Driving the Bike Choo-Choo - by Amy

When we signed up for Climate Ride, Jamie and I owned one adult-size road bicycle between us. We quickly confirmed that we would be able to borrow a hybrid road/mountain bike from Jamie's parents -- but we wouldn't be able to get it until April. It seemed clear that we needed to train on actual bikes before April, so Jamie suggested that he use our road bike until then and we would get a new hybrid  for me. I wasn't going to say no to a new bike!

We went to the Family Bike Shop in Crofton and had a great experience. A friendly bike geek/employee let me ride several different types around the parking lot to figure out what I liked. We bought a relatively inexpensive Giant hybrid. It sits very upright, which I love and Jamie hates. The only thing I don't like about it is the mint green color, but I figure on a 300-mile bike ride, comfort will be more important than color.

Since I'm home during the day and the weather has been beautiful, I've had plenty of opportunity to take Ray out in what he calls the "bike choo-choo." Pulling a 40-lb toddler isn't easy, but it should be good training, right? Ray loves anything that moves, so he is always excited to climb in the bike choo-choo. If I ride long enough, I'm guaranteed to get him down for a nap, which is a nice perk. If you see me pedaling the choo-choo on the bike trail or the street, please be sure to say hello!