Adding Bicycle Bling to the Yuba Mundo, the Peanut Shell and the Trek 3500

Mother's Day started with an uninterrupted sleep that continued past 7am, followed by a large steamy mug of coffee upon raising and then a plate of bacon and eggs shortly afterwards. Rarely does a day start any better than that, but because they love me, my boys treated me to a shiny chrome mirror for my handlebars!

 I then had my brakes checked by my exceedingly handsome bicycle mechanic.

 

Yesterday we picked up this handy bottle for Jack and I attached it with a little stroller holder to the Peanut Shell. This should keep the little guy from getting dehydrated in the blazing hot weather we expect this Summer. 

We picked up some handle bar extenders for Kyle's Trek 3500, hoping it might make his ride a little more comfortable.  He has been suffering from wrist pain and actually has his wrist wrapped right now. He also traded out his stock saddle for the saddle that came on the Yuba, it certainly looks like it should be more comfy.

Jack is taking a nap, when he wakes up we're off to enjoy the day a little more with a ride, each of us hopefully enjoying our new bicycle comforts! I hope you are enjoying Mother's Day too!

Reaching for goals on Cinco De Mayo

I woke up in over-achiever mode today, loaded the bike with all manner of items of questionable necessity and set off to achieve my goal of cycling to the farmer's market for opening week. I anticipated the extra weight pulling me down in momentum, ended up overcompensating and got there in a record 40 minutes.

I wasn't feeling very well before we left, by the time we got there I felt positively sick and shaky. We waited in this shady spot for a friend to meet us, she made me laugh by telling me there is very little difference between the words motivation and vomitation...who knew huh? Gotta love a friend that can make you laugh through the pain.

We had some beautiful bicycle company today at the Walla Walla farmer's market. It was refreshing and inspiring to be surrounded by amazing arts and crafts.

Of course the fresh quality produce was beautiful too!

 

The live music and people watching was top notch! Jack had a great time chasing bubbles and decorating the ground with chalks. We got ready to leave when the little guy started showing signs of crankiness, I still wasn't feeling very well, but was determined to get a few more miles in. We headed for Whitman College, a stunning campus with sprawling grass areas and perfect bicycle pathways beside creeks and ponds.

Today was certainly a triumph for sheer determination or possible just plain stubbornness, either way we logged 11 miles with a head on wind all the way home, which is usually where we get to take it easy. We didn't actually do much shopping, which means tomorrow we will be off cycling again to fulfill this weeks grocery needs. I won't however let Jack help me pack tomorrow, so I can lighten the load without the extra few balls, bat, teddy bear, bubbles and of course the stroller can stay home too.

Day 30 of 30 days - Success!

That's it, I did it- I rode every single day in April. To be honest I'm amazed at my own will power and capacity for following through on a challenge. This marks the first time in my life I've ever actually succeeded at something like this and yes, I'm shocked...and pretty proud of myself too!

We took a left out of the driveway today, which is only the second time we've ever done so. Because the first hill wasn't punishing enough, we decided to cycle around the cemetery, which is on a hillside. In this picture (above) I'm recovering from the torture and having one of those "why the hell am I doing this again?" moments...short lived of course.

Tonight as we were climbing our last hill, my gears suddenly came to a grinding halt and then released again, causing my leg to slam down with full force on my ankle in a rather awkward angle. It wasn't too bad at the time so I just kept going, but as the ride continued it started to really hurt. I must have been overcompensating with my other leg, which in turn made that knee hurt. I was very relieved to get home and had a few moments of doubt in my ability to do so, but I had no options. Walking my bike is not a pleasant or easy experience, especially with a sore ankle and tibia. As Kyle pointed out, it really couldn't have happened on a better day.

I still thoroughly enjoyed this ride, the last of 30 days of biking. I feel a little sentimental about this month, it was special, it took me from a person who rides a bike, to a bicyclist. It gave me a passion that was not there before, it gave me support and community, it gave back so much for every ounce of effort I pushed into it. Most of all, this month has given me a solid foundation for the journey ahead of me, something to build on and move forward with. Thank you all for joining me, I have such a long journey ahead of me. I honestly couldn't do it without everyone that contributes here, the cycling community rocks!

Day 29 of 30 days of biking - All good things must come to an end

With the end of the 30 days of biking staring me in my face, I'm fully aware of how much I'm going to miss this experience. Of course there is nothing to stop me from riding daily regardless of challenges, personal or otherwise, but the 30 days of biking brought some excellent support people into my life and provided me with a perfect introduction into daily riding. Sure, I'd been riding for a few months by the time April rolled around, but nothing prior to this had cemented my new life quite like this challenge has done.

Today for our ride we visited the local grocery store and picked up a little picnic of pre-made sandwiches, veggie chips and a few oranges. I also picked up some probiotics and natural thyroid support supplement that I had wanted to try. We then cycled on to the park where we planned to find a shady bench and enjoy our lunch. I'm glad we took plenty of water because it was pretty hot out and I had to keep stopping for sips along the way.

We cycled just barely under 6 miles today and although it had some tough spots (on small hills), it was a superior ride. Our sandwiches were surprisingly delicious, it was very relaxing and we made a little diversion through the wetlands trail on the way home.

I added a new sign to the back of my bicycle this morning, it's subtle but hopefully people get the message.

Tonight the weather still remains warm, we're going to light a fire in our new pit and have a BBQ. Tomorrow we're hoping the weather stays nice and we can ride to the bike shop so the Yuba can get it's first tuneup, it would be the longest ride we've done, so hopefully its not as windy and rainy as is predicted.  

Day 28 of 30 days of biking - Jack's Birthday Party

I took this picture at about 9 am this morning, of the yard AFTER we had spent a few hours mowing, sweeping, raking and generally cleaning...all in preparation for Jack's Birthday Party (actually Kyle's too!). I mention the time, because as I write this, I am literally sitting down and relaxing for the first time all day.

Our little boy had an amazing day, he played and laughed, he ran and squealed, he ate a huge slice of sugary cake! Luckily Kyle remembered to buy a candle and the little guy even blew it out on his own!

I've always thought Birthdays were also a celebration for Mothers, and I too had a lovely day, surrounded by great people and wonderful children. Jack got the best gifts, the kind of things Kyle and I would have picked out ourselves, like buckets, yard tools, bubbles, baseballs, bats and books!

Our bike ride after the party was pretty short, but we we're tired and ready to put our feet up, so I'm happy we got a quick 2 miles in before retiring for the night.

I am so happy that I am working towards a goal for a better lifestyle and healthier future for Jack and I. For sometime now I have stressed about him turning 2, it was a deadline I'd set for myself last summer, that by this day I would be working towards getting healthier- it felt good to be on the journey already.

A short blog post tonight, but it's time to rest up for a good ride tomorrow!

Day 27 of 30 days of biking - another victorious day

Another victorious day has come to a close and as challenges that might bore the more advanced rider still delight me, today's ride with a little off road adventure felt amazing. We thought we'd better get a ride in before dusk fell and as neither of us actually felt like riding, we left the house rather begrudgingly. As generally happens, once out on the road with the warm sun and crisp air we woke up and felt energized.

This picture above really captures the essence of the rural side of Walla Walla, big skies and beautiful sunsets. The cement square in the foreground is an access point for the irrigation that runs under the ground, you can hear the water rushing through. They are all covered with random pallets or pieces of wire and the whole thing doesn't seem very safe to me, but I assume no small children fall down them on a regular basis.

This little Quail sung us a beautiful song as we sat and watched him, we also saw a dear little Warbler in the wetlands that was more than happy to sing his little heart out, I'm sure the females of the species were their desired audience, but we enjoyed it!

You may remember I mentioned finding a little dirt trail a few days ago, we headed back there today and attempted to ride it. I was determinedly riding until I came across this little wooden bridge, and thought I'd just walk over it and the next little bridge because I wasn't in the mood for an unexpected swim.

There were a lot of Curly and Weeping Willows all around this area and Kyle saw some wild strawberries.

The ground was so soggy that we sunk into it, remember yesterday we had lake sized puddles! I was really working to cycle through this part and actually made it all the way without stopping. It's not a very long trail at all, but still a lovely little escape and sanctuary for wildlife.

Another overly wide road and sidewalk, I wish we had been here when a huge Dodge Truck decided to blast by us within an arms reach, they had aftermarket exhaust (very loud) and raced by us at about twice the legal speed limit, scaring and angering us.

I think we will find ourselves revisiting this beautiful area, it was so incredibly peaceful! I'd like to go looking for frogs and tadpoles, and explore a little. I'm sure Jack would love to get off the bike and poke around, although water scares me with speedy little toddlers, so I'll probably take his harness with me. Overall another beautiful addition to the 30 days of biking!

Day 24 of 30 days of biking - Building momentum on a slow ride

Day 24 of 30 and a short ride turned out a little longer than we expected, just under 5 miles. Nothing for so many people, but for me, it's slowly building in distance that makes me feel accomplished, and tonight I feel very accomplished. Knee pain is at an all time low, hills are getting a little easier and recovery time doesn't leave me feeling 100% drained of energy.

We enjoyed more magnificent weather today, warm breezes and clear skies. I haven't checked milage, but I think tonight may be our longest mid-week ride, and I sense it's becoming habitual for both Kyle and I at this point. I also sense it's going to be a really good year for all of us, we look forward to these rides together as the highlight of our days.

Considering the next part of my journey, I find myself drawn to the idea of riding first thing in the morning and then again in the evenings with Kyle. I think the more you ride, the more you realize the power of the bicycle...it can change you, change your family, change your community and really where does it end? When people see me they might not see these changes, I still don't look anything like what one imagines a cyclist to look like, but I can feel like I'm gaining momentum now, slowly.

Day 23 of 30 days of biking - we've come so far

With a departure shot like this, it had to be a good ride! My crazy husband was ready to go ride as soon as he got home from work today, we got out on the driveway, took this picture and then he say's "want to trade bikes tonight?" I considered it and thought it would be a nice change, why not...so we adjust the saddles and set off. Over the last few months many people have suggested I take Kyle's bike out to give myself a little change of pace and to be honest I was a little apprehensive about the idea. What if I liked Kyle's bike more then mine? What if it was so much easier I no longer wanted to ride the Yuba Mundo? Oh I should have done it a long time ago! I was so uncomfortable, so awkward and out of balance that I only made it a about a mile before I was begging for my Mundo back...and kyle? Well, he wanted to keep it. Now obviously this is nothing against Kyle's bike, its more that my Mundo is so incredibly smooth, comfortable and chilled.

So it's official- we need to add another bike to the fleet. We're hoping a little later in the year we will get a third bike- something similar to my Mundo but not necessarily as beefy. These relaxed-ride bikes just suit our lifestyle a little better and honestly, whats not to love about my big orange bike?
















The ride today was pretty short, just over 3 miles.  I could have rode for longer but Kyle suspects there may be something amiss with his bike, so we headed home. I was glad we had the sun canopy for Jack today, because we almost hit the 90's and even at around 6pm it was still very hot.  It really got me thinking about the struggles this year still has planned for me, like when summer really rolls around and we start getting high temperatures everyday.  Right now, outside, we are having the most brilliant display of lightening and the rain is warm, a perfect end to a really nice day.

Day 21 of 30 days of biking - Bicycle races and cargo bikes

We had such a massively wonderful day, almost too much to write down at 9:30pm- but this is my first opportunity.  This morning we rode to downtown Walla Walla (just under 9 miles!) We went to meet a fellow cargo biker that found us through the blog and who lives in Tri-Cities, he had driven over for the day to enjoy the bicycle races being held downtown.

It was pretty hot and just a beautiful day, we used the sun shade with the additional sun block so Jack's arms didn't get scorched. We made good time and the ride, although a challenge, was far easier than last time. I can't tell you how accomplished that made me feel! 

This is Jack's reaction to seeing all the bicycles whiz by like a swarm of bees the first time! I had never seen bicycle racing up close before and was amazed at the hum all the bikes made and the gust of air that hit us as they passed.

In the picture above Jack is watching the scene in the picture to the right >  his face is pretty hilarious!
I think he was amazed by the cycling in one place, all the bikes and tons of people. He soon got into the action, yelling "go, go, go" as the racers flew by.

 

We called our visiting cargo bike friend, Ian and he met us a short time later, for a cold drink and a chocolate muffin to fuel the ride home. Ian was super cool and we were really happy to meet him. It was thoroughly refreshing to meet another cargo cyclist, and our group of bikes got lots of glances amid the sea of carbon-fiber frames and skinny tires. Whilst we were sitting there we got to meet Luke, another cargo-cyclist whom I had yet to meet in person. Unfortunately Jack was getting close to nap time and not very patient, but we did manage to take some time to kick tires and admire our bicycles.

Above is Ian's chilled ride- a Rans, Crank Forward design bike with an Xtracyle. This bike looked so chilled and relaxed. I asked Ian why he kept his bike computer back towards the rear of the bike, he said it was so he stopped paying attention to how slow he was riding and just enjoyed the ride; I thought that was clever advice for many of us! Below we see Luke's bike, it's a Kona Ute, and obviously a very beautiful bike too. It was great to meet some fellow cargo cyclist's today, I felt really uplifted by them- thanks guys!

We cycled home with a very tired boy, he feel asleep halfway home, so we decided to take the scenic route through the wetlands bike trail. The ride home is always so much easier as it's a slow down hill all the way home.  The sun was blazing and we hadn't brought any sunblock with us, I was glad Jack was pretty well shaded under his canopy. We were less than a mile from home when Kyle got a flat tire, we had taken the pump, but it needed to be repaired, so Kyle walked home. I rode on ahead with the sleeping child, I had just him tucked in bed as Kyle walked through the front door.

Here's a picture of downtown- lots of bikes today. And a few more of the races:

Overall- another awesome day, courtesy of the bicycle!