The Summer of the Bike

If you know the history of "Kristen and Mike," then you probably know that our first date was a motorcycle ride. We rode his bike to the lake and talked for hours- the rest is history. My biggest dilemma at the time was whether I should hold on around his chest and risk him thinking that I was flirting or hold on to his shoulders and risk my life! Anyway, he ended up selling the bike to buy my engagement ring (I felt like he made a good choice) and has had "that look" in his eyes every time he passes a motorcycle on the street for the past ten years!


So, we recently bought a house and decided that we could save a ton of money by selling Mike's truck. That left us as a single car family, and in the interest of preserving our marriage, we decided that an alternate mode of transportation might be appropriate! Mike wrote me a sweet little poem about "big boy bikes" and I just couldn't say no! After agreeing on a brief list of only 15 rules (rule number 1, 5, and 12 all clearly state that Carter is NOT allowed to ride the motorcycle ever) and shopping around on the internet, Mike bought a bike! We went to Midland to pick it up and it rained the whole way home. Poor Mike had to wear a blue hazmat suit to keep him dry, but he was so happy that I don't think it even phased him!



I worry that he will get hurt, but am trusting him to be careful and the Lord to protect him! In the mean time, it is certainly one cost effective (and cool) way to get around! We have spent a grand total of $10 on gas in one month and it only costs $94 for full coverage insurance for the year! What a deal!






Mike in his blue hazmat suit on his "big boy bike."












Posing for a family picture on the motorcycle! This thing really is fun to ride- it almost feels like you are flying!










Carter trying on dad's helmet. He calls it "daddy's bike hat."









Carter getting in on the bike action in a more age-appropriate way! Today he actually figured out that he can make the bike go by pushing the pedals. It was a big discovery day!






We also bought this great bike seat that attaches between the handle bars and seat of a grown up bike. As dorky as it sounds, we have really enjoyed going on family bike rides this summer. When we get back home, Carter always says "more ride please," which leaves me no choice but to keep riding!