Summer Bike Ride

My sisters and I used to ride bikes all the time as kids. We lived in a neighborhood burgeoning with children and families, so we'd often encounter our friends riding bikes to and from swim team practice in the summer months. We knew all the shortcuts, which neighbor's property brought you from one street to another, the houses where the mean, cranky neighbors lived (whose yards you were obligated to walk your bike through in lieu of pedaling fast).
In those years before I ever registered the desirable freedom a learner's permit or a driver's license held, my bike held a freedom all its own. Being able to speed down my street, turn any direction on a whim, and pedal until our legs ached...it was so exhilarating! Katie and I taught ourselves how to ride with no hands, balancing the handle bars between our knobby knees. I of course was the cautious one, and reluctant to fall ever, but she did not ever demonstrate such a fear.

Now that I'm a grown-up, biking is less of a necessity and more of a leisure past time. I do currently own a bike, a $25 steal my parents scored at a local garage sale. Yet, I'm hopeful to acquire a beach cruiser in the next few years or so, hopefully by that time we'll live in a more bike-friendly neighborhood. But when I do, I'm going to invest in this clever contraption, ideal for those who enjoy biking and cold beverages.
What's your favorite place to bike ride?

image 2/etsy

8 comments

Claire {Beaktweets} said...

this is such a great post. you really capture that feeling as a little kid of flying & freedom thanks to a bike.

i love riding my bike. we have a bike path hat runs behind our back yard and i also love venturing into the city and riding along the river.

Unknown said...

I love that little contraption!!! It is on my must-buy list for summer! Biking is definitely one of my favorite Seattle summer activities! Thanks for stopping by my blog...so glad that you found me so that I could find you! I am so happy to know you are a Seattle blogger, too {they seem so hard to find!} Can't wait to get to know your blog more :)

jacin {lovely little details} said...

such a great post that makes me happy!! that 6-pack carrier?? genius.

Erin {pughs' news} said...

My bike got stolen from the parking garage of our old condo building. Ooh, it still makes me mad to think about it!

If I had a bike, I'd love to ride it to the beach, with a drinks holder like that...

Suzzie Vehrs said...

haha. I want a bike so badly.

Pretty Zesty said...

I road my bike once in NYC. Never again. I long for living in a town where I can ride a bike and have a garden. The city is great but you can kiss simple pleasures like that goodbye unless you are a richling.

rebecca said...

any flat surface! seriously. i like to take a leisurely bike ride. not sweat my butt off. that's what running is for.

Kirby said...

I am such a terrible bike rider, but I love that this one has beer storage!
xo
Alexa