We have lived a stone's throw away from Central Park for over four years now, and it wasn't until this past Monday morning that we got our patooties to the neighborhood bike shop to rent bikes and go for a spin around The Loop.
Well, it was awesome. Better than awesome. Spectacular. The kiddos felt so free and exhilarated, Taro and I were totally invigorated from the much-needed exercise, and it was so great to experience the shift in perspective that comes from hopping on a bike and traveling well-known terrain. We stopped for a picnic lunch in Sheep Meadow and while we ate we realized what we had to do.
We had to have bikes. For keeps. Even though that would mean parking them in the tiny dining area of our apartment (which is really just a table parked in our living room).
So in an act of unparalleled impulsiveness, we bought our own bikes when we returned the rental ones to the shop. We bought helmets and child seats and water bottles and the works.
Today, when Taro got home from work the boys and I were waiting, ready to go, and we took our inaugural spin around the park, arriving back home just before sunset.
We had a blast, as you can see from the photos above, which were snapped as we walked our bikes the last half-block to our apartment.
It's going to be a fun Summer.
Who needs a dining area for dining anyway?
UPDATE: Unfortunately, the original version of this post was deleted during the Blogger Blackout, along with several comments. If you left a comment the first time, I apologize that your words have been lost :( Please feel free to comment again, if you wish.
Can't wait to see you guys in action!
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you on this! We're about to leave Rome (horrendously bad and dangerous city for biking) and head back Stateside where the air is cleaner and roads are safer, so I can't wait to buy a bike and bike seat for Roman. I hope he'll love it as much as your boys seem to!
ReplyDeleteI had the same realization! I love the picture of your boy all zonked out on the back, too cute! I miss riding bikes a lot and I think I am going to have to buy this summer too!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is gonna be a marvelous summer!!!
ReplyDeleteI just moved to a new place and lost the porch hat used to house my bike. I've been feeling like I need to take it out more too. Inspiring!
ReplyDeleteLeigh,
ReplyDeleteConor just bought a little seat for Gus last week and we have been addicted to taking him around the loop. We even have our little coffee stop, then spin then playground routine going. Its the best.
beautiful sleepy boys! oh please oh please you can you guys display your new bikes like this?? http://knifeandsaw.wordpress.com/bike-shelf/
ReplyDeletei think they are just about the coolest! miss you all lots. xoxo
It's gonna be one amazing summer!!
ReplyDeleteWhat seats are on the bike for the boys? I'm looking into getting one of those put on my bike for my toddler.
ReplyDeleteI just got a bike seat for my kiddo and it is SO MUCH FUN to ride around with the kid. I found a park less than 2 miles away and we can ride there faster than driving. I love it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Do you have one child seat on each bike?
ReplyDeletestephanie@metropolitanmama.net
Megan, the seats are by Topeak: http://www.topeak.com/products/Child-Carrier/tpk_babyseat
ReplyDeleteStephanie, yes, we have one child seat on each bike.
You inspired us! I mentioned your post to my husband (a cyclist). He immediately went out and bought a bike seat for our 22 month old. My boys have been out cruising around town and they love it! Thanks for the great idea.
ReplyDelete