Cycling Sisters

The sand toys are hanging from a bungee cord. They are by far the most awkward thing I carry. I used to use a small metal pail that I would pack with sand shovels, etc. and then hang from a carabiner. This is lighter and doesn't swing back and forth (which ultimately cracked my daughter in the head a few times--eep, Bad mommy!).

The back of the trailer seat is angled to make it more comfortable for kids. This creates tons of space in the rear triangle area of the trailer. You would be amazed at how much you can stash back there. Despite the back looking crammed in this photo, there is more space in the bottom that could be used if necessary.

This is mostly packed (save for the sand toys). Note the carabiners used for hanging items. The silver "carabiner" is actually a small flashlight that I use as a trunk light for scrounging around the back of the trailer in the dark. The strange beige triangle to the left is sold in car stores as a way to carry dry cleaning--and that's exactly what I use it for! The grooves are perfect for keeping hangers separate. Long items get looped over the stroller handlebar to keep them clear of the rear wheels.

Here is everything stashed into bags (the way I actually carry it) prior to being put back into the trailer. It's amazing how compact it all becomes.

Genevieve and all the stuff that I typically schlep around in the summertime. Mind you, this keeps three kids pretty well occupied no matter where we go--beach, park, pool.

Jane Healy and Cigdem Tunar shared their experiences on biking with kids to groceries on June 2006. Rules and safety issues highlighted along with a power point presentation. On this picture Jane is describing the items on her trailer she houls her kids to shopping-school-dry cleaner with her bike. It is approximately 100 Lbs. when filled with kids and their "stuff" she says. You can never have enough blinky and flags on a trailer she ads.

The presentation will be available to Cycling Sisters Members and related organizations if requsted thru: cido67@yahoo.com

If this doesn't express the joy of riding a bike, I don't know what does. She was so excited to be out on this beautiful day... I only wish she had been riding a bike that fit her better. This was definitely either a loaner, a hand-me-down, or a "you'll grow into it" bike!

This girl was in the Veteran's Memorial Middle School bike parade this year ('06). I've since seen her around town on this bike, so I'm assuming it's hers and not a loaner. She is powerful. While other girls were distracted by antics from the boys, I noticed that she drew eyes but *nobody* messed with her during the ride. Note too, that while other girls rode sweet rides, her bike is actually *rideable* due the long wheel base. Some of the other low riders are virtually impossible to pedal; they are designed more for sitting on rather than for actually riding.

This girl was stylin'!

Mary de Backer and other sisters chat after a workshop on cleaning and lubing bike chains, lubing and adjusting brakes, etc. There were about 20 sisters at this event, held in 2003 in the Logan Square neighborhood.