Bike Crazy

We are obsessed with bikes. Of course, you already knew that. So you shouldn't be too surprised when I tell you that I bought a new bike. What is that you say? Didn't you just buy a new road bike? Just two months ago? Well yes, that is true. I had a good reason for getting that road bike. And I had a good reason for buying a completely different bike this weekend. In the end it all comes from having a new baby in the house. And a love of buying new bikes. But mostly having a new baby in the house.

A new baby changes everything. After Henry was born I was convinced that biking for transportation was no longer practical or even possible. He was so small and delicate. He ate ALL the time. Traveling anywhere with him required careful planning, numerous supplies, and frequent breaks for breast feeding. If I could barely manage trips in the car with an infant, how would I ever survive a trip on my bike?

It seemed like the only answer was to give up utilitarian cycling. Obviously, having an infant and a toddler meant that I would spend my days locked in the house wearing a bathrobe surrounded by dirty dishes and laundry. If I did get out of the house, it would be for story time at the library, and I would have to drive there. So I sold my bike--a beautiful green bike with a rear rack, fenders, and heavy duty tires that could haul home two kids and a weeks worth of groceries, even if it was uphill in a rainstorm. I replaced it with a road bike I found on Craigslist. It was a pure speed machine with a shiny frame and skinny tires. This was a bike for sunny days and spandex shorts. I was going to ride it inside on a trainer at night after the kids were asleep and take it out for longer rides on Saturday mornings. It was the perfect solution for feasibly satisfying my bike cravings.

The only problem is that it didn't satisfy my bike cravings. Riding a bike inside is boring. Night time for a tired mama is better spent laying on the couch eating ice cream instead of donning spandex shorts and doing intervals. I rode when I could, which wasn't very often. In the meantime, things seemed to be getting easier. I had time to get dressed in the morning. I wasn't breast feeding as often. Trips in the car didn't seem to be as crazy. Maybe, just maybe, I could use my bike for transportation with two kids.

But not with my road bike, of course. It can't pull a trailer. I needed a new bike. A bike that can do anything: go fast on a group ride, take me where I need to go, carry a rack, and pull a trailer. So last Saturday I bought a Surly Cross Check. Now I have a bike that can pull the trailer, bring home groceries, and take me to story time at the library. Even better, it is a bike that reminds me that even though I have two kids, I don't have to give up everything that I love. Being a utilitarian cyclists is an integral part of who I am. I can't give it up, and I don't have to.

I love having my new bike. I rode it to the park twice. I road to the grocery store. I rode to Home Depot. And I did it all pulling a trailer with a little baby and a toddler inside. It makes me happy. Life is better with a bike, even if you have to buy two (or three) to find the perfect one.

What a great bike. I did have several twinges of regret after I sold you.

You are so speedy. But wait, you can't pull a trailer. How am I ever supposed to ride you if you can't pull a trailer?

My new bike! Isn't it awesome? I will keep this bike forever! (For some reason Mom doesn't believe me. She said she would give me a gallon of ice cream if I keep it for five years.)

I am taking my new bike out for the first time. Look! I can pull a trailer! Also, note my awesome new super protective polka dotted helmet.

Pancakes in Paradise

Today we took the family to Paradise Canyon in Rio Medina, Texas for the second annual Pancakes in Paradise bike tour.  We rode in the inaugural Pancakes in Paradise bike tour last year and loved it. Of all the bike tours we have done (which are many) this is our favorite! There is nothing better than a beautiful, long ride thru the Texas Hill Country followed by a pancake brunch next to a lazy river.

Paradise Canyon

This year rather than taking the entire bike caravan on the bike tour, Matt went solo on his speedy bike while I stayed behind in the canyon with the kiddos. Worried that my own speedy bike was a little jealous being left at home? Don't be! On our next bike tour it will be my turn to cruise through the Hill Country. This is the best way: Active three year olds and long bike rides just don't mix very well.

The pack is ready to head out into the fog.

Matt is ready to head out on the ride.
 Howie is crying because it is taking too long, and he is ready to play

Howie was quite happy to be left behind. He had water, mud, a bucket, and a shovel, which is pretty much all a little boy needs to be happy. He played in the water with a bunch of other little kids and a dog for a solid four hours and wouldn't even stop for pancakes. Henry slept, as he probably would have done if he had gone on the bike ride.

Meanwhile, Matt very much enjoyed his 45 mile ride. I will brag a little bit and tell you that he was the very first person from the 45 mile ride to make it back. As Matt said, "I've still got it." After he got back we both enjoyed some well-earned pancakes and relaxed in the sun. Then hot, tired, and happy, we headed home.

Kite Festival

This Saturday we took our bike caravan on a ride along the Salado Creek Greenway. After pedaling for 8 miles on a quiet path surrounded by wildflowers, we happened upon a kite festival in the park. So we dropped our bikes on the grass, pulled out a blanket, and enjoyed a picnic lunch under a canopy of floating butterflies, airplanes, frogs, and squids. A day just doesn't get much better than that.