Growing up, my bicycle served as my ticket to freedom and adventure. I started out riding in big circles around our driveway, imagining make-believe streets and stop signs. I then “graduated” to the sidewalk, riding up and down our suburban, tree-lined neighborhood under the watchful eyes of neighbors. During high school, my best friend and I viewed the world from the seat of our Schwinns, whether riding to school, the beach, or our favorite restaurant to enjoy a rich, delicious breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes and ice cream.
Today I’ve found it more challenging to introduce my children to the joys of cycling. Our gravel driveway has been tough to maneuver with training wheels. Living on top of a tiny mountain has meant a downhill or uphill challenge whichever way you turn. And let’s face it – I’m a bit nervous letting my children venture solo given the times we live in.
However, cycling is an important tradition for me to pass down to my children. I still want them to experience the freedom and adventure of riding.
Our elementary school has been a terrific spot to teach the children how to ride. On weekends the paved loop has given them plenty of quiet practice space. A nearby rail trail gives our kids good practice in distance riding and experience sharing the path with other cyclists, runners, and rollerbladers. When we go camping, we take along the bicycles and wheel around the grounds, sometime even letting the children venture a safe distance on their own.
I may no longer be pedaling like mad to get at those chocolate chip pancakes. But cycling is something memorable from my childhood that I now can share with my family. It gets us outdoors and gives us a good workout. Most importantly, it’s fun. Why not get on board your two-wheeled chariots and pedal your way to the greatest adventure of your life?
Anne Witkavitch owns C-suiteCommunications.com and is a communications consultant, professional writer/speaker, and avid traveler. She is married and the proud mother of two children
RSS Link