The Longest Ride

 So, after a Winter of sitting in the garage, untouched, I attempted to take the 820 out for a spin only to realize that it wouldn't shift right, the back wheel wouldn't turn and the chain was off. This is the only bike that I have set up for general purpose duty and child carrying. With the trout stocked and stripers running as well as work all my other hobbies clamoring for my time, the bike never got fixed. Finally, this last week, I took a wrench and some chain lube to the trusty 820 and got her in running shape again. It just so happens that this is the kick off for The Tour , so of course all I want to ride is the road bike! The baby seat is attached to the 820 though so it was that that I took out, with baby, on Friday evening. The Boy loved it.

It was his first time in the seat this year, and the second ever I think. We had, and still have, a little trailer for him last year. I love pulling that thing along and he loves riding in it. However, despite "knowing" better, I "feel" that it is a little wide for dragging behind me on city streets and wanted to try the baby seat this year. To make a long story short, the Boy loves that seat. I had to fight with him to get him off the bike at the end of the ride! And I was exhausted by then too! In those few miles it was clear to me that i have NOT been cycling enough this year. So we went out again today. Only this time I thought that I'd have my 11 year old peddling along as well.

We went over to the Eastern Marsh Trail  in Salisbury and set off. I could tell right away that her seat was too low, and I had to pump her tires up from nearly flat but she took off like a bat out of hell! After going up and back, she was exhausted and even gave me the "I'm going to die" speech. She made it though! About three miles: the longest bike ride she's even been on. I am quite proud of her for it. I think she did well and am anxious to see how she hangs now that her seat is adjusted better. I hope she lets me take her on another ride tomorrow! The Boy, on the other hand was not peddling, so he had quite the nice time, other than when we were stopped for some thing or other. He got a little antsy then and was eager to be back underway. I am pleasantly surprised at how well he transitioned from trailer to seat and that Trek 820 is the BEST $60 that I ever spent (other than my sixty dollar P-Bass). It was a great family cycle outing and I can not wait to do it again!