Author Archives: Anne

Reading

Posted on February 20, 2009 | 16 comments

Some kids watch movies on those ever-so-handy-back-of-the-seat-dvd players, our kids read books on the back of the Xtracycle. Why not? Someone else is “driving”. The Snapdeck is a great place to sit back and enjoy a good book.

Even though the kids have been reading back there for some time and I’ve grown accustomed to the sight, it still makes me smile. I also chuckle when on-lookers stop and ask, “do you know they’re not holding on back there?”

Yes, I know. Thanks for your concern.

It’s beautiful in Seattle today. We’re going to ride up to the library and checkout some new books.

Have a great weekend!

– Anne

16 Comments

Posted in alternative transportation, bikes, kids

Tagged kids, reading, snapdeck, xtracycle

What’s in your Bike Bag?

Posted on February 11, 2009 | 15 comments

What's in your Freeloader?

While searching for a Band-Aid in my FreeLoader the other day, I came across a few of the strangest things. This prompted me to take everything out and do some early spring cleaning. (Thankfully cleaning out a FreeLoader is not at all similar to cleaning out a car – I didn’t find spilled milk or moldy cheese or anything gross in there).

Find anything interesting in your bike bag lately? Please share!

– Anne

15 Comments

Posted in bikes, xtracycle

Tagged bike bag contents, spring cleaning, xtracycle

Park Your Car and Walk a Block to School

Posted on February 1, 2009 | 17 comments

Ever since my kids started school, I’ve become fixated on a strange American practice: the school drive-through drop off. Many parents it seems have made the choice to drive by the school, open the door and drop their kids off at the school entrance without leaving the comfort of their car. I know every one does not live walking distance from school and some parents must drive their kids to school. But is it necessary to do a drive-through drop off? Can’t they park their cars and walk their kids to the school yard?

Sure it may be easier, more convenient and less hassle to do a drive-through. But what about the impact to the whole community around the school? What about the unnecessary pollution and increased traffic they are creating and the sedentary habits they’re teaching kids? Continue reading →

17 Comments

Posted in alternative transportation, bigger than here, bikes, kids, neighborhoods, School

Tagged Safe Routes to School, schools, seattle, Walk a Block

Hood Ornaments

Posted on January 29, 2009 | 6 comments

My 8– year–old daughter thought the chick riders in our family should have matching hood ornaments for our bikes. She wanted to give our bikes a feminine touch to show our “girl power” and differentiate ourselves from the boys. She offered up a couple of her old Polly Pocket dolls for the project and we zip tied them to our handlebars.

I think the handlebar chicks add a nice touch. We can even change their outfits according to the season. I love to look down while I’m pedaling along and see the wind whipping through my doll’s hair, makes me crack a smile.

– Anne

6 Comments

Posted in bikes, kids' bikes

Tagged bike decoration, kids' bikes

Xtracycle Shuttle Service

Posted on January 19, 2009 | 2 comments

Since the kids were out of school today we decided to spend the day at the Science Center. The Science Center is in the middle of Seattle Center on Lower Queen Anne, six miles from our house and just a little too far for me to haul both kids on the Xtracycle.

One fifty–pound passenger is completely doable. Add another and they eventually get bored and pick fights with each other. No fun for anyone. Especially not the pilot.

Usually, when I travel distances over three to four miles with both kids, I take the bus. But after days and days of fog in Seattle, the sun finally appeared and it was beautiful. I just couldn’t bring myself to load everyone on the stinky bus for the 30 minute ride.

I really wanted to ride my bike. Continue reading →

2 Comments

Posted in alternative transportation, bikes, kids, xtracycle

Tagged alternative transportation, shuttle service, xtracycle

First Ride on the Girlfriend Rack

Posted on January 13, 2009 | 10 comments

He kicked me off when we got to the hill

Girlfriend Panda

I pedaled down to Lower Queen Anne today and met Tim for lunch. Instead of making the trek to the restaurant on foot, we took my bike.

I let Tim pilot since I’ve been looking for an excuse to take a ride on the girlfriend rack. Super fun. Tim reports that the Oma handles way better with a passenger on the back than the Xtracycle. He was even able to take some Panda shots while he was riding. And I managed to do the jump-on with out tipping us over. Now that’s stability! The Oma was made for carrying a friend.

Happy January!

– Anne

10 Comments

Posted in alternative transportation, bikes, dates, oma

Tagged carfreedates, girlfriend rack, oma

Merry Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2008 | 5 comments

Merry Christmas! We hope you enjoyed the holiday. We had a lovely day.

A rare snowy week in Seattle has paralyzed the city and kept us mostly confined to the one mile radius around our house. I guess 27 snow plows aren’t enough to keep the roads of an entire city clear.

I have to agree, snow in Seattle does force people to rediscover their legs. We’ve seen more people carless this week than normal. This seems kind of harsh, but it’s nice when people are scared or ill equiped to drive. The streets have been so quiet and serene. We could get used to these car-free roads. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get rid of the snow and have the roads to ourselves? Continue reading →

5 Comments

Posted in alternative transportation, bicycle neglect, bikes, seattle, sustainability, weather

Second Annual Xtracycle Tree Haulin’

Posted on December 15, 2008 | 15 comments

We pedaled up to the local tree lot over the weekend and picked up our Christmas tree. Although the novelty of hauling a large tree by bike has faded a bit, it was still pretty satisfying to pull up to the tree lot on our bikes, park right in front, choose our 6′ Noble fir, strap it to Tim’s bike with very little effort, and pedal home. No drama, no fuss, no big deal. Continue reading →

15 Comments

Posted in alternative transportation, BIG Loads, bigger than here, bikes, kids, seattle, streetsblog, sustainability, xtracycle

Tagged 2008, christmas, Christmas Tree, local, seattle, streetsblog

Improve Your Chances of a Dry Commute with Hourly Forecast

Posted on December 1, 2008 | 2 comments

This time of year, the weather is pretty predictable in Seattle. More often than not, it’s gonna rain. Sometimes we get a break from the rain–maybe just a few clouds, maybe even some sun. To help us figure out the best time to head out on our bikes, Tim and I both use the Hourly Forecast on AccuWeather.com. Continue reading →

2 Comments

Posted in alternative transportation, bikes, weather

Tagged hourly forecast, rain, weather, winter riding

Holiday Shopping for Kids

Posted on November 20, 2008 | 7 comments

After a nice string of crisp fall weather, the rain and wind returned to Seattle this morning. We donned rain coats and brought along the trusty umbrella for our walk to school this morning.

Who wants to walk and ride bikes in the rain, anyway? Instead, I’m thinking we’ll forget about getting the kids outside for exercise this winter and buy them a few of these lovely contraptions this holiday season. This exercise bike even comes with an interactive video game. Continue reading →