New setup and first rides!

Who would have thought I would have ever written a blog?!  I am actually quite excited about starting this blog.

A very good friend has gotten our family into biking.  Like blogging, biking was not something I thought I would enjoy but it turns out I enjoy them both!  So, I start looking into bikes that can accommodate two kid seats; one on the front, one on the back.  I went to a great bike store, but unfortunately did not find what I was looking for.  After a TON of research, I finally found a bike that is designed to hold 2 seats!! Madi, Brandt, Rijder, Luisa, Gavin, Evan and I schlepped down to Clever Cycles in Portland, OR, to look at the uber awesome bike, the Gazelle Bloom. Turns out that Dutch people are very tall, and the bike that was 26" was way too big!  I felt totally deflated!  But the amazingly awesome people at Clever Cycles fit me on a bike that was perfectly sized for me; the extra small Breezer Uptown 8.  Madi and the bike store people assured me it was a good bike.  After new handlebars, new stem, two new seats, and a new saddle the bike was ready.   We even splurged on funky new Nutcase helmets!  Mine is purple, Gavin has an Evel Knievel-esque helmet with red, white, and blue racing stripes with white side stars, and Evan has a Union Jack helmet.  The boys and I hopped on and off we went for our first mommy and kids ride!  They both loved it!  Evan cooed away and constantly rang the bell and Gavin squealed with delight.

It has now been several days since I have been a cyclist (is that the right term?).  We have ridden to preschool, to the park, and out to eat twice!  I am very happy but very tired and heavily bruised.  My knees are now polka dotted with purple bruises from hitting the nuts under Evan's front seat.  I just need to ride a bit more bow-legged.   Today, I even got my friend, Melinda on a bike pulling a Burley trailer with her almost 4 year old, Frenchie.  Frenchie actually screamed in happiness most of the way to the park.  That girl has one animated personality!

 I get my bike looked at next week to see if there is room for an electric retrofit with the Bionix system.  Hoping to have those hills tackled with a bit of help from my trusty friend, electricity and his bud, torque.

Looking forward to more blogging and lots more riding!!  See you on the streets!