Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I am always the one who thinks of reasons things can't be done. I make excuses. I think of the obstacles. I declare things 'impossible' when they really aren't. My husband thinks 'how hard can it be?' I think 'well, let me tell you about all the complicated details you aren't thinking about...' Or someone says, 'Wouldn't this be fun?' And I picture the reality. :tongue_smilie: With six kids and no car, this mom does it all by bike. I wish I could think outside the box. I wish my personality naturally liked doing difficult, interesting things. I'd love to be outrageous. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I read that too! I was like, "AWESOME!" That's putting your money (er, feet) where your mouth is! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 The lines about bungee cording the kids onto the bike was laugh-out-loud funny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Very cool and inspiring, thanks for sharing the article. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I'll have to read the article. I admit my one thought was, "Why isn't she making those kids bike." :) Perhaps I'm just lazy, (and only have two to watch, and one is really great about looking out for cars and what-not) but I think if I'm going to wear myself out getting around you better be doing the same. Thanks for the link Heidi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Well now I know what to do when my van dies.....(knock on wood!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Wow! I have to be honest. I cannot imagine doing that. :lol Like you, Heidi, I WANT to imagine myself doing something like that...but I can't. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom4him Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Love this story. Thanks for sharing.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Happens all the time in our county. Some families don't even have (aren't permitted to have) bicycles, but rather the family all has stand up and push with your foot scooters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 I'll have to read the article. I admit my one thought was, "Why isn't she making those kids bike." :) Perhaps I'm just lazy, (and only have two to watch, and one is really great about looking out for cars and what-not) but I think if I'm going to wear myself out getting around you better be doing the same. Thanks for the link Heidi. I agree that it would be nice if all the kids were 'pulling their weight,' but it would freak me out having that many young kids riding their own bikes in a metro area!! (With me as the only supervising adult, that is.) The oldest rides his own bike, and it sounds like she rotates a couple kids to helping out pedaling on the rear end of the bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairProspects Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 She is my hero. :) Now if only we hadn't bought a house in suburbia with no bike lanes. :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle My Bell Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I love it and it fits right in with my personality. I have had a Burley Bike trailer for years and I used to haul my 2 girls around in it when we lived in a smaller city. Where I live now, it is not as user friendly but I only have 1 small one really anymore. On my blog I posted about a new item Burley has come out with for going to the grocery store. edited: Once I loaded up all my kids and rode through Amish country 12 miles round trip. Sounds OK but what I didn't realize is there are HUGE hills in Amish Country, Ohio and it was already a 90 degree day. It was insane but and wonderful memory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoamiracle Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 we'd get run over riding bikes around here. No sidewalks or bike lanes. I can't even imagine doing that, 18 wheelers whizzing past as you go under the wheel... I shudder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisbeth Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Wow! I have to be honest. I cannot imagine doing that. :lol Like you, Heidi, I WANT to imagine myself doing something like that...but I can't. :lol: Me either. My sun-activated autoimmune issues would kill. Do they make bikes with shades?:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisbeth Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 we'd get run over riding bikes around here. No sidewalks or bike lanes. I can't even imagine doing that, 18 wheelers whizzing past as you go under the wheel... I shudder. Agreed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 we'd get run over riding bikes around here. No sidewalks or bike lanes. I can't even imagine doing that, 18 wheelers whizzing past as you go under the wheel... I shudder. Our area is terrible for biking too. I can't even let my 15-year-old to go too many places because the roads are too busy and narrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 This video tells how Holland purposely changed things to accommodate bicyclists. It is interesting, although I don't see it happening here in the states. I wish it would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I found the article hilarious, and I thought I would hate it or that it would be a holier than thou type. It seems bizarre to me anyway! But she sounds like an interesting lady. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 When I grew up, it was common for women to not drive ( talking early 80's Australia here). It was very very common for women to walk to the shops etc. My mother had 8 children, and she didn't get her license until I was almost finished high school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Super cool!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 we'd get run over riding bikes around here. No sidewalks or bike lanes. I can't even imagine doing that, 18 wheelers whizzing past as you go under the wheel... I shudder. Here too. I would need a tricycle. I keep trying to figure out how she keeps it all upright while getting off and on. I saw the kick stand on the front trailer but how do you get off your seat, hold all that upright long enough to put it down? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Kudos to her! I'm not in a bike friendly area either, we live rurally 15 miles from the north edge of town and 20-25 min to other things without any bicycle lanes but the kids love it when we do go biking for fun. I just have a tiny trailer that holds 2 though. She must have legs of steel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Happens all the time in our county. Some families don't even have (aren't permitted to have) bicycles, but rather the family all has stand up and push with your foot scooters. Why can't they have a bike? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Nor can I! I guess if I moved closer to the city. Here we are 15 miles from just about everything we do and drive about 30-80 miles per day for all our HS stuff. We also aren't bike friendly here.....the roads are narrow and curvy and those big cars can't see you until they are right up on you. We have had several adult bikers killed in recent years. Dawn Wow! I have to be honest. I cannot imagine doing that. :lol Like you, Heidi, I WANT to imagine myself doing something like that...but I can't. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotsofpumpkins Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Why can't they have a bike? I'm assuming she's talking about the Amish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Why can't they have a bike? Because they can't use inflatable tires ("ride on air.") Some get bicycles without them, but most just don't have a bike. (Dh is from Amish country.) From immigrant friends, I understand that it's common in some European countries for women to bike around with their dc and groceries and such. That's not the way our area is set up (we live in car country here :lol:,) though I bet Portland has a better system for bicycles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I'm assuming she's talking about the Amish. Really? We have both Amish and Mennonites around here. They both ride bikes but I do know that rules for the Amish do vary by where they are located. Those I see are in the TN/KY border area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I had to check out that style of bike. Now I have bike envy. The bakfiets trike comes with a carseat attachment, a rain fly, a boot and bench seats. Sweet. Here's a link: http://bakfiets.nl/eng/accessoires/cargotrike/small/black+trike+tent/#0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I had to check out that style of bike. Now I have bike envy.The bakfiets trike comes with a carseat attachment, a rain fly, a boot and bench seats. Sweet. Here's a link: http://bakfiets.nl/eng/accessoires/cargotrike/small/black+trike+tent/#0 Here is some more bike evny. This is the one I want. Sadly not available in Canada. (I would want to test drive before buying). The Madsen Cycle http://www.madsencycles.com/ It comes with all sorts of accessories including a head lights, front basket, rain cover, built in seat belts, locking system.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Why can't they have a bike? The official answer is, "because it can take them too far from home." Basically, the scooter is to the bicycle what the buggy is to the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scuff Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I'll have to read the article. I admit my one thought was, "Why isn't she making those kids bike." :) Perhaps I'm just lazy, (and only have two to watch, and one is really great about looking out for cars and what-not) but I think if I'm going to wear myself out getting around you better be doing the same. Thanks for the link Heidi. That's what I was thinking, too! We bike a lot in my non-pregnant years. I taught my kids early on proper safety on the road. My 3rd was on a trialing bike, but the others rode their own. I also don't understand how she did it with small babies or pregnant. All the bike forums warn against that. Still very impressive. I would not want to give up my car for most trips, especially the grocery store! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocelotmom Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 We used to have one of these (minus the lid) that I used for hauling the kids around when DD1 was little. Then for a while we did a bike/trail-a-bike/trailer chain until DS figured out how to ride on his own. Now we live in a place that isn't quite as conducive to biking. I still bike commute, weather cooperating, but getting 5 miles to town on either dirt roads or the highway (which is actually a major cross-country bike route) is a bit much with kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 Here is some more bike evny. This is the one I want. Sadly not available in Canada. (I would want to test drive before buying). The Madsen Cycle http://www.madsencycles.com/ It comes with all sorts of accessories including a head lights, front basket, rain cover, built in seat belts, locking system.... I love it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 I had to check out that style of bike. Now I have bike envy.The bakfiets trike comes with a carseat attachment, a rain fly, a boot and bench seats. Sweet. Here's a link: http://bakfiets.nl/eng/accessoires/cargotrike/small/black+trike+tent/#0 I wonder how that works with the carseat attachment. Maybe better in other countries where babies wouldn't have to wear a bike helmet... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 That's what I was thinking, too! We bike a lot in my non-pregnant years. I taught my kids early on proper safety on the road. My 3rd was on a trialing bike, but the others rode their own. I also don't understand how she did it with small babies or pregnant. All the bike forums warn against that. Still very impressive. I would not want to give up my car for most trips, especially the grocery store! Yes, I was wondering how she biked with babies, too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bug's Mom Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Very cool! Dd & I walk, bike or take the bus everywhere. One of the things I'm looking forward to when we go to Portland this fall is seeing all of the bicyclists. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Here is some more bike evny. This is the one I want. Sadly not available in Canada. (I would want to test drive before buying). The Madsen Cycle http://www.madsencycles.com/ It comes with all sorts of accessories including a head lights, front basket, rain cover, built in seat belts, locking system.... Okay, now I have to have one of these. The pink bike with the basket is so me. I have tried to tuck my dog into the Burley but he wasn't having any of it -an open bucket might be doable for him. They have a dealership in Columbus, OH. We are planning a trip to Columbus in Aug. I think/hope I can convince DH to make a stop just so I can test ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Wow! I have to be honest. I cannot imagine doing that. :lol Like you, Heidi, I WANT to imagine myself doing something like that...but I can't. :lol: Me either! I think it's neat, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I would not want to give up my car for most trips, especially the grocery store! I prefer biking for grocery trips, at least compared to walking. :) I do wish the grocery store wasn't at the bottom of a hill, and our house at the top. :glare: Okay, now I have to have one of these. The pink bike with the basket is so me. I have tried to tuck my dog into the Burley but he wasn't having any of it -an open bucket might be doable for him. They have a dealership in Columbus, OH. We are planning a trip to Columbus in Aug. I think/hope I can convince DH to make a stop just so I can test ride. I don't like you anymore. :glare: I want to test drive one. And that pink one is MINE, MINE, MINE! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewellsmommy Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 This video tells how Holland purposely changed things to accommodate bicyclists. It is interesting, although I don't see it happening here in the states. I wish it would. I would be way more comfortable biking if we had that infrastructure. I hate that you're not allowed to bike on the sidewalk when your choice is that or a major street. I get the reasons, it just makes it difficult. Even the few bike lanes around here freak me out, because they are thin little strips right next to the major traffic barely distinguishable from the main road. I am just way too paranoid for that sort of thing. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I love Ladd's Addition - I used to live only a couple of blocks from there. The main roads around there are pretty busy. There is (or at least was) a really neat natural food store close by. I can imagine her going there.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 http://letsgorideabike.com/blog/ More bike/lifestyle envy! Do any WTM'ers from Chicago bike like this blogger? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eloquacious Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I've only got two boys, and I take them to the grocery store by bicycle at times. I've got one of those rear trailer doodads, but that won't work when they're older. Moreover, my favorite grocery stores aren't within biking distance, so it's only the regular supermarket or Wally World if we're biking... and of course in Arizona that's only Spring/Fall/Winter... or really only Winter if we're being honest. Still, I could see myself doing it. I wouldn't do it to the exclusion of owning a vehicle that can carry my children. I think we travel too much for that. What does she do if they ever want/need to go somewhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maus Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I've wanted one of these for a long time: boardwalk pedicab. It would solve the balance problem I've had since my first pregnancy, and I could still run my dad to the doctor/bank/post office when his wife is out of town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butterflymommy Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 That wouldn't be safe here. My city has close to 300 pedestrian fatalities a year. I have a friend who tried biking it with her kids in a bucket/ cart attached and after too many close calls she bought a mini van. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 That article was awesome. She sounds so down to earth and...happy! I wish our area was set up for bikers. We are in a rural area where trucks and trailers regularly zoom along at 45+. Kinda scary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Whoa... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeacefulChaos Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Ok, I have to be TOTALLY honest and say... To me, that looks like INSANITY. :leaving: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Good for her! That's not something I have any desire to do, which is just as well since I live in the mountains of NC, and I'm 15 minutes, by car, from the closest grocery store. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.