tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18920734317004033282024-02-19T04:50:28.948-08:00CycleDadCycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-6067277309224440562011-11-06T13:16:00.001-08:002011-11-06T13:16:52.096-08:00The bike stable<p>So the bike stable now is:</p><p>My dawes steel tourer + follow-me tandem coupling + hamax plus seat</p><p>Mikes Islabike ...photo to follow.</p>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-92163836197413649462011-11-06T13:13:00.001-08:002011-11-06T13:13:36.686-08:00Back Again<p>So my wife has a new blog, and i need somewhere to sort out all her tech problems! Regardless this will give me chance to post some feedback and updates on my boys and their bikes. </p><p>Hmm while i'm here does anyone know how to send photos from iphoto to blogger?</p><p> </p>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-79526351140059092322009-12-23T04:57:00.000-08:002009-12-23T05:04:29.549-08:00So not posting reallyI've not been posting (obviously) mainly due to 1) being busy at work and 2) having a 2nd child!<br /><br />I'm looking forward to the weather warming up and deciding how i;m going to transport them both!<br /><br />I've had a couple of changes in my life as well. Ive been doing the nursery run with Mike while my wife has been on maternity leave and i'm getting a new job. I want to dump some posts down about the nursery runs , but i also need to mention the new job.<br /><br />My new job is 17 miles away. Its not commutable by train or bike. So we'll become a 2 car family. Oh the shame! Mikes also not going to be going to nursery for much longer but instead will go to the pre school in our village, so i wont even be child transporting. I wonder if i should change the name of the blog to 'driverparent who sees his children at weekends'. Still i have some things i'd like to share before i adopt my new lifestyle so i want to get those posts out.Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-38138958010277048352009-04-27T05:54:00.000-07:002009-04-27T12:35:12.810-07:00Mikes Riding!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPPOwRG8OqHt20LhGMJzP1V1VmvJT3udkqBNyvLN2cLTf1vubRKDo8vSTEaP6CUPbaHbR0iGHoRelqI-ew2yua8Syjxp5_8gZlZBFFQxc8UqalTW9p7KvpzWT4kEQmMqb8NcJwUN2QGs/s1600-h/PitStop.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPPOwRG8OqHt20LhGMJzP1V1VmvJT3udkqBNyvLN2cLTf1vubRKDo8vSTEaP6CUPbaHbR0iGHoRelqI-ew2yua8Syjxp5_8gZlZBFFQxc8UqalTW9p7KvpzWT4kEQmMqb8NcJwUN2QGs/s200/PitStop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329354557749109522" /></a><br />Mike and i have developed a new game, which is racing round the patio on our bikes. I have the edge on the straights but he wins most of the time because he can turn on a sixpence. Its great for filling 15 minutes while dinner is being prepped. Only trouble is it tends to be 30 minutes, 45 minutes etc. particularly with pit stops! <div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-69391788299031857942009-04-26T01:10:00.000-07:002009-05-05T06:16:18.547-07:00Coffee, Scones and BakfietsWe have friends over from New Zealand and we're having little day trips out with the kids. Three kids in the house for a week is an interesting lesson in parenting. <div><br /></div><div>We had a day trip out where we stopped at the Orchard in Grantchester for coffee and scones. After our refreshment, i persuaded the others to go for a walk through the cute village. Imagine our supirse when, after 5 minutes we stumbled upon a bakfiets (which i had spotted earlier). It was clearly set up as a display model, with an advertising hoarding on the side.<br /><div><br /></div><div>We prodded and poked the bike for about 10 minutes before a very nice man came out and said the magic words, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'Would you like a ride?' . 'Yes please!' </span>says i, and on i hopped! Michael promptly bursts into tears when daddy rides off without him. '<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Me bike! Me bike!' </span>he shouts.</div><div><br /></div><div>It had a nexus 7 gear, so i put it in a low gear to get it going thinking the ride would be heavy and slow. Instead, it twitched out into the road and within 30 seconds i'd worked out how to go straight. Slipping the gears to something a little higher i found it absolutely flew! I'd thought it would be <br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfcnPEUJtCLOqDoC9ZMfMknYKQogoCoVh_SJjdl2OFcMmSvgYW1fxS_Sk2z9pO4vid8ZaTvLR8mo30-f2U5ehJJT-G1Lx1avplIljTR40CfH2W8FD0lZp7LxMHlXABzRU_gYecqrZAeE/s200/Bakfiets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329352063314493586" />a lump and heavy and hard to steer, instead it was more like a flighty stallion. For anyone who's ever ridden a brompton, the ride is very similar. The steering is light and twitchy, but perfectly safe. At high speeds the bike just goes and feels like your not riding it. Very impressive for something that looks like a tank!<div><br /></div><div>So back to base and we picked up the Mike. Off we went...... Straight away we got that magic ride and talk experience. '<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Hows it going Mike? Do you like the bike?' 'Yes, Yes' </span>etc right to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "> 'Ok, time to go home', 'No no' </span>followed by tears and screaming. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to say i was very very impressed by the bike. The cons were light steering and bumpy ride in the front. The pros are i loved it and so did Mike!</div><div><br /></div><div>The nice man from <a href="http://www.dutchbike.co.uk/">Dutchbike UK</a> will do short term loans for interested parties.........Like me...hmm damn recession....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-78394525177275338672009-04-25T00:36:00.001-07:002009-04-27T05:52:54.159-07:00More Bikes!In a bid to ensure my wife starts to cycle again, maybe and also just for the convenience of it, i'm planning to get a new bike to live at the station near my work and my wifes. We want a bike that can take the hamax rack on the back and a bobike mini on the front. Its also going to be used by 6 foot me and 5.5 feet wife. It also needs to be very suitable to ride in long coats, skirts, trousers, heels etc So dutch stylee but a bit cheaper :-)<div><br /></div><div>After a test ride i've settled on the new<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"> <a href="http://www.dawescycles.com/p-146-graduate-ladies.aspx">Dawes Graduate</a> </span>which i tried at Station Cycles in Cambridge. Its the only step-thru steel town bike with a 7 speed hub and non back pedal brakes that i've come across. Also i think it will handle a bobike mini front seat and a hamax plus on the back. Plus its a dawes frame so i'll feel confident that it'll handle me and mike and stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm waiting for my voucher from cyclescheme, so once it arrives i can get the bike and i'll let you know how we get on.</div>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-78563898102865315342009-04-25T00:02:00.000-07:002009-04-25T00:35:57.657-07:00The Hamax Plus System Revisited ..... Again!Theres been a little debate about the hamax panniers running on my blog. I'm pulling together some things for a new fuller post on the pros and cons of the new system, plus some info on the new version of the pannier.<div><br /></div><div>This post is just a placeholder, but just so folks know i'm still very happy with mine. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-14229743602175415772009-03-05T01:44:00.001-08:002009-03-05T01:49:35.559-08:00I'm back and isnt it great!Hi all, i'm back after a long break from cycling, due to a really bad cycling accident. Well i say cycling, but actually i was carrying my folder from the shed, i dropped the bike lock, slipped on it and went flying. I landed badly and tore all the muscles in my right shoulder! They do say accidents happen at home!<br /><br />On top of that my wifes been ill (flu) and i've had to ferry my son around by taxi (yuck). Today was my first day back on the bike for about 4 weeks. I found it was daylight! That was nice! It also appears to be spring! As soon as i left the village, I saw red deer (i havent seem them all winter), 3 hares playing in the next field and a fox loping across the next field. Ah its great to be back!Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-55016643292056549792009-01-18T06:57:00.001-08:002009-01-18T07:07:22.164-08:00Winter Warmer Piccies<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><div>Mike in bike Muff. In Five more minutes his eyes will be closing.....</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsoJLmxMjd7WxwghG-jLIYIEdS4OetiZKptCi_HIUtyMPS6BSxMipa3fVv4kVjo2IJmJuu5iIE-atwqLqIuGL90d1XIqEvx0eRs_0Gg6MH3ye29ozM1nl8Go2FL74EiVPAVb4mdQ-faQ/s1600-h/DSC00028.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsoJLmxMjd7WxwghG-jLIYIEdS4OetiZKptCi_HIUtyMPS6BSxMipa3fVv4kVjo2IJmJuu5iIE-atwqLqIuGL90d1XIqEvx0eRs_0Gg6MH3ye29ozM1nl8Go2FL74EiVPAVb4mdQ-faQ/s200/DSC00028.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292649685415557938" /></a><br /></div><div>A rear view:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK96LgJhpq-ZGCaZDhZEeYY5_ktHp4GYYTsyK0pl2ylrrxaDB3cvSCxFnzOPBNIeS8-eV9j0nbqRfft_TfZeiuFQnFp2VU4QODzfoLHs28WX56nSTbLC9o2lg5loL0N-5orTATc9k8CME/s1600-h/DSC00026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK96LgJhpq-ZGCaZDhZEeYY5_ktHp4GYYTsyK0pl2ylrrxaDB3cvSCxFnzOPBNIeS8-eV9j0nbqRfft_TfZeiuFQnFp2VU4QODzfoLHs28WX56nSTbLC9o2lg5loL0N-5orTATc9k8CME/s200/DSC00026.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292649679345480338" /></a><br /></div><div>And the whole thing open on the bike. Notice how the straps go through really easily and how it zips up at the front:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQFjMRU4blY2CjCvbpd5SSD6IHIxE2ovtG1yw1I1onRJESEr66xn2tZbh_IzrQCOhXpCCs_2gXVhFhnXU0knnhHiifDl_fn3izy4tC-XfLZt30Fdog7vmaOKDi_lgF98DmYuIk3hTPqk/s1600-h/DSC00025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQFjMRU4blY2CjCvbpd5SSD6IHIxE2ovtG1yw1I1onRJESEr66xn2tZbh_IzrQCOhXpCCs_2gXVhFhnXU0knnhHiifDl_fn3izy4tC-XfLZt30Fdog7vmaOKDi_lgF98DmYuIk3hTPqk/s200/DSC00025.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292649677738939330" /></a><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-9569309990693049472009-01-16T05:29:00.001-08:002009-01-16T05:51:31.315-08:00Winter warmersI'd been wondering what to do about moving Mike around in the winter and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I'd</span> been reviewing his winter gear. I'm now fairly settled on what it is:<br /><ul><li>His Benetton coat. Its like wearing a duvet! Thanks random <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Italian</span> relative! He's worn it since he was born and now at nearly 2 yrs old he's going to need a new one. Time to start saving!</li><li>A helmet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">chube</span> from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">(£12 from muddypuddles), its a thick fleece neck muff, with a thin balaclava top. Designed for helmet use!</span></li><li>A pushchair warmer/muff/sleeping bag/blanket thing (£19.99 from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tchibo</span>)</li></ul><p>The pushchair muff thing is genius! Its a small sleeping bag with slots in the rear to take straps that suit pushchairs. The same slots will work for a bike seat. I cut a slit thru the bottom half of the back of mine and blanket stitched the edges , so that it splits either side of the seat.<br /><br />It fits directly onto the bike seat and has a front mounted zip\velcro. This means that i can put Mike on bike as normal, strap him in and then fold the 'pushchair muff thing' over him and zip and\or velcro it. Mike hates being constrained, but he can get his arms out so he's ok with it. Also it stops him kicking me in the back so bonus!</p><p>The nice thing about the muff vs a big winter warmer suit. Is that it can be left on the bike and theres no complex dressing\undressing when we stop.<br /><br />My next plan is to make a rain\sun cover. I have one for my vaude backpack child carrier that i plan to re-use.<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://longwalktogreen.blogspot.com/">longwalkonthegreen </a>for the inspiration to customise the bike seat. Will some bike manufacturer please sack their design teams and just employ this guy?</p>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-67180230400443100542008-12-28T13:24:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:31:28.870-08:00Mike on a bike!About 4th go out and he's cracked, scooting, steering and braking! <div><br /></div><div>And thats on a steep hill!</div><div><br /></div><div>Cool!<br /><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyPPhx4LtGALyPumFq73u7Jb4RY2_vxD-E9m_9D7H-lJxeetaX4sQcZf76qbHq9I_5saV6ZyqCzGxi7kB8stA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br /></div>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-16483598135861817952008-12-24T01:09:00.000-08:002008-12-24T01:14:38.340-08:00Santas Little HelperMike took a trip our on his new Puky to help me post the xmas cards to folks in our village. On a little downhill slope he started to move quicker and quicker until his little legs couldnt keep up, so ...... he lifted his legs!<br /><br />He kept the bike straight all the way down until he rolled to a stop when he hit the grass at the end of the path!<br /><br />What a magic xmas present! The boys a natural!Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-88401666500266772032008-12-22T06:07:00.000-08:002008-12-28T11:59:43.060-08:00Mike on a Bike!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8zqxZszDQPVpJqRDMTO50BxELMYGzYZpVW0k3T3bUAvYcuPO52xyLqTXqx1kFoIlEqokXpbeH3bLceerVZCi5h_jOhxEU7liTGIu4Q9gmRk2LBWagLofw_Io2ID6w-wYZ-_EnB27RAM/s1600-h/mike+a+bike.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8zqxZszDQPVpJqRDMTO50BxELMYGzYZpVW0k3T3bUAvYcuPO52xyLqTXqx1kFoIlEqokXpbeH3bLceerVZCi5h_jOhxEU7liTGIu4Q9gmRk2LBWagLofw_Io2ID6w-wYZ-_EnB27RAM/s320/mike+a+bike.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284932878762229906" /></a>Mikes Nana has bought Mike his first bike! Its not quite a bike its the <a href="http://www.puky.net/homepage/produkte/myfirstpuky/index.htm">Puky Wutsch</a>, horrible name for a great product!<div><br />When he got it he wasnt remotely interested. When we suggested going outside on his bike he ran to the door and sat on it with the bike pressed to the front door! In Mikes world bikes are for outside!<br /><br />Its a smart product. Its sold as a "pre-bike" for 18months+ 80cm+ (~£50) Two key points:<br /><br /><ul><li>The seat is very low to the ground so great for shorties like my boy.</li><br /><li>It steers like a bike. ie it goes where you look. This really works because Mike was fine until he looked around and then he'd veer into whatever he was looking at.</li></ul><br />Mike was dog tired when we went out (we went out to keep him awake), and he didnt smile at all. We knew he liked it because if we tried to take him off the bike he screamed blue murder! I'm waiting for my brother in law to send us the video!</div><div><br /></div><div>Note the cunning use of my trouser belt to keep him from flying down the hill!</div>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-42548644828670391672008-12-22T02:05:00.000-08:002008-12-24T02:19:09.279-08:00Best Family Cycling Website in the WorldHere it is:<br /><br /><a href="http://totcycle.com/blog/family-biking-links.html">Totcycle</a><br /><br />Keep an eye on this one family guys and gals!Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-92012360803185139672008-12-18T08:48:00.001-08:002008-12-24T02:25:02.283-08:00Dumb Statistics!I have to be very careful with this post. As i've usually only want to post positive stories about cycling (lets face it we hear enough negative ones!) but on a recent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ecovelo</span> post about cycling and health, someone posted a great rebuttal to the classic cycling is dangerous statistics.<br /><br />All cycling is dangerous statistics compare accidents or deaths on a distance travelled basis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">eg</span> per million or billion miles <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">travelled</span>.<br /><br />Trains are safest, then cars and bikes are usually 10-20 times more dangerous than cars. Of course its nonsense for a variety of complex reasons. Which i have often explained at a dinner table till i've started to bore myself...<br />1) <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Individual</span> routes make a huge difference <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">eg</span> Cars are safe on motorways but not A roads<br />2) Bike mileage is not comparable to car mileage, journey durations or trip nos would be more useful<br />3) Cyclists live longer than car drivers because they have protection against cardiovascular disease so its a truly dumb stat. Its dangerous not to cycle. If your family has a history of heart disease its suicidal not to cycle.<br /><br />Back to that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ecovelo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">response</span> to the dumb stat....<br /><br /><strong>"How any astronauts have died? But they travel a really long way, so that means space travel is statistically safer, right? Uh, no." </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Genius! </strong>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-89899418928686758152008-12-18T00:52:00.000-08:002008-12-18T05:17:45.212-08:00Cycling with 2 young children Part 3: TrailersI'll start off and proclaim my bias here. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">don't</span> like trailers. I think they are useful for cargo and out of rush hour leisure rides, but i really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">don't</span> like them when your in town or crossing busy junctions.<br /><br />My son agrees and still <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">resolutely</span> refuses to go in the trailer. He wants to be on the bike with daddy. In fact he wants to ride the bike and have daddy sit on the back. He's pretty convinced he knows how to do it :-)<br /><br />That said they have a lot of benefits:<br />-Weather proof<br />-Can carry a lot of 'stuff'<br />-Gives the kids some freedom to do things<br />-Safe in a crash that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doesn't</span> involve cars<br />-Can carry infants from 3months with suspension and inserts<br />-Easy to load<br /><br />The disadvantages are:<br />-Heavy<br />-They 'feel' vulnerable in traffic<br />-Increased width on the road (suddenly i feel like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">I'm</span> holding everyone up)<br />-Awkward to park<br />-Restricted view compared to bike seat.<br /><br />I often read\hear people <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">assure</span> me that drivers behave very nicely round trailers and in my experience they do, but i feel that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">I'm</span> holding up the traffic (its harder to pass on our narrow roads). In rush hour i cant imagine drivers would tolerate being held up like this.<br /><br />I do <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">recommend</span> having a trailer. Its a nice add-on to a child seat combo and increases luggage capacity for days out (I can fit my birdy in mine!). I'm really hope that in the summer on long leisure rides in country roads i can persuade Mike to use it , just to get him out of the sun for a bit.Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-33399710120122677212008-12-08T06:11:00.000-08:002008-12-08T06:32:14.651-08:00Cycling with 2 young children Part 2 and a bit: TrikesWell i missed one! In my obsession to praise and flatter longbikes i missed an old fashioned classic. The tricycle!<br /><br />A recent story caught my eye on a new product called the <a href="http://www.trikidoo.co.uk/">Trikidoo</a> . Its an interesting story as its a modern take on the tricycle designed by someone who wanted something green to do this but didnt like what she found in bike shops.<br /><br />For the price and for the right job i can see this working really well. It certainly appears to be the in thing for Notting Hill mums on the nursery run! I particularly like the stability when stationary aspect of this design.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.trikidoo.co.uk/"></a>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-49226743332111584422008-12-04T03:56:00.000-08:002008-12-04T05:00:38.804-08:00UK School Cycling: Listen to the kids!I try to avoid any story which mentions 'fear' or 'road danger', but i felt moved to share this.<br /><br />There is a story running in the Uk about a 10 year old child Sam who wants to cycle to school, but has been banned by the school as its too dangerous.<br /><br />I first saw it appear on the <a href="http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=17716">CTC forum</a>, where his dad asked for help on the issue. It got picked up by the local news (near Portsmouth UK) and then the National Press.<br /><br />Its just appeared on <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7760000/newsid_7762500/7762584.stm">Newsround </a>, which is a very respected BBC News programme for children. Often the news on here is more objective than adult news as they cant easily get away with pushing agendas.<br /><br />The best bit is the comments. Just lots of kids saying quite succintly and maturely, 'this is silly we cycle to school, so do my mates.' It puts a lot of adults to shame.<br /><br />Good luck Sam and anyone like him!Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-80915693760918049012008-11-28T04:41:00.000-08:002008-12-24T03:10:03.580-08:00Cycling with 2 young children Part 3 Longbikes<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Longbikes</span> are bikes with extended wheelbases that allow the carrying of more luggage or more people. I've posted before on <a href="http://cycledad.blogspot.com/2008/06/long-bikes.html">longbikes </a>, and listed a few. I'll update the post to show the manufacturers what i'm aware of. These bikes have been around a long long time in Holland <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">et</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">al</span>, but more recently they are having an exciting world wide <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">resurgence in bike boom USA and its there i'm going to leap straight into.<br /><br />Xtracycles are the most exciting thing on the block at the minute and its the owners who are saying it. Xtracycle owners seem to be the happiest cyclists i've come across. Read the blogs etc. Its worth noting that this company is in its infancy and many of the owners customise their bikes to suit their purposes. A very common customisation is two child seats. I'll post some links to some of the best ones, but the exciting news is that <a href="http://www.xtracycle.com/2008/10/29/carrying-kids-by-xtracycle/">xtracycle are developing their own system: </a></span><br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">My favourite child rig in the whole world is from a very clever chap who has a lovely blog called <a href="http://longwalktogreen.blogspot.com/2008/07/american-moederfiets-mother-bike.html">longwalktothegreen</a>. The nice man is considering<a href="http://longwalktogreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/interested-in-snapdeck-kids-seat.html"> selling these seats </a>. There are a lot of other folks on the web who have done similar adaptations, but this man has the nicest.<br /><br /></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Another family worth reading about is <a href="http://carfreewithkids.blogspot.com/2008/10/introducing-our-new-xtracycle-kid-seat.html">carfree with kids</a>. Their rig isnt as impressive as longwalk to the green's, but they more than make up for it with cheerful attitude. an OTT paint job and a cool numberplate.<br /></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><br />These xtracycle bikes although still in their infancy have the following going for em....</span><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">They can handle luggage + kids</span><br /></li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">They are bike width and so are sill great in traffic.</span></li><br /><li>They ride like a bike and have good stability</li><br /><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Its a system thats clearly going to develop as time goes on</span></li><br /><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">It can adapt to the kids growing older </span></li><br /><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Without kids its a great shopper</li></ul><br />The disadvantages are as follows<br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Its long (duh!), which will make parking mildly awkward and stops it getting on a train, car etc</li><br /><li>They are heavy and are likely to need a good set of brakes and re-inforced rear wheel.</li><br /><li>Outside of the US they dont have much prescence, although there are a couple of UK stockists</li><br /><li>They end up expensive, but they do have the capacity to last a lifetime so not such a big issue</li></ul>and a december update, courtesy of Julian from Totcycle, have a nose at the <a href="http://www.xtracyclegallery.com/">xtracycle gallery</a> (click on the kids keyword in the 'cloud').<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-62662118297896888352008-11-24T02:08:00.000-08:002009-01-16T05:26:53.729-08:00Cycling with 2 young children Part2: 2 SeatsToday i wanted to talk about cycling with 2 child seats A front and a back one. When i say child seat i mean a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">detachable</span> seat that will fit most bikes. I'm guessing that in numbers this is the most popular way worldwide of carrying 2 kids mostly because its so common on the continent (and not infrequent in Cambridge UK). Its also cheap, easy(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ish</span></span>) and adaptable. I'm also guessing (all right <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I'm</span> assuming) quite a few readers who are interested in using a 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span></span> child seat already have experience with one. Its also worth me saying that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">I've</span> never used a front seat, we plumped for a rear one in the end.<br /><br /><strong>General Principles</strong><br /><br />Seats are relatively well understood and common, so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">I'm</span> not going to dwell on the specifics of each seat. I'll more aim to give my idea of an optimal set up. Its also not my idea, because you can buy them ready made! Like the Seine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Motherbike</span></span> or the gazelle bloom<br />A few key points on this bike:<br /><br /><ol><br /><li>Its a step <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">thru</span></span> frame, this will really help mounting and dismounting.</li><br /><li>Its heavy and has a long wheel base, this helps the stability no end.</li><br /><li>The rear child seat allows space for panniers\side baskets </li><br /><li>The front child seat allows space for a front mounted basket</li><br /><li>Its got a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">powerful</span> centre stand</li><br /><li>Its got the optional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">buggyme</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">attachment</span></li><br /><li>Its a practical low maintenance bike</li></ol>These contribute to the following key requirements for a 2 (or 1) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">kiddy</span> bike:<br /><br /><ol><br /><li><strong>Stable</strong> when riding</li><br /><li><strong>Stable</strong> when mounting\dismounting</li><br /><li><strong>Stable</strong> when parked</li><br /><li><strong>Space</strong> for luggage and stuff</li><br /><li>Low maintenance (when will you get time to do bike maintenance!)</li></ol>A machine like this will do the nursery run and a quick shopping trip, while keeping the kids nice and quiet. I reckon though the transport is the easy bit. More challenging is the thought of going shopping with 2 small kids!<br /><br /><strong>Rear Seats</strong><br /><br />The market is awash with new child seats now. I still think the best rear ones are the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">hamax</span></span> plus and co pilot limo (Both big rack mounted jobs). The co pilot offers the most protection and can stand upright off the bike but cant take panniers. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hamax</span></span> plus is dead comfy, solid and can take panniers. I think the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hamax</span></span> sleepy is the best prong mounted one. The chap who wrote the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">CTC</span> guide to family cycling' raised his kids on a Copilot limo. Its a worthwhile read particularly as it contains an account of a fall! (nobody hurt by the way!)<br /><br /><strong>Front Seats</strong><br /><br />The front mounted market is a bit more mysterious, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">bobike</span></span> and wee ride seem to be the most popular ones. The wee ride is the new kid on the block and I've seen a lot of people on forums swear by em', but I'<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ve</span></span> never seen one in the flesh. Round Cambridge the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">bobike</span></span> is pretty common. If you can buy a front mounted one from a local bike shop then do, even if it costs a few more quid as the sizing and fitting can be more awkward. The nice man at <a href="http://totcycle.com/blog/all-about-front-child-bike-seats.html">Totcycle </a>has done a lovely article on them.<br /><br />Another thing, the bobike front seat used to only classically fit quill stems, but be aware they do make an mtb adaptor.<br /><br /><strong>Baby Seats</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWt850P_6LIaF8NaiE8UGqRswIaFu-KaMbMTZgtVxmi9mvKqn2t6nQEuZCYQ6TNTvz7SU85aGCChyxRZO9yIfFtvQ8flfYoGGpekry_NovVEPWIgZh9ceLB9GQb0LAuC0InaGZ2JB4Eo/s1600-h/steco_carseat_adapter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274764751336668306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWt850P_6LIaF8NaiE8UGqRswIaFu-KaMbMTZgtVxmi9mvKqn2t6nQEuZCYQ6TNTvz7SU85aGCChyxRZO9yIfFtvQ8flfYoGGpekry_NovVEPWIgZh9ceLB9GQb0LAuC0InaGZ2JB4Eo/s320/steco_carseat_adapter.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Bike seats are often quoted as suitable for 12 months plus. For most seats I think the rule of thumb is can they sit up and support their head which for us was ~9 months. Of course in Holland new mums lock themselves away for the first 9 months of their babies <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">life</span> until baby is able to ride a bike....Nah! Its not uncommon to see baby in a front mounted moses basket (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Aaaaah</span>!) , or a car seat stuck in a basket or alternatively you can get the <a href="http://www.steco.nl/pages/consumer/index.php?taal=nl&page=Producten&cid=12&pid=20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Steco</span> </a>maxi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">cosi</span> bike mount. Gotta love those Dutch! I have a lovely picture somewhere of a baby in a front basket. Its the type that makes you go '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Aaaaaah</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">isn't</span> that cute' I'll try to dig it out.<br /><br /><strong>Parking<br /><br /></strong>Stopping, mounting\dismounting can be awkward. The key here is to have multiple safety systems. Start with a very strong stand and only use it as a last resort (I'<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ve</span> broken one already). Its best to find a solid object, walls , fence, railing etc. Preferably find one away from traffic. Get the bike <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">lent</span> up so its nearly self supporting. Secure it with a lock. apply front brake to stop it rolling (i keep a hair tie on my handlebars to hold the front brake down).<br />Once the bike is secure, get yourself and your bags sorted. Then start on the kids. Get anything off them that is going to be packed away, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">eg</span> helmets, windproof layers, finally remove child 1, then child 2. Job done! When you go do it all in reverse.<br />A perk of this bit is that passers by will stop and admire your cute children in the lovely bike seat!<br /><br /><strong>Summing Up</strong><br /><br />So pros and cons of bike seats: </p><ul><li>They may fit to your current bike but not always<br /></li><li>Cheap, unless a new bike is required</li><br /><li>Widely available</li><br /><li>The bike stays 'bike shaped', which helps in traffic and storage</li><br /><li>Stability can be an issue for some types of bikes, but not the right types </li><br /><li>Cold\wet weather can be limiting for very young children</li></ul><br /><p align="left"></p>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-48768108825101751042008-11-14T04:57:00.000-08:002008-11-28T06:03:47.722-08:00Cycling with 2 young children Part 1This is the most common question i see around family cycling and its a good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">un</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Theres</span> a few solutions around and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I'd</span> like to do a summary of some of them. The main ones <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I'm</span> going to look at are:-<br /><br />1) 2 child seats (front and back)<br />2) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Workbikes</span> (often wide bikes\trikes with storage\seating)<br />3) Long bikes (bikes with extended rears , normal bike width)<br />4) Trailers<br /><br />I'm not going to cover, tag a longs ; towing arms ; sidecars ; tandems <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ie</span> bikes that are suitable for children who are at an age when they can ride a bike.<br /><br />Next <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">I'll</span> declare my bias.<br />- I'm looking for some real solutions for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">UK</span> based cyclists.<br />- I like a bike that behaves like a bike<br />- That rides well<br />- That can cut through traffic (or quickly get out of its way!)<br />- That can handle rain, cold, hills, a roundabout and a 30 mph <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sidewind<br /></span><br /><br />Although I hope to illustrate some real solutions for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">UK</span> cyclists. Its a fact of life though that 99% of the kit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">I'll</span> look at won't be British. However, what is British and is worth a read is 'The CTCs guide to family cycling'. Its a great starting place for someone trying to decide whats good for them. I've been meaning to do a book review of it for some time, but instead i'm just going to stick an Amazon link up.Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-8927938976026354382008-10-15T05:42:00.001-07:002008-11-03T05:11:38.129-08:00Man Does Weekly Shopping RunI promised amazing adventures of doing the shopping and i mean to deliver!<br /><br />Mike and I usually do a mid week shopping run to local Market town <a href="http://www.saffronwalden.gov.uk/">Saffron Walden</a>. Previously i could only pick up bits and pieces that could fit in a pannier and a basket. This always meant shopping had to be carefully packed into the panniers which was always a bit of a stacking puzzle. It also had to be done one handed while holding onto Michael.<br /><br />I went on my first shop with the trailer this Tuesday. It was interesting. A quick note here. Mikes still on the seat. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">There's</span> no way he's going in the trailer, he wants to sit on the bike with dad. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Here's</span> how it went:<br /><br /><br /><strong>Getting ready:</strong> Took about the same time. No mounting of panniers and basket, but had to get the trailer out of the shed On the plus side the weather looked iffy, so i just chucked jackets into the trailer. A lot less hassle than deciding on the optimum amount to carry.<br /><strong>Verdict</strong>: Nothing in it so far.<br /><br /><strong><br />Getting there:</strong> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hmmm</span>. Well the ride was fine. I was taking it easy, just to get used to the handling, (which is very good). The trouble began when i got to town. First i got to the usual traffic light queue. Instead of shooting down the right hand side until i got to the lights (no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">RLJing</span> mind you!) i felt very stuck. After 5 minutes of queuing i got through the lights. Right time to park the bike..... I suddenly realised that the bit of railing outside <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Waitrose</span> that i normally chain up to would be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">inaccessible</span> with the trailer due to the chicane of pedestrian barriers that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">i'd</span> need to negotiate. I decided to park in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Waitrose</span> car park bike racks. Of course this is Essex, so the bike racks are out of the way, in a dark corner... Its an extra few minutes cycle round as well.. grumble grumble...<br /><strong>Verdict:</strong> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hmmm</span>, mildly annoying<br /><br /><br /><strong>Locking Up:</strong> When i get there, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">I'm</span> met with a kerb that might as well have been a cliff face. So i get off, push the bike through the car park, past the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">waitrose</span> entrance, and back round to where i wanted to get to in the first place.....Phew! Got there now its time to lock up. Actually that went quite well. I stopped, whipped Mike off the seat , dumped him in the trailer (to restrain him), locked up bike, stuck trailer next to bike , locked up trailer, pulled out Mike and bag and off we went.....Locking up took about the same amount of time but was easier because i could leave Mike in the trailer. <strong>Verdict</strong>: Finding a bike rack: Angry letter to council! Locking up , lovely job!<br /><br /><br />Normally the journey takes 20 minutes it took 30 minutes this time. I could find a better place to lock up, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">I'll</span> still get stuck in traffic. Now it was time to sprint to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">GPs</span> (where i was now 5 minutes late for an appointment.....<br /><br /><strong>Going:</strong> After a couple of hours and coffee and cake at <a href="http://uktv.co.uk/food/localfoodhero/outlet/oid/8432"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">CouCou</span></a>, its time to complete the shopping and head home. This worked great, dump bits and pieces into trolley, do shopping, take trolley to bike dump into trailer. Its like a boot! Mount up off we go.<br /><strong>Verdict</strong>: I have a boot on wheels!<br /><br />Mike dozes off on the bike and i unpack the shopping and put my feet up!<br /><br />Conclusion: Mixed! I'll use it a lot , for big shops. For trips to the library and a loaf of bread i'll stick to the panniers. Real pros and cons. Parking and in-traffic handlling being the biggest. Not for rush hour! Still a good buy for £80.Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-10015729391999999062008-10-08T08:18:00.000-07:002008-11-03T05:10:08.328-08:00Buggy BusinessSo i have my new buggy. I wanted to blast out some first impressions while they are fresh:<br /><ul><li>Its easy to hitch up</li><li>Michael doesnt want to sit in it but thinks Doggy should. Doggy is his soft toy.</li><li>After a while you forget its there</li><li>Its impossible to maneauvre bike and buggy once dismounted</li><li>It has a biiiiig turning circle</li><li>Cars cant overtake very easily (which is bad?)</li><li>Its great just throwing stuff into it , no careful packing of the panniers</li><li>Its a hassle to park</li><li>It rattles which is unnerving, but not dangerous (its the buckle on the safety strap</li><li>Its great for a sunday trip out i wouldnt fancy it in town in the rush hour</li></ul><p>Its first trip out was a Sunny sunday out to Audley End on Apple day. I felt very 'Sunday driver', cruising around with a trailer full of picnic stuff. Mike spent all day carrying Doggy, which was sweet. We filled the trailer up with apple juice and headed home. Mike obvioulsy spent the whole day on his Bike seat. He thinks the trailer is great (it does look like a childs toy), but its clearly not for people. </p>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-45453160660716819742008-09-25T04:03:00.001-07:002008-09-25T05:03:08.489-07:00Its all routine....what next?Regular readers may have spotted a dearth of posts recently. There are two reasons for this.<br /><br />1) The rotten weather. We've not done many summer family trips.<br />2) Its pretty routine now<br /><br />Any journey <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">that's</span> just me or me and Mike I always use the bike (with the odd exception). Its a pretty polished routine now. I have all my local journeys worked out down to where I'll park the bike, how long it will take and how to pack the luggage. The only things that restrict my journeys are not having enough luggage space, Mike having nowhere to sleep and very bad weather. This huge success in car replacement is a bit of an anti-climax. Now i need a new challenge.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sooooo</span>... I've just bought myself a new shiny trailer buggy from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Halfords</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">That's</span> broken my new credit crunch economising routine. Hopefully I'll be posting stories about our buggy based adventures. Look forwards to such tales as:<br /><ul><li>How i took my garden waste to the dump.</li><li>How i got the whole weekly shop home , not just the top up one.</li><li>How i sat and had coffee while Michael slept.</li><li>How i saved Michael from sudden freezing rain.<br /><br /></li></ul>Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1892073431700403328.post-15263028872178635642008-08-29T00:40:00.000-07:002008-11-03T05:09:30.933-08:00Nursery TripsI finally got the hang of picking Mike up from Nursery on the bike. The real hurdle had been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">manoeuvring</span> bike and Mike up and down the stairs at my station. In the end i decided to use a parents oldest trick....looking helpless. Someone always offers to help, someone always grabs the handlebars of the bike to help me onto the train with it, someone always smiles and waves at him on the train or the bike. People are basically nice. Children give them the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">opportunity</span> to express that. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Isn't</span> the world great?<br /><br />Now <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I've</span> been waxing lyrical about how wonderful people are , <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">I'll</span> move on to gloat at my proud father one-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">upmanship</span> moment while picking Mike up from Nursery. The first time i picked him up, he was ever so pleased to see me and the bike (Ah bless him!). We were just getting his stuff together and his helmet on, when a second dad squeezes by in his car and picks up his toddler. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CarDad</span> looks at us and the bike with a look that says 'Oh dear is that the best you can do?'<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CarDads</span> Toddler looks at the bike all eyes wide and excited, then turns to his dad and gives him a look that clearly says 'Dad that looks fun. Why cant we do that?'.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">CarDad</span> looks at me crossly with a look that clearly says 'Damn it! T<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">hat's</span> not fair, now look what you've done!'. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">CarDad</span> grabs Toddler and and shoves him in his car. We smuggly mount up and head off.......<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Weeeeeeeeee</span>!Cycledadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743646385437170465noreply@blogger.com2