fix in, then back around 9-9:30 to continue doing whatever it is we have planned with the family. Sometimes, if I'm unable to do it on the weekend, I go out Monday mornings and just get to work a half-hour or so later (I have that luxury). Driving will surely cut into your riding time, but if you find that epic route, it's totally worth it... but yeah, I'd keep the driving time under 30-40 mins.

Originally Posted by athrowawaynic

Yeah, no question. Often, perceived need > actual need. Good thought to just set a defined drive time. In fact, I can think of one trail I'd like to explore that fits the bill. Thanks!