Summer means cycling and this season has been very good to us. We’ve always wanted to bike beyond the 3km distance to the tennis courts but we’ve been held back by Gabby’s kiddie bike. Well not anymore! Last month, we got him a grown-up bike. And that was the start of a more serious pastime.
That weekend, all five of us rode all the way to Lachine Lighthouse. It was an accomplishment, ticking off an entry from our summer bucket list.
Father rooster led the way while mother hen took the rear. I like watching my boys.
In total, we rode 18.7km.
My bike has a cushioned seat, with paisley and floral decals. It has a varnished wicker basket that holds lampin (birdseye cloth), extra water, granolas, camera, and a first aid kit. It has a bell that chimes rather than rings when pressed. I use it to warn the boys that a car is coming from behind, to keep right and stay in the bike lane. My bike has an iconic shape. My bike is magic.
But there’s one problem: it’s heavy. I couldn’t keep up with the lighter, more aerodynamic bikes of the boys. I was breathless and dizzy. I had to stop a couple of times to drink and rest, while the boys circle the road, whistling while I catch my breath. At home, my legs were wobbly. It was a surprise that I didn’t collapse. One of the boys looked at me with concerned eyes, “Mom, you should have told us that you needed time to rest. Don’t you know you’re old?” Hah! That boy, no dinner for you! 😤
Riel knew how much I love riding bikes (see bottom for the backstory). Plus, it is something we can enjoy doing together. He upgraded my bike to a hybrid, much lighter and much faster. The rest is history.
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A little back story: I didn’t own a bike growing up. I learned how to bike in the Quezon City apartment taking turns riding my cousin’s bike when we visit them. During summer vacation, my dad would bring us to Victoria, Tarlac to spend a couple of weeks there. I would use his bike, which was not the most ideal size for a kid. It was too high and very uncomfortable, but I made do using a piece of foam from an old sofa pillow, rolled and tied to the bike frame. My brother and I took turns riding around the perimeter of the plaza, which took about 15mins. That was our afternoon activity. I was 12 and my brother was 9. My dad knew nothing of our afternoon escapades because he was out and we were supposed to take our siesta.
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Upcoming post: Hometown Tourists