The bike trailer we ordered from REI arrived on Friday just in time for the Bridge Pedal. We biked from our house to downtown and back and when it was all said and done the kids were in the trailer for over five hours. The excitement of being in a really big bike parade! had faded by the time we rode under the starting line. Along with 18,000 other bikers, we got the chance to pedal across Portland bridges and ride along I-5 and I-405 car free.
This is how much of the ride played out: Carson wanting to hold Hadley’s hand. Or give her a hug. Or tell her all about the bridges and trains. While Hadley just wanted to yank her helmet off and be left alone so she could put her fingers in her mouth and nap.
The only time they were both quiet was when we stopped for snacks and they both retreated to their respective sides of the trailer:
By the time we reached the top of the last bridge (Fremont) Hadley was blowing a gasket, but Carson paused long enough to break into his ‘camera smile’ for a picture:
As we approached the finish I glanced back to find them both sound asleep. The last 1/2 mile was a very enjoyable experience. Almost made me forget the previous 13.5:
Just you and 19,000 of your closest friends, right? Kudos to whoever had to pull both kids in the trailer — an additional 50 pounds or so — up and over the Fremont. Want to do Reach the Beach with us next May? We're going to do the shortest route (25 miles) with Nathan on the tagalong.
The last (and only time) dave and I did the bridge pedal I was thinking – there's no way I'm doing this again unless we are pulling kid's. but now I'm not sure I'm sold on that either. ha I'm sure it was a great experience either way. Nice job!