Family Rides: Have Bikes, Will Travel

I remember very clearly learning to ride a bicycle. I lived at the end of a gravel road, and my little legs had a hard time gathering enough strength to push the wheels of my hand-me-down bicycle forward. My mom would run with me as I pedaled, and as soon as she’d let go I’d continue spinning furiously, make it a few feet, then topple over. I’m not a quitter, though, and I’d practice daily until — at last! — I could make it to the mailbox and back unaided. From there, it was only a matter of time before I could ride to the county store, purchase a pint of chocolate milk, and gulp it down on-site; savoring my new found freedom. I've always wondered if my vivid recollection of my introduction to cycling is unusual: do you remember when you first fell in love with bicycle riding?

I enjoy helping to plan our Family Fun tours, I think, in part because I love the idea of enabling others to share the joy of cycling. It’s great to give families the opportunity to cycle together, enjoying the world around them and the bonds being created. And, hey, if younger folks are given a taste of the chocolate-milk freedom two wheels can bring, even better!

photo courtesy of Adventure Cycling Association on Flickr

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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.