Biking with the Babbs

After Heidi and I ran our half marathon together I decided I wanted something just as physical but perhaps more fun than running. (I know, I know, who doesn't love running? The first mile or so is always fine, but no matter how far I'm running every mile after that is decidedly awful) So I got a bike, since my last one was stolen just before we moved out of Provo. Heidi's one rule: if I got a bike, we also had to get a baby carrier so she could partake in the fun. Deal.

So I got a the best ~$250 bike I could find on Amazon - a single speed, steel frame, Vilano brand. Beyond being cheap but good quality, it appeared to my wannabe hipster in me: it has cool coloring (see below) and its single speed makes it easy to maintain and feel "connected" with.  Now that I've ridden it a bit I appreciate the workout the single speed forces - I don't have gears to rely on as I crank my way up and down our hilly neighborhood.

Turns out I love cycling. I don't see myself getting the neon monotone spandex unofficially required of any adult cyclist (can someone explain this to me? I don't understand why no one questions this mob behavior) nor riding hundred+ mile races, but I thoroughly enjoy it. I enjoy the workout but mostly love the scenery and exploration.

I also love the time I get to spend with this girl.

She loves biking. "Bike, bike!" is something we hear just about every time she steps into the garage. It took her a while to warm up to the helmet but it's seriously one of her favorite things. Before she could say "bike" (as of about a month ago) she'd go "th th tss th th tss" to signal she wanted to go on a bike ride - her version of the sound the bike makes, I guess.

We've gone on several long-ish bike rides together but I'd always considering the ride around White Rock Lake (9 miles) to be a daunting challenge, likely thanks to the horrific memory of when Heidi and I ran around the lake in February. We didn't prepare ourselves adequately, didn't bring food/drink for baby, and it got dark 3/4 of the way around the lake. Miserable. Near hysteria. We survived. 

But I got gutsy and took us around the lake a week ago Saturday morning. We loved it. "Wa-wa!" (water is one of her favorite things, so seeing it in such abundance is sheer joy for her. Seriously, water bottles are her equivalent of teddy bears or blankets most toddlers cling to). 

We took a few breaks to walk out on the docks.

And just take pictures.

And enjoy the scenery.

And feed/chase the geese and ducks.

^Thanks to that lady in yellow for giving us bread!

Or feed herself? 

And then this last weekend my parents were in town for the 4th of July. Thankfully we were able to borrow  a bike from our friends, the Hasslers, so my dad was able to come on the second of what I'm trying to make a weekly tradition.

We had a great time. So glad my dad was able to come! Heidi and I are very blessed to live so close to our parents. We're also so blessed to live in such a beautiful area with great cycling routes nearby, a beautiful lake a mile away, and wonderful old trees everywhere. Our little corner of Dallas is awesome. If you don't believe us, come visit us. We love it here.