After a few celebratory laps of the Farmer's Market parking lot we decided that if we'd come this far we should probably suck it up and go the extra mile or so to visit my Mum, as another goal was to be able to go see her when I want to. Before I gave up the gasoline I used to see her at minimum once a week and take her shopping so I really need to get to the point where I can visit her often. It's important to me that Jack gets to see his Nanny too as he loves her so much!
We couldn't possibly cycle to downtown without checking out the thrift stores but Jack decided to take a nap so I waited outside while Kyle had a browse. Kipper the little dog kept us company but he was pretty focused on his missing parent. Last time Jack fell asleep in his Peanut Shell his head was wobbling around quite a bit, so today I bought a scarf to loosely support his little neck, it worked pretty good.
This magnificent creature passed on the street whilst we were waiting for Kyle. I'm generally opposed to those emaciated carriage horses in big cities, but this handsome boy is very well cared for and loved.
After visiting Mum and the thrift store we headed down Main Street to grab a coffee. I've never been a fan of cycling behind the parked cars on Main St so we stuck to the super wide and empty sidewalks.
Once we got to the center of downtown Jack got out of the Peanut Shell to stretch his legs, get a diaper change and nibble some snacks. I don't mind him drinking behind me but I worry about snacking on the go as he might choke, he's still at the stage of stuffing his mouth to capacity until he can't even close it!
Overall it was a really great day and I feel so accomplished. My awesome family have been really supportive, both Kyle and my Mum made a point of telling me they were proud of me today, which I thought was really nice. When I first got home I was so sore I just sat on the sofa instantly and Jack gave me a huge cuddle which gave me another opportunity to marvel over how much I love him and to realize again that every little ache is so worth it.
You should be very proud of yourself - knocking down goals one by one. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Lindsay
DeleteHUGE congradulations,my friend,for meeting,and sxceeding your goal!!! AWESOME job :) See,now that you've done it,you can do it when you need to,and it's showing Jack how important this lifestyle is to his Mom too,cool beans,way cool!
ReplyDeleteThe Disabled Cyclist
Thank you T.D.C! I feel like I can do anything now, with a few more rests along the way I'm pretty sure I can travel that route pretty often. My knees are taking a day off today and probably Monday and Tuesday too as I will be busy which will be good as they need it!
Delete"When I first got home I was so sore I just sat on the sofa"
ReplyDeleteAdvil is your friend :) Great progress. Keep it up!
Fully Lugged- EXACTLY! lol I got water and three ibuprofen and sat down for an hour! Thanks!!
DeleteCongrats on conquering a goal!!! I know how you feel about the riding behind parked cars always a bit nerve racking. In such a circumstance I would recommend Taking the lane and riding in the left third of the lane to make yourself more visible and give yourself a good buffer zone.
ReplyDeleteIn Bethlehem PA where I live the city has begun replacing angel in parking with back in angel in parking this is so much better for cyclists because when the cars back in the drivers side window has an unobstructed view of the oncoming traffic lane.
I would not recommend riding on the sidewalk as It is very dangerous (and usually illegal in commercial districts though rarely enforced) every drive way is an intersection and pedestrians are not always very predictable. If you do not feel safe on a section of roadway I would suggest to use the sidewalk but you would be safer walking the bike rather then riding.
If you have not already I would suggest taking the league of american bicyclists traffic skills 101 class you can search for classes and league certified cycling instructors near you on the leagues website.
Hi Joshua-
DeleteIt's funny because when we were sitting downtown we noticed bikes were pretty evenly split between sidewalk and street and it seemed like everyone was a little nervous of the parked cars. I do like the idea of riding more to the middle of the road in that situation too. Thanks for your ideas and comment!
Lindsay
Every hard thing becomes easier the next time!!
ReplyDeleteWell done!
Thank you Ron! I can't wait to get out on the road again! Hoping tomorrow. Lindsay
DeleteHey! Just found your wonderful ramblings this evening (staying up too late reading and catching up too).
ReplyDeleteSo great to see you making progress from not too long ago wondering whether you'd "painted yourself into a corner" when the Yuba was finally home.
I'm not too far away, up in Richland, so I'm right with ya on any of your weather comments. Though I do hope that you get less wind than we do. I have an Xtracycle setup on a RANS crankforward bike. (among many others in the garage) Absolutely love it, its great fun, hauls most anything (though it gets a bit wiggly with heavy loads). However, with the bolt-upright seating, going into headwinds is definitely not fun.
I don't get down that way very often, but would like to meet up when I do.
-- Iah
Hello Iah-
DeleteThank you so much for taking the time to read and check out my blog! I didn't remember writing the "painted into a corner" part until you mentioned it and the feelings of that post came flooding back to me and I realized how much progress I've made. It was shocking to be honest, because I remember feeling really stressed at that time and very down about the road blocks that seemed to never end.
It would be awesome to meet another cargo bicyclist! We have started a local cargo bike club on Facebook if you want to join too!
Thanks for writing, keep in touch! Lindsay
Just saw a quote today, instantly became a new favorite. Think you might like it too.
ReplyDelete"The only way to find the limits of the possible is by going beyond them to the impossible."
-- Arthur C. Clarke
Keep working your way towards the impossible.
Thanks for sharing- going to borrow it for the facebook page! It's really true. Thanks!
DeleteSo impressive, Lindsay! Just keep riding, and soon enough this will be part of your "easy" ride list and you'll be on to the next hard thing!
ReplyDeleteinkandpen- thank you! Its really something to think that this will be easy one day! I already have my next challenge picked too...cheers and thanks for reading! Lindsay
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