The bike bug

A few weeks ago I bought myself a bike, and I've really been getting into it! You know those people you see down on the river trail hunched over their road bikes, huffing and puffing and sweating as they push their muscles to the limit to achieve maximum speed? Yeah, that's not me. I bought a bright purplish-pink cruiser with a basket and a cup holder and giant seat for my big... well, let's just say it's comfy. It has back pedal brakes, just like the bike I had when I was a kid, and no fancy gears to mess with. All I need is a bell, and I'll be all set!

The fun thing is that the kids have really been getting into riding their bikes too. We've enjoyed bike rides along the river trail and to Two Rivers Park as well as daily rides through our neighborhood. Brielle is doing great riding like a big girl (no training wheels), and I think she loves the attention. Everywhere we go, people smile and say "Awwww" when they see this tiny cyclist with her unicorn helmet. Perrin told me yesterday that riding his bike feels like a roller coaster ride. I'm all in favor of free thrills.

Even though the kids like riding bikes, sometimes I'm the one trying to convince them to go for a ride with me.

Me: Hey kids, can we go for a bike ride now?
Perrin: Maybe in a few minutes, Mom. I'm kind of busy.
Me: (Waits two seconds) Okay, now?
Perrin: Mom! We can go soon, okay? Just be patient.
Me: (Whining) I wanna go now!

Thankfully, they're good sports and are just about always up for a bike ride with Mom.

Last night we were biking at Two Rivers and it was starting to get dark, so we turned back. We were nearly back to the bridge when we went through the forest, which was significantly darker than the path we'd been on through the open field where all the deer were hanging out. Fireflies were glowing everywhere--it felt like a magical, enchanted forest straight out of a fairy tale.  

I haven't been able to quite put my finger on what it is about being on my bike that brings me so much joy, but I think in a way it makes me feel like a kid again--in a good way. It feels like freedom and fun and energy and exploration. It feels like fresh, clean air and a sense of being alive. It feels like quality family time. And this morning it feels a tiny bit like soreness too. But that's okay. I love my bike.