Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Car-free for now & another bike in the kitchen!

So Kyle and I have our two bikes now and the little guy gets to pet them and tell them how much he loves them (yes he actually does both of those things daily), but honestly it seemed like something was possibly missing in his life...

Yep, another bike in the kitchen!

Jack couldn't be happier in this picture but as his precarious sitting position demanded constant supervision it wasn't long before I had to separate him from his beloved blue bike...that wasn't pretty.  We picked up this little bike from a local lady for free and I intend on attempting to convert it into a balance bike.  It also needs some repairs to the chain so that should be a good little project for me. I'm so happy for Jack, he's going to love venturing around the field opposite our house on his little bike.

It seems odd to me, but I do believe I forgot to mention that we have been car free for 2 weeks now.  Kyle's been commuting to work and even did all his local business calls on his bike.  The weather has been pretty miserable and I'm not convinced he's enjoying it, but he isn't complaining.  However, we can't remain completely vehicle free and are at this moment shopping for a moped for Kyle, as he needs to be able to get to all his businesses in the surrounding areas a few days a week.  Our last vehicle got about 10 miles to the gallon!  I think we should be able to blow that out of the water with a used moped.

8 comments:

  1. My first thought on seeing the picture was "Get rid of the training wheels, go balance bike." Then I read on... glad to hear that's what you're planning. Training wheels and pedals off, drop the seat all the way, and let him have at it.

    Myself, I'm far from car-free. But at least I've taken the vanpool to work for the last six weeks straight. And only driven to work four times this year. Big difference of 4 miles r/t to the van, or 60 miles r/t to work. I really should build up a beater bike to ride to the van. Don't want to lock one up there all day, and recumbents and cargo bikes don't fit on a hitch-mount bike rack very well.

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    1. Hello Zyzzyx-

      Yes! Kyle came home for lunch and we addressed all the changes we plan on making- including a some of that cool duct tape on the bar covers and saddle! I think my project is getting stolen from me because I overheard "daddy will paint a skull on it for you"...hmm I guess we're going with a punk rock theme...bye bye backyardigans!

      Your nice bikes probably would not be at the vanpool site when you got back from work if you did leave them! I want to get another old bike too so on occasions when I can ride alone I can do so on a light weight bike.

      Thanks for commenting!!

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    2. Yeah punk rock!! May I recommend stitching up one of these: http://blueberryjunkie.com/how-tos/diy-child-bike-basket-tutorial-round-up/

      Bikes are more fun when you can carry your stuff!

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    3. Oh I saw those a few weeks ago- totally he would love that, he's obsessed with bags and backpacks haha!

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  2. Leave the pedals. I was riding a two wheel pedal bike ( fixed gear, no less) before I could talk.

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    1. I'm going to keep all the parts and just put them back on once he's had some balance time...at least that's the plan, but if he continues this nap strike I wont have time to work on it and I don't need his "help" lol.

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  3. With that smile (which says it all),that pic is priceless! Cangradulations on all the above (car-free,moped,and especially Jack's new friend!)...this whole post just puts a big smile on my face,knowing y'all are doing it,what you set out to do,regardless of minor (or not so) issues that would have sent others back to driving :D I only wish that car free were a viable option for my family (wife doesn't ride,and there are lots of days the "dosabled" part prevents my riding),but I go car light when absolutely possible :)

    The Disabled Cyclist

    The Disabled Cyclist

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    1. Hello TDC!

      It does seem to be coming together, doesn't it? I don't think we'll remain car free- pretty sure come winter Kyle will need something with 4 wheels. On average he has to go out twice a week all over the surrounding area, so hopefully a front wheel drive compact, but we shall see. I'm excited to know we will be getting 80-90 mpg with the moped!

      Hope all is well, Lindsay

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