A New Bike and a New Peddler

The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine. ~John Howard

The Little Gentleman has been riding the below orange bike for over a year now with out training wheels.  He has also been riding the tag along. Now, He is finally tall enough to have his very own Raleigh. This is very exciting.  It is green and black too - his favorite!

The orange bike got  passed down. So, the Little Miss has graduated from her tri-cycle and she is peddling around all on her own!  Why do they turn 2 and feel they should be able to do what the big Kiddos do?  It makes it hard to keep them little!

A Cumberland Greenway

Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling. ~J. E. Starrs

We cycled a new Greenway on the last day of 70 degree temps. The Greenway had lots of shade with wind blowing off the lake. It was very pleasant and it will be great to cycle this path again since the weather has swiftly turned to 90 and hot!

A surprised awaited us. This  path opens up from a canopy of trees to a trestle bridge and then on to small bridges that cross little creeks.

It has many picnic tables and swings to enjoy the view along the way. A perfect place for those who need to rest and have a snack.

Being that we are doing Botany right now, The Little Lady and I took note of all the plants that the "Natives" carefully labeled for us to enjoy. We were very interested in staying away from this one though!

I think we will have to visit this park when everything is in bloom.

Training Begins...

"Every Finisher is a Winner" - IronKids Motto (Affiliated with IronMan)

All week the Little Man has been talking about the Ironkid Triathlon. So, I wasn't surprised when we were cycling that he said, "Make room for the IronKid" and then he squeezed through Sister and Beloved. I just so happened to have my camera.

The Little Man had asked if Daddy would train him!

So, Beloved and I have been discussing what we thought about the commitment. We both agree that it would be great exercise and it would  require a good bit of focus and discipline for him.

He seemed quite passionate about the idea all week. But, Beloved wanted to test him to see how serious he was about it and we will continue to test and look to see if interest wanes. 

Cycling isn't a problem at all for him. He does 5 miles almost every day with more energy to spare. So, Beloved told him on Friday that running training starts on Monday at 6 since that is the only time Beloved runs. 

Would he get up for running training at 6am?

He did! 

He won't be 6 until the end of Summer so for his age division 6 to 8 years old this is the requirements: 50 yard swim, 2 mile bike ride, and a 500 yard run (just over a quarter mile) Also, when you compete in the IRONKIDS, if your Parent is Active Military, your "time" is also automatically put in  your age section for the MILITARY IRONKID slot as well.  

I guess we shall see...  If his interest continues we will move on to swimming laps. OOPS!!! I mean Beloved will move him on to Swimming. I will just be a really great cheerleader!

Cycling in Green

Our God in heaven does what ever pleases him.  Psalm 115:2

On Saturday, God's beautiful canopy was a breath taking view, on our little town's greenway, which was being enjoyed by many bicyclist, runners and the casual walkers.

Luscious greenery which gave us perfect shade,  a cool breeze, and plenty of bottled water allowed us to set out and cycle six miles.  

* We cycled 30 miles from Wed-Sun and the Children still had more energy to spare!

My Cycling Thoughts

I thought of that while riding my bike. ~ Albert Einstein, on the theory of relativity

Beloved is so in his element and the Children are enjoying trying out new trails. This trail took us cycling close to the military air strip. There is nothing like cycling underneath airplanes and helicopters as they are taking off and doing flight patterns.




I think Beloved probably will be going to work and doing a little “Praising the Lord” in regards to his happy cyclist! They did a total of 2O miles this week with more energy to spare! Although, there is no telling how much the Little Gentleman does actually. Daddy is actually the leg pumper! I caught the Little Gentlman crossing his legs on the top cross bar as he was being pulled along. Nevertheless, he makes sure he gets his supply of cycling snacks!



I only did 16 miles this week.

You now know who is holding up the progress! Unlike Einstein who changed the world with his genius as thoughts came to his mind while riding his bicycle, my thoughts are ONLY on soaking my sore muscles.

We are Cycling Again!

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy

Before Beloved and I had Children we would do 20 mile Bicycling Festival Rides. That came to halt when we had Children. So, 7 years later and 4 Children, we weren't really sure when we would be able to Bike as a Family!


Beloved came home from his business trip to discover that the Little Lady and the Little Man taught themselves how to ride their bikes by practicing a few weeks in the garage!

It sure didn't take Beloved long to get them out on the trails! They went cycling several days last week


Yesterday, He came home and said, "You want to ride bikes to Burger King to get a hamburger?" The Salmon was already started so we didn't.

Then, He came home today and said, "Get your helmets on. Let's ride bikes to the Burger King to get a hamburger!" Once again, I had the Chicken dinner only 10 minutes away from going on the table! This time though, I just turned it off.


When we arrived home from our Cycling (and Dinner), I was amazed that the Children still wanted to keep going!
However, I said, "Hop in the Car! Let's see how far we cycled today!"
I estimated maybe 3 miles. Beloved thought 4.5.
Imagine our surprise --- 7.2 miles!
They just learned to ride their bikes 3 weeks ago!

Beloved said "How is that for spontaneity?"
A huge joke in this house! -- Last week on the spare of the moment, the whole family got in the car at 8:30pm in our pajamas and went to Sonic for Ice Cream. ;)

Anyway, An hour after cycling, I was speaking to the Little Lady.
I said, "Did you enjoy your bike ride?"
She said, "Oh Yes! But,I like Horseback Riding better. The Horse does all the work for you!"
I laughed and thought to myself, "Amen to that! For I am sure I will be the only one sore tomorrow."