One Less Minivan

The new little peanut was hatched two weeks ago yesterday and I’ve finally been given the all clear by my midwife to get back on the bike. We’re taking it extra easy for now and were really lucky that this morning was Kidical Mass. What better way to ease an infant into the joys of loafing as a bike passenger than a ride where we never reach speeds beyond seven miles per hour?

The wee one handled the ride quite well. She essentially slept through the entirety of it, except for the bits over speed bumps and rough terrain and even then she didn’t wail, just mean mugged at me pretty good.

Chicago’s unseasonable warmth is on its way out this evening and we’re expecting temps in the 20s tomorrow. Since I’m still pretty smitten with this baby I’ll be kind enough to not subject her to that shock quite so soon. But, as soon as the pendulum swings back toward 40, we’ll be out there relearning how to ride together. 

In the market for a 35lb 20” kid’s bike? Who isn’t!? Did I mention it’s a single speed and since it’s a Japanese import it’s likely geared for someone with Lou Ferrigno’s brutish strength? This bike sells itself!

All impracticality aside, this is one cute kid’s bike. Aesthetically, the chain guard makes even the most trudging uphill climbs look like grease lightning. The custom tires are adorned with tiny pink hearts and it’s got an integrated front basket and rear rack for toting dolls or tiny designer pooches.

The real selling feature though, is the drum brake equipped rear wheel which gives no pause for concern in even the wettest and sloppiest weather. Combined with the fenders and skirt guard, it would make a great year round ride for a fashionable 6 year old. My heart skips a beat every time I see a bike fitted with a roll-back center kick stand. I blame it on my Totoro obsession. 

If some sucker hasn’t already snapped up this find, it’s available at Working Bikes for $115. 
 

Or in this case, the tenth of November when Chicago’s British Bicycling Club will be hosting the annual Guy Fawkes Bonfire Tweed Ride. I felt compelled to post a reminder about the event when I saw this excellent photo from Tokyo’s tweed ride on Simply Bike. Just look at that time traveling tweeder with the DSLR camera. Anachronism at its finest. 

I’ve been searching for some maternity tweed apparel for the better part of a month and am still coming up empty. I foresee a burlap sack in my future for Saturday’s ride if I don’t strike gold at the thrift store this week.

Today, some gal pals (gag!) and I whipped up some fresh fleece balaclavas and gaiters care of Bike Winter so make sure to grab one from me at the ride to keep those ears toasty before the booze kicks in.