Today, I made my third grocery trip by bike on my Xtracycle with my (almost 3 year old).. The groceries were heavier this time, but it was sunny. I anticipated the logistics more. I knew to keep my child in the grocery cart while I unlocked the bike, turned it around in the directions I'd be biking away, loaded the bike, and then placed my child in the seat after it was already balanced.
A man kept looking at me a little concerned, I think. I, honestly, felt concerned, myself. It was a little wobbly starting off in the parking lot. My heart was racing with the questions in my mind if I could really keep us safe from tipping over. I took it slow, I biked on the bike trail, away from cars as much as I could. I am probably one of the most cautious people, ever to exist! (-; I am most likely annoyingly cautious to other people. Yet, I felt a look of scrutiny in someone else's eyes that I was being a risk-taker. (actually it was probably in my mind)--My litte one trusting me; and here I was taking a risk. Well, in my risk-taking, I was the most cautious person ever.
I reached a hill near home, and going up was tricky. A man on another xtracycle offered to give me a push. I accepted. He was very chatty; and i was too nervous to be very social. He told me about a special clip accessory that helps stability; and I asked him if it might be better to move the baby seat forward; and he said that also really helps.
My husband had convinced me to keep her seat far back so she can see better and easier to ride with 2 children, but I am most often just toting my toddler while my older ones are in school. For now, I have decided to definitely move her seat forward. The stability is my most important issue right now. And I need it optimal for Kei and I. I may not bike with 2 of my kids; not at this point anyway.
I am getting stronger. On the way to the store, with Kei in back, even with her way in back, I felt pretty comfortable with her, and on hills. It was only when I had about 55 pounds of groceries (I actually just weighed them), plus 30 pounds of baby...85 pounds to counterbalance that I became uncomfortable.
I am also realizing I don't have to be a supermom about this. I can take some baby steps in between. I should bike around more with just Kei..and relax the grocery part of it a bit. There are the library, community center, and parks I can go to. Perhaps, I can also, pick up a couple things from the store en route, rather than lugging a whole week's worth in one trip.
I am facing some anxiety and fear here, but I do not have to bite off more than I am comfortable with. Phew..giving myself some permission to take it a little slower. On the other hand, moving her seat forward could make all the difference in the world, and elevate my comfort level.
The weather is fabulous this whole week, so I should take advantage of the opportunity to practice in good weather before the rains come back again.
A man kept looking at me a little concerned, I think. I, honestly, felt concerned, myself. It was a little wobbly starting off in the parking lot. My heart was racing with the questions in my mind if I could really keep us safe from tipping over. I took it slow, I biked on the bike trail, away from cars as much as I could. I am probably one of the most cautious people, ever to exist! (-; I am most likely annoyingly cautious to other people. Yet, I felt a look of scrutiny in someone else's eyes that I was being a risk-taker. (actually it was probably in my mind)--My litte one trusting me; and here I was taking a risk. Well, in my risk-taking, I was the most cautious person ever.
I reached a hill near home, and going up was tricky. A man on another xtracycle offered to give me a push. I accepted. He was very chatty; and i was too nervous to be very social. He told me about a special clip accessory that helps stability; and I asked him if it might be better to move the baby seat forward; and he said that also really helps.
My husband had convinced me to keep her seat far back so she can see better and easier to ride with 2 children, but I am most often just toting my toddler while my older ones are in school. For now, I have decided to definitely move her seat forward. The stability is my most important issue right now. And I need it optimal for Kei and I. I may not bike with 2 of my kids; not at this point anyway.
I am getting stronger. On the way to the store, with Kei in back, even with her way in back, I felt pretty comfortable with her, and on hills. It was only when I had about 55 pounds of groceries (I actually just weighed them), plus 30 pounds of baby...85 pounds to counterbalance that I became uncomfortable.
I am also realizing I don't have to be a supermom about this. I can take some baby steps in between. I should bike around more with just Kei..and relax the grocery part of it a bit. There are the library, community center, and parks I can go to. Perhaps, I can also, pick up a couple things from the store en route, rather than lugging a whole week's worth in one trip.
I am facing some anxiety and fear here, but I do not have to bite off more than I am comfortable with. Phew..giving myself some permission to take it a little slower. On the other hand, moving her seat forward could make all the difference in the world, and elevate my comfort level.
The weather is fabulous this whole week, so I should take advantage of the opportunity to practice in good weather before the rains come back again.
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