Just the other day I was walking home from the train station, pondering how much longer the sun would be out and if I could get a quick ride in before nightfall. Sadly, the very next thought was:
But where would I go?And do I *really* have time??
The reality is I am balancing being a wife and mom with my unrelenting desire to head out for a few hours and pedal my way to happiness. The house still needs to be cleaned, the lawn mowed and the flower beds tended to. May is the hardest month for this – the weather is nice, the sun is out longer and the kids’ school events ramp up before the year ends.
But even if it were just me, I’m not sure I’d just jump on my bike and head out for an evening ride. I’m working on getting to know the terrain and becoming comfortable and familiar with it. It’s part exploration, part adventure … and part just plain time. You just can’t force knowing where to go.
So I joined the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia – to have a better view of what is being advocated in my area and to also access their super-awesome regional maps that categorize many roads so I can plan better routes. And find the best places to take my kids so we can cycle together. It’s not always about riding hard or fast – sometimes it’s awesome to just cruise to the local ice cream shop with the fam for some refreshments.
I’m also attending a beginner cyclist’s clinic this weekend between getting my kids to their various activities – sports, camping, play-dates and spaghetti dinners.
It’s all very exciting … if I can find a balance.
wife. mother. awesome girl. 