Three-day weekends are a hell of a good time to try something new. We're guessing the above won't happen to you. Even if it does, it's fun to branch out.
Whether you're new to a sport or a regular who needs some extra miles before you eat all the foods!, here are some fun ways to move this three-day weekend.
Cycle
Social rides offer a low-key way to get into a rad culture. Many neighborhoods have "Bike Friendly" groups that organize regular casual rides. Even better? Many involve beer and brunch.
Bike Friendly Deep Ellum hosts regular Thursday night "no drop" rides, meaning all skill levels are welcome and no one gets left behind. Tonight, they're rollin' red, white and blue style, leaving Braindead Brewing around 6:30 p.m. and returning for brews around 8:30. Total mileage: 25 around Deep Ellum. Drink one for America.
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More of a brunch person? Out in the 'burbs? Pathfinders Fun Cycling makes a valid point: If you're going to an afternoon July 4th BBQ, you might need something to hold you over until your late lunch, organizer Mark Solow says.
If you're up for it, you'll meet at Solow's house -- 730 Oak Hollow Lane in Highland Village at 9 a.m. on July 4. The group goes "wheels down" at 9:15 and arrives at Einstein Bros. Bagels for brunch on the patio around 10. The ride ends back at the Solows' home around 11:15, which sets you up for a good day of belly stuffing to follow.
It's ride at your own pace, but riders should be able to maintain a minimum average speed of 10 mph. Total mileage: About 15 on multi-use paths with about 15 percent road riding. Be sure to bring: Helmet, water, phone and money for brunch.
Swim
There's nothing more patriotic than an eagle, and the Dallas Fraternal Order of Eagles' pool is one of the most-lauded summer experiences in North Texas. It gets crowded, so do not tarry -- show up early to stake out a chair or reserve a cabana and enjoy classic rock, delicious dishes from the grill and discount-price drinks ($1 Jell-O shots, anyone?). They don't call it "redneck heaven" for nothing.
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West of Dallas? Slather on your sunscreen because the only thing that should be roasted at Fort Worth's Fourth is the meat on the street tacos. If you want wet, Panther Island Pavilion is your destiny: There's tubing (tubes and life jackets are free), plus water slides, zip lines and jet ski acrobats (for viewing, not doing).
On the east side of town? Jump in the Harry Myers Park pool and stick around for Rockwall's 4th of July Fireworks Show, replete with Creedance Clearwater Revival and Journey tribute bands.
Want more sand, surf, seafood and sips this summer? Check out the best ways to get beachy in D-FW.
Run
Even the most dedicated runners have trouble getting in some mileage during the summer months in Texas. Running with other people -- and in crazy garb -- helps.
If you're near Fair Park on Saturday, check out the City of Dallas Parks Department's Dallas 7/4, featuring unique 7K and 4K distances and free tickets and entry to the midway, as well as awards for top finishers, free snacks and drinks, commemorative shirts and a jaunt around patriotically decorated fairgrounds. Races kick off at 7:40 a.m. to beat some of the heat, and a post-race party with live music -- plus beer and Nathan's famous hot dogs available for purchase through the Fair Park concessionaire -- starts at 8.
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Allergic to sun? The Frisco Freedom Festival's Hotter Than Firecrackers 5K starts at 9 p.m. on July 3 and runners race through Frisco Square with flashing LEDs and neon duds. Even better? Just before the starting gun, adorable dachshunds take part in a footrace of their own.
For the maniacs, McKinney's Red, White and Blue run offers 5K and 1K distances on July 4, plus a "run and pump" feature for the second year in the row. It's not like it sounds (or maybe it is?): Following the 5K, runners bench press 80 percent of their body weight. For each press, they get to take 10 seconds off their total time. For a fast, strong runner that can mean the difference between second place and the $100 prize for the overall 5K winner. More of a power walker? No bigger. There are fun finisher medals for all.
Stretch
Perhaps you'd like to get centered before you get crunk this weekend, and all we can say to that is, "The divine awesome in us recognizes and honors the divine awesome in you."
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Dallas Yoga Center offers free sun salutations in Klyde Warren Park from 10 -11 a.m. every Saturday morning, and this week is no exception. Can't make it Saturday? No worries: Exhale Dallas leads another class from 10-11 every Sunday. Have some free time on Friday? Head over to the Crow Museum for yoga in the gallery with Dallas Yoga Center. Bring a mat, some water, and good vibes.
If you're north of Dallas, Plano's Yoga Tree hosts yoga in Haggard Park on Saturday, starting at 9:45 a.m. It's free, but they do ask you please RSVP online.