June 14, 2005
Tour de France 2018 Training, Day One
Well, it finally happened. We finally went with the kids to buy them their first "big girl bikes."
I don't know why, but we always never seemed to get around to it. First the weather was too cold. Then there was not enough room in the garage. Then we had to spend money on our trip to Indianapolis for our family reunion...
But, I finally became convinced that we were past due to make the plunge. I think that realization struck when my daughters were struggling to ride their Big Wheels and one of them nearly bloodied her lip with her knee.
So. Onto the Internet. Then off to the bike shops.
(We decided to go to real bike shops instead of Target or sommeplace like that.)
These shopping excursions taught me two things. One: Cycling helmets are not designed for little Black girls' hair styles. (Picture us in the middle of a bike shop show room, removing handsful of butterfly barrettes and big baubly balls on the ends of rubber bands...) Two: There are actually people who spend more on their bikes than I spent on my first car. And for things that weigh less than a small bag of sugar!
Anyway. We were successful, and finally went out the other day for the First Ride. And, as proud as I am, I did mourn a little as we loaded the back of the wagon up with the big wheels (and the Graco double stroller, and the two unbrella strollers, and the baby slings and all manner of other artifacts from our kids' babyhood) to make room for the bikes. I know all this stuff will go to good homes. And I know that it's a good thing when your kids grow up...
**sniffsniff**
At any rate. Here is my photo essay documenting this momentous time in my--er, I mean, my daughters' lives...
"Finally, my bike riding day has come!"
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"I'm so excited--I just can't believe it!"
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On your mark, get set, GO!
Battle scars...
...But true champions climb right back on to ride again!
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Absolutely adorable! Ride on!
Posted by: Laurene at June 14, 2005 10:41 PMWhat a great day! And the pix brightend my day, too -- thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Carrie at June 15, 2005 10:50 AMWhat fun! How cute are they?!!! Jonas got his first bike when he turned three. It was a HUGE deal. He loves that blue wonder.
Posted by: Mieke at June 19, 2005 05:43 PMYour daughters are so lovely! I was so happy to read about them getting their first big girl bikes. It is such a pivotal moment in a child's life. Bikes give you mobility and a sense of freedom. They are also a lot of fun to ride. I know because I ride my bike almost everyday in my Japanese life and I love it!
Posted by: Ms World at June 24, 2005 06:15 AMYour daughters are so lovely! I was so happy to read about them getting their first big girl bikes. It is such a pivotal moment in a child's life. Bikes give you mobility and a sense of freedom. They are also a lot of fun to ride. I know because I ride my bike almost everyday in my Japanese life and I love it!
Posted by: Ms World at June 24, 2005 06:16 AM