The biggest thing is that I am not really a fair weather- leisure cyclist. So if we just biked to the park when everyone was up to it- then yeah- she would be on her own. But honestly each time I mentioned the idea of riding on the rail trail on cape cod- she pooh pooh'd it. So I stopped asking.
Case in point on non leisure riding: Tonight we rolled in from a weekend on the Cape. It was after 6 and we decided that we wanted to have pasta and meatballs. The kids were out of the tree from the 2 hour ride and needed to not be in a car one more second. So we went home to unpack. Well B unpacked and then filled his completely empty car up with gas as I took the kids in the opposite direction to pick up Comella's meatballs. One mile on a fairly hilly terrain- at 6-7PM. Not the ideal time to try to get an 8 and 5 yr old to ride quickly and make haste to pick up some food. No worries though- they happily hopped on the seat, Girlpie bringing her book along and she and Tuber chatted and read while I rode a strictly utilitarian ride for dinner.
The motor made the hills easier especially as I was feeling like I wanted to make the trip and back in as little time as possible. I neglected to time myself- but next time I will.
There is no need to justify. It seems only yesterday that my own 17 year-old was 8. For now, you are building strong foundations and that is BIG.
ReplyDeleteIf your bike is your vehicle, why should you need to make excuses for transporting your kids in your vehicle? No one would expect you to take your car and make the kids drive behind in their Power Wheels (TM).
ReplyDeleteI know saying that doesn't stop the criticism from other people. And I know that in a few years, I am going to have to come up with some sort of cargo bike for my toddler as she out grows the baby trailer. Then I'll have to deal with the minivan people too. It just irks me that people make a big deal about it. At least in the cargo bike, they are getting fresh air and talk time with Mom.
Thanks SteveA- I agree with you- yet I still find all kinds of ways to justify. I figure that it's good to document it all so other people can here and share and maybe someday the idea will be a non issue...
ReplyDeleteErin B- You are right. I keep thinking about it as a when will girlpie be too embarrassed to sit in my bike But she would never be embarrassed for a ride in the car... so far she's very happy riding and always prefers the bike.
MV, What did you buy? Is this Christiania a box bike that is electric? I think electric is a great idea. I have a Brompton, and I understand they are developing an electric assist one. I will probably sell mine and get one of those when they come out.
ReplyDeleteI think the whole point is you don't need a 3000 pound box of metal to transport you, your kids, and your shopping all the time. With hills, electric assist is perfect.
Lynne in MD