Monday night we went on what we hope to be the first of many family bike rides.  I grew up in a family that spent a lot of time together, ...

This was meant to be...

Tuesday, March 27, 2012 , , , ,

First Family Bike Ride

Monday night we went on what we hope to be the first of many family bike rides. 

I grew up in a family that spent a lot of time together, and family bike rides is something I remember fondly. We even live pretty close to the Highline Canal, the same path my family used frequently, as it was literally at the end of our block.

Last spring, when I had a fresh new baby to smell and a toddler who was just getting into self-propelled travel, we took a trip to the local bicycle store to check out the family-friendly setups. 

To our dismay, a ladies bike {I wanted a cruiser} was at least $200.
A men's bike was more like $350+.
And the cheapest bike trailers we found were about $250.

We left the store pretty bummed out, to say the least. 
Those figures were just not in our budget, 
nor would they be anytime soon.

But alas, one of the benefits of my Pyrex addiction 
{which began last May}
 is that I frequently shop thrift stores now. 

And by frequently, I mean 3-4 days a week on average.
Heheh...

I'm happy to report that instead of the $800-$1000 we had anticipated having to spend to get our family equipped with bikes...

Justin gave me this bike for my birthday last year. I love it, what, with it's white-wall tires and all! 
Only $80.

Then, in the fall, we came across a nice vintage men's bike at Goodwill.
Only $24.99.

Finally, yesterday morning we thrifted the bike trailer, 
which we were shocked to find in brand-new condition.
We happily paid $50. 

Barely over $150 total, and our family of four is finally ready to go. 
Can't beat that.
:)

And if you're not yet convinced that this was "meant to be" for our little family, would you believe that last week a hitch mounted bike rack showed up in the corner of our yard. We have no idea where it came from, but after several days of no one picking it up, we claimed it as ours. 
Free.

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In fact, this morning we got up,
got ready,
loaded up our trailer & bikes,
drove 5 minutes to our church and parked our car,
and started out on the Highline Canal. 

We rode to Bible Park where we picnicked, and the girls played, 
and then we rode our bicycles back to our car.
We did somewhere between 5-6 miles,
and had fun spending family time together. 


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Now all we need are helmets...
I want these for the girls
And this one for me. 
I think this guy would look rocking on Justin.

But then again, maybe I'll just thrift some.
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7 comments

  1. Oh, Heather, that's absolutely amazing! Such a gift from God!!! I love your vintage bike! It's adorable!

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  2. Yay for thrifting. What a fun thing for you and your family to enjoy!

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  3. Wonderful! I hope the girls are enjoying it. I have fond memories of bike-riding along the Highline Canal with you girls. Speaking of which, you should enroll Eisley in swimming lessons at Eisenhower Park this summer!

    ~Mom

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  4. Wow, that IS kind of amazing. A bike rack on your lawn?? What the heck? Can the bike fairy visit us next, because we need a bike rack as well...love your bike - we should ride together sometime and be twinkies in our mint bikes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, right?! It was meant to be...

      Are you up for the Highline Canal? It's nice and mostly flat :)

      Delete

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