Managed to get out yesterday for a quick ride with the wife (Shayna) and kiddo (Liam). My wife was actually the person who thought it would be a good idea to get out and ride after being stuck in the house with our son for the last few days. As a new rider (despite being a roadie person) she has much ambition if little experience. The temperature was right at the freezing mark on the thermometer as we left for our ride and didn't get much above that point during the ride.It took an amazingly short amount of time to realize that gloves would have been a good idea for myself, and thicker gloves for her (she has full fingered gloves, but they aren't true winter riding gloves). Her hands started to stiffen quickly, arthritis doesn't love cold weather. But she went for as long as she figured she could and still make it back to our starting point and the warmth of the van heater.
Liam, on the other hand, sat in the comfort of the Croozer 737 trailer bundled up and dreaming of tots from Sonic after the ride (his reward - bribes help with the 3 1/2 year old mind). He looks forward to the rides and says "tots"all the way to the trail head. Liam doesn't realize that I use him as a leg strengthening device. Hauling an extra 70 lbs around adds to the workout.
These are still test rides for us both as the bikes are new to us. This ride made me realize that riser bars that are wider would be a good idea and improve comfort (and handling). They are also helping us to analyze the best storage and hauling for gear and bikes in the back of the minivan (yes, I know, soccer mom car, but it has all the comforts and decent mileage and space).
All in all it was a good day, remember the worst day riding is still better than the best day working (unless you have a job riding for a living - I wish). So get out there and ride!
