Like so many others I am sick of watching those numbers at the pumps climb higher and higher. Although we don't go through as much gas as we used to living farther away from town, I am starting to look at ways to cut what little we do use. Luckily my hubby works 3 miles from home but with the warm weather upon us he decided to be pro-active and ride his "then" non-existent bike back and forth to work. Great idea! now we need that all important element to make this happen...a bike. A quick look at Kijiij classified ads and we were one step closer to peddling our way to saving some moolah. By supper time Saturday we had the truck loaded with his and hers 21 speed mountain bikes, three helmets and a double stroller/bike trailer, all for $200.
Although loading up the kids and peddling our way to work or the park requires more time, patience and physical exertion we feel this is about more than saving money it is about our kids seeing what needs to be done such as:
1. survive the rising cost of everything
2. preserving precious resources, thus less pollution
3. a strong emphasis on being active.
Hopefully riding the bike on our busy road will not involve getting sideswiped by a dump truck or being chased by an enormous black lab...don't ask personal experience.
Yesterday I finally got the opportunity to take this colourful unit for a spin when I loaded up the kids and our stash of overdue library books and headed off. In no time (downhill) we arrived at the local library to stock up on some additional books and movies for the week. On our way home we spotted a quaint out of the way park and spent the following hour exploring this newfound gem. As our bellies began to rumble we decided to attempt the treacherous uphill battle and FINALLY after 30 minutes pulled into our driveway
This was such a simple outing so why do I feel a small sense of accomplishment more so than if I simply went in the car.? For one the exercise. I'm a runner and manage to get a daily run in prior to my hubby leaving but the bike switches the muscles you normally use therefore mixing up your workout. In addition we were able to visit the local library that costs nothing, no gas, no rental fees and best of all we were recycling items and even opted out of the plastic bag provided. With the introduction of computer games, TV and Internet many kids will not have the luxury of visiting such a spot and many have no idea what a Dewey decimal system is. For this reason I have now made this a weekly event on Monday mornings to stock up on 6 books, one for every night of the week until we return them the following Monday.
I know it would have been easier to hop in the car and buckle up but I am making a conscious effort to use the vehicle less and promote a little more activity and simplified living. Routine errands and trips to the park can be done using this mode of transportation, it just takes a little more preparation and planning on my behalf. So far this bike thing is working for me.
Check out what is working for others at Rocks in my dryer