Bicycle Commuting Today: What a Change!

Last year around this time, I was struggling to get the kids to daycare and school and myself to work by bike.  All I had was my old yellow bike. I didn’t have a child seat or trailer on it.

We got everyone into jackets and backpacks. The big girls put on helmets and were ready to ride their bike and scooter, respectively. My little one? I tried putting her on the tricycle. She just couldn’t keep it going. I tried walking my bike with one hand and holding her hand with the other. My bike chain fell off.

Yes, I cried.

We abandoned my bike and walked down to the daycare providers house, and I took a bus to work.

But today? Today, we loaded backpacks and bags into the FreeLoader bags on my Xtracycle and wheeled it to the top of the driveway. I put my youngest on the front of the SnapDeck, and my seven-year-old climbed on behind.  My oldest rode a scooter. A few minutes, and we were there (the daycare provider is only half a mile away).

I rode on to work. I didn’t push myself; I knew I could get there on time. I pedaled steadily and kept myself relatively sweat-free. I might even have enjoyed the cool morning air and the exercise!

I’m grateful for the experiences of the past year, and for my Xtracycle. It makes all the difference.