Since my first bike ride post baby, I’ve managed to squeeze just a couple more in. Mostly just to the university library to drop off or pick up books for my research. But then I got to thinking (and talking to my mom friends) and I realized that I needed to have one evening a week to leave the house and get some uninterrupted writing done. And to ride my bike, of course. Fortunately, T. was more than willing to oblige, practically pushing me out of the house as soon as I said the words. (We both try to hog the baby as much as we can).
With winter fast approaching (I know, I wish it weren’t so), and C. is still so little and fragile (we’re just now getting that bobble head of hers to support itself), we’ve realized that it won’t be until next Spring that we’ll be putting her in a bike trailer and riding as a family. So these days, since I’m with her almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I’m either driving or walking to all of my destinations. T. still rides his bike to work as much as he can but my bike rides have been much fewer and far between.
Thus I’m really excited for our new arrangement allowing me to both get a much longed for bike ride and some writing time in. And I’m so happy to be implementing it now, in the Fall, one of the most enjoyable seasons to be experienced by bike.
On the first of my library bike dates, I was surprised to see so many trees already changing colors. And then there were still so many stubbornly holding on to their green hues, pretenting that summer isn’t over. The library parking area was filled with bikes as it only is during Spring and Fall (most students leave during Summer and stop riding in the Winter). And crunchy leaves collected underfoot, making everywhere I looked a pretty landscape of greens, yellows, orange, and reds.
I won’t lie, as much as I enjoyed my newfound bike-riding freedom, I also really missed that little nugget back home and couldn’t wait to hop on my bike and return to her and her papa. I can’t wait for her to be a bit bigger and to not have to choose between spending time with her or getting on my bike or going for a run. This is my daily conundrum: I both want to stop time and keep her this cute and tiny forever and to speed up the clock to get her just a tad bit bigger and more able to join in on all our outdoor fun.
For now, my bike dates with the library stacks will remain a solo adventure. While T. will stay home with the little one, I’m going to be rediscovering our city in the Fall by bike, riding to the library, and marveling over the beauty of nature this time of year. Are you enjoying Fall by bike where you are? Happy cycling! ♥ S.
I’m itching to use our new-to-us Chariot trailer, but we may be in the same boat with waiting until spring. I’m thinking we could use it now with the “baby supporter” accessory (which we still need to buy); the description says for infants “approximately 6-18 months,” but the reviewers on REI say they started using it at 2-3 months. Our little guy is 3 months old now . . . .
Gorgeous pictures!
I read your line about you and your husband hogging the baby as much as you can, with some envy. I have a 1.5 yr old (very active) toddler and I stay home with him – pretty much 24-7 we’re together. While I chose this and love it, it is wonderful to get away for even an evening a month. Sadly it requires significant bargaining and mental prep for my husband to watch him for an evening. He works really long hours and is tired in the evenings. So it makes me happy to hear when another new mom gets some time away and it includes a lovely bike ride – yay!!
I’m enjoying riding in the Fall weather and I’m looking forward to a ride this weekend with friends for a Bike, Hike, & Picnic trail ride. The foliage I’m sure will be spectacular. The Temps for this Saturday: mild and in the 80′s, so it will be a nice Indian Summer ride.
Also, thanks S, for the nice comments and link to my site on your previous post and congrats on your win.
Biking with baby on slipery winter roads is not funny! But fall is beautifull (without fall showers). I think your Indian summer pictures are beautifull!
I used a baby bucket in my bike trailer. This bucket is made for baby’s younger than nine months. It supports the head, and provides lateral support. I used since little boy was 6 weeks old. In Europe KidCar, Weber and a number of other companies provide baby accessories for younger babies. But safety standards might be different in the USA.
Hannie, thanks for the tip! I’ve never seen a baby bucket here. You’re right, there is definitely a difference in what’s available and standard in the US vs. Eu, and since there’s less of a cycling culture here, there seem to be less innovative accessories readily available. But I’m curious now to look into it.
S.
I really enjoyed this post! It just made me so excited for Fall, and even more excited to experience Fall by bike. (This year will be my first one, as I just started bike commuting in July.) I also love all the pictures lately of your feet in Birkenstocks with various surroundings. So cool.
Guess what I really want to say is this post made me smile!
Those trees are gorgeous!
To me fall is the perfect season for bike rides and other outdoors activities.
Have fun!
My baby just turned six weeks and I have the same struggle. I want to enjoy each moment with her as she is now, but I am also looking forward to what we can do when she is a bit bigger.
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