Are we at the end of the winter that never was or in a lull before that winter makes another stab at it? I'm not watching the long forecast, nor am I thinking too heavily about global warming today (unusually for me), but I am realizing that never before have I hit March 10th and been able to say that I've been on my bike three days in a row. Our boys have been on their bikes on and off since some time in February, but for me the temperatures have now been above zero for long enough that I'm comfortable getting back on the bike.
Sunday was our big tune up day; my bike was in the sorriest state, having had its rear brakes trashed by me at the end of the season (I tried to head out for a ride on the first snowy day of the season, having left my bike outside, the brakes were cold and, well, enough said!). The other bikes really just needed a bit of air or oil and a quick ride round the block to be sure that all was well. We decided that our inaugural family ride of the season would be to the local beach, something close for a quick spin, as it was late in the day by the time we were ready (and I had just put a cake in the oven!).
The next day we rode back to the beach again for our annual spring run-off play in the sand and snow. It's the most amazing time of year, when the beach is full of runnels of water, all of them making their way to the river. The boys love creating dams and diverting channels, and we muck in with them. It's one of the most fun things we do together as a family and there is only a very brief time in the year when it's possible to do. And no one else is ever there!
Yesterday we had to run an errand after school that in the depths of winter we would likely have booked a car for, but with the now dry roads and warmer temperatures, we were able to cycle. Everyone seemed happier for the third consecutive day of riding and there is a general enthusiasm about being back on the bikes that just feels good. I realize how much more myself I feel on a bike; it's the right pace for me and I've missed it so much after another winter when I was effectively forced to slow down and slog.
We love bicycles too! Help build bicycles for others by simply eating chocolate...
The Bicycle Factory is giving Canadians the opportunity to help send up to 5,000 bikes to Ghana – by eating chocolate! Participants also have a chance to win a trip to Ghana to help deliver the bikes. Details are online now at http://thebicyclefactory.ca
Posted by: Aditi B. | Friday, 17 September 2010 at 11:54 PM