Eighth-Annual Xtracycle Tree Haulin! (plus retrospective)

This is our obligatory eighth-annual Christmas tree by bike post. Tree-hauling is old hat by now, but I thought I’d post some photos of this year’s adventure anyway. You might remember that last year our daughter hauled the tree. When we discussed who would pedal the tree home this year, I realized I’d never done it. How did I pass on all of those tree-hauling opportunities over the years? Naturally I volunteered for the task.

As we were prepping to leave for the tree lot, I strung lights through the baskets, Snapdecks and frames on four of our bikes. I lit up my commuter bike for our daughter to ride, since it was already out, and it fits her! No saddle-height-adjustment needed!

We used to come up with all sorts of custom rigging and strapping options to carry the tree home, but two years ago we gave in and let Hunter’s bundle the tree. This means that instead of wrestling with rope and straps and whacky balance issues, the slender, nearly eight-foot tree can fit easily into the Xtracycle Freeloader bags.  We just had to throw a foam wedge between the bag and the tree to lever the trunk out far enough to allow for pedal clearance. Easy peasy.

A few more photos of the tree hauling adventure:

Once’s again, I’m recycling our tree-hauling photo retrospective from years past. Because I can. And the early photos are so darn cute.

Year One: 2007, look how little!

Year Two: 2008, a dusting of snow

Year Three: 2009, the year we froze

Year Four: 2010, the year it rained a lot

Year Five:  2011, kids on their own bikes!

Year Six: 2012, looking so grown up!

Year Seven: 2013, Kids hauling trees. (She’s almost as tall as me)

This Mad Max-inspired tree hauling photo from 2008 is still one of the most-viewed photos in our Flickr stream. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Happy Holidays, everyone. Looking forward to checking out your tree-hauling adventures.

– Anne and Tim