Bike Ridin'

Up until this spring the kids were happy cruising around on their 3 wheelers.  Whether it was on the deck, in the driveway, or on the basketball court at the park, they could get some serious speed for a trike, and occasionally we would have a rollover incident.

We finally decided it was time to learn to ride their big bikes, without training wheels. The whole process was set into motion when G&G  brought a just-his-size bike, along on their visit, for 'The Boy'. We started him on it with no training wheels and the pedals removed...the cheap way to do a balance bike. Kate somewhat unwillingly, but not to be outdone by her brother, followed suit, and allowed us to remove her pedals and training wheels too.  In a week they were ready to put the pedals on.  We waited one more week before doing so...and they took off like they'd been doing it all their lives!  It was that simple. I would have tried it a long time ago if I had known it would be that easy...but then, they probably wouldn't have been so ready. :)  It definitely gave me my freedom back to get out for exercise! They no longer all fit in the Schwinn. With them on their tricycles and Aubrey in the Bob I could get in a brisk 1/2 mile walk at best, usually pulling The Boy along by a rope, and the trikes are unbelievably loud on asphalt.  The bikes with training wheels were 2 slow to rollerblade with and 2 fast for walking. Running is not my thing cuz I have a bad knee, so it was just plain inconvenient to get out much with the kids.  Now we have been going on a family bike ride several evenings a week (well, I actually rollerblade). It is SO much more fun, even if I don't get to go quite as fast as I used to.  Sometimes I do the extra loop alone while Mr. Wise Guy keeps pace with the kids.  The first day that they got their pedals on, they were so excited they rode a total of 7 miles...but the typical ride is 3 1/2 miles.

Startin out after dinner.

 We get to see lots of beautiful sunsets!

 And sometimes a glorious Moonrise.

 Occasionally we stop in and visit with the neighbors a little.

 This Boy LOVES his bike, and will spend every spare minute of his time riding.

 This young lady is determined to be the leader. She didn't take kindly to me trying to get ahead of her to take the photo. :)  That look of mischief was accompanied by a sudden burst of speed.

 Then we stopped at the corner to wait for the boys to catch up so we could grab a drink out of the trailer.

 Even though his legs are going like crazy the whole time, he still struggles to keep up sometimes, as his wheels are so small.  But he never gets too tired to keep on going. :)

 It was my turn to hang back with The Boy, while Daddy and Kate pedaled lazily along in front of us.

 Miss Aubrey is enjoying having the WHOLE trailer to herself...with room for toys!  Last year she had to squeeze in between her brother and sister, and it was pretty tight. :D

 The sun is setting...

 and we've caught up to the front runners or riders, as the case may be. The Boy takes the lead for a rare moment. :D

 There are occasional bunnies to spot, as well as deer often along this stretch.  Tho I have never had my camera along in all times we've seen the deer.  Last fall a doe with 3 fawns ran across right in front of me. There was also a buck that made an appearance a few times along with the 4-5 does.

 Notice the smoke from the wildfires is blocking out the last of the sunset.

Last but not least, I finally got a video to load. So here you go, Grandpa D and Grandma Jo. You finally get to see the kiddos in action. :) Please excuse the unsteadiness and the noise. I am rollerblading while videoing.