Mother Goose

Roanoke is a great place to bike commute.  It’s hilly, but not prohibitively so, and there is a world at my fingertips, and much of it is for free or a nominal membership fee. 

 The gals and I pedaled to the science museum again on Friday for a Megadome movie, lots of play in the interactive area, a lesson on water systems, and the always joyful petting of horseshoe crabs.  We tumbled downstairs for a wonderful puppetshow in the Mill Mountain Theater, and we ate the best sandwiches at On The Rise.  We stopped by the Sunny Side for a Scooby-doo Push-up, and then ran the rest of our energy off at Highland Park.    All of these activites promoted learning and growth and made my kids happy and tired.  None of these activities required a car.

Tweaking the Transport

I have spent the last few days finding solutions to my current way of riding with kids.  I’m awaiting what I consider the best solution, the Free Radical with the Family Van Kit by Xtracycle.  (Fun pics here) It isn’t too expensive, but I’ll pay for it by ditching the tandem.  That was just too heavy, and really not made for this kind of cargo.  There are other tandems to consider that are lighter and more efficient, but the $$ will have to be saved first before that happens.  For now, I’m in love with the xtracycle, their company, and the way they help promote bike commuting.  Check out this video!

With Rob’s and Isak’s help, I experimented with a terrific tweak to my work commute.  I hadn’t thought of using google maps to map a WALK!, but that way showed the best route, calmer, more residential than the route Elsa and I had been using.  So, I’ll keep that ride up over the summer to be accustomed in August when I’m back at it for real.