Play dates on wheels

    After dropping Ava off at preschool we had a little playdate via the bike. Luke's got to bring a friend for our ride. We saw ducks, got a muffin, and went to story time at the library and got to Avas school in time to pick her up and drop of Sammy (lukes BF).  Now I need to figure out how to haul more than two kids around. I need a cargo bike.

  If you've read some of my previous posts you'll notice I'm interested in a box-bike (carries the kids in front) but I have yet to find one the is right for me (plus they are $$$$). I just so happen to have an engineer for a brother who just so happens to build bamboo bikes and just so happens to hold workshops to teach people to build bamboo bikes http://www.bamboobikestudio.com/. So I was lucky enough to go for a visit to their Brooklyn workshop to learn to build a bike. Together with Marty and his parteners we are going to engineer and build a bamboo cargo bike! I'll post more on our adventure later. Building my own bike frame was an amazing experience and if you get lucky enough to get a chance (even if your brother isn't the owner) I highly reccomend it. Check out my future posts for more on the trip.

Slowing down.

We're still not commuting full time on our bike yet, but we are making a conscience effort to use the bike as much as possible. I've really been struggling with what we can and cannot accomplish on the days we use the bike. We never seem to be able to fit everything in.
Then a day like today happens, and I realize that not fitting everything in may be the point.  We had a great day doing nothing but playing in our garden, walking in town, feeding ducks, and biking around. It was slow, we were by ourselves, and it was beautiful. It helps that we live in a truly amazing town (something I often forget).
So while we may not be biking all the time (I goal I still hope to achieve), we are enjoying our journey.

The Breeze Through My Hair

Today I couldn't find my helmet. We were late to drop Ava off at school and we really had to leave. I did it. I rode my bike without a helmet. I have to say (while I won't do it again- I promise mom) it felt great. There is something about the spring air when you live by the ocean when the fog is rolling in and the weather is warm. Without my helmet my hair was blowing behind me and memories of childhood blew with it. Yippee!
Remember when we didn't think to wear helmets?  The free feeling didn't last long because I felt very conscious of the people looking at me and I felt, judging the irresponsible mom.

I also had a challenge of getting a snack basket to school filled with fruit and vegetables for 15 of Ava's classmates. It didn't fit in the kids trailer and I don't have a cargo rack on the back of the bike so I had to hold in my hand as we traveled into town. It worked out OK, but I really need to get the right gear if I'm going to be successful with bike commuting.

Now the rain has started to fall yet again, but the bike is ready for another day tomorrow.

Black Iron Horse

From Sorte

 

From Sorte

weekend we had the pleasure of trying the Sorte Jernhest a cargo trike bike. This is not a bike to try if you don't want to get noticed. I felt like an old fashioned ice cream vendor. At first glance this is a huge bike. It barely fit in the back of my dad's full size pick up. Although the width of the bike is less than my double Bob stroller (meaning it will be able to maneuver through most streets. The one we tested was in yellow. The cargo area is made of aluminum. It is roomy and comfortable. 

The most notable aspect of the bike is the rear steering (yep- it steers from the back wheel). This took some getting used to. I felt like it was going to tip at first. It also rattled loudly. Once I had weight in it the bike it was smooth. Once we added the weight of the passengers it was even better.  They claim it can carry up to 350lbs. At one point I had two kids, my mom, and our dog Rosie Pancakes (a lab).  I was literally in hysterics (we all were), but this is when you can see the true power of the bike. 

It has a drum and coaster and parking brake (the brake would be a must have for me with a trike bike). It has a 5 speed internal SRAM hub with dual chains. The mechanism seemed pretty complex to a novice like me. It did have a certain power to me. I could come to a stop on a hill and start up again without to much trouble. Thats pretty amazing with that kind of weight. I'm not sure about the dual chains. It seems like a lot of maintenance. 

I was unsure of a trike bike on Maine streets (and narrow shoulders roads), but after trying the Sorte I am intrigued. I'd love to try a more traditional trike (front steering). Plus, I really love the aesthetics of a wood cargo area and if I'm spending $4000+ on a bike I feel I can be picky! 

So in the end this bike is not for us, but I did really enjoy it and had loads of fun trying it.  If you ever get a chance to test one of these out go for it. 

From BlackIronHorse

From Sorte

Must Remember

Today was the the first day I ran multiple errands with the kids on the bike.  I'm glad we're easing into this there is a definite learning curve.
Here are things I need to remember:

1)Allow for extra time. I'm always on the late side anyway and when I add loading the kids into the trailer and traveling by human power we're talking really LATE (almost should we even go late)!
2)Schedule. We cannot leave place A and be at place B 5 miles away in 5 minutes. Schedule less activities.
3)Pack the trailer as if it were a car. Normally my car is already stocked with extra diapers, emergency snack raisens, extra clothes, toys, and the kitchen sink.
4)Get friends that live closer (just kidding). 10+ miles away and we had to drive.

In the end we had a great day traveling by bike and car.  We called it our adventure. The kids did much better in the trailer after I realized they were complaining because the seat where they sit doesn't have any support so they cave in to the middler. I was able to role a blanket and place it in the middle of them under the seat- seemed to work. I also put a hat under Luke's helmet so it didn't fall into his eyes. Oh, and we were hunting bear and purple moose so that kept us busy. 
Here a quick rundown of the day, mostly on the bike:


1. Bike to the dentist for Ava
2.Decide there is no way we can get to their sports class in time so skip it in favor of a bagel.
3.Bike to Casa de La Renny to get the most greatest fancy gift we could find for a birthday party Ava has on Saturday (presents for 4 year girls are just so easy).
4.Bike home, grab the dog, drive to friends house for a playdate.
5.Come home, drop off dog, bike to river to walk in the woods to finish our purple moose hunt. We regret to say we didn't find one, but we see lots and lots of pink and orange flying elephants.
6.Bike back home so kids could do their own biking in the yard. Squeeze in dinner. Plan for tomorrows activities sans the car. Get to Bed.

People For Bikes: Why Do You Ride?

After biking with the young ones today to school, to the library, and to the grocery store and listening to a bit of winning in the back round, "he's touching me", "i'm not comfortable" I really needed this poem as a reminder why we're committing ourselves to less time in the car. .
I just had Ava listen to this and she was sold at "snow days and oil tankers carrying chocolate milk"

Beauty in Biking

                        http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4443463973_6ff1af577b.jpg

You know you're stylish when you can pull off a fur coat while biking....wait can one ever pull off a fur coat?