GroshLink

Apparently we're not a big biking family. It has literally been 3 years since I was on my bike, but I enjoy the idea of biking on the rail trail, so I thought I'd take the plunge. And for good measure I thought I'd invite the twins along. They were enthusiastic about going. We got started a little later than I had planned, but all was well. We arrived at the trail, I gave them a few trail biking etiquette tips and we were off. We stopped a few times for E. to wipe bugs off her face. After a few minutes I told the girls to tell me when they feel like they're halfway done, because at that point we need to turn around and go back. And as if that was a cue, H. tells me she's tired and wants to go back. "WHAT????" was my compassionate reply. And for good measure I checked the time. 12 minutes. Yes, we had only been riding for 12 minutes. Which sparked a conversation where E. noted that this was indeed the longest they had ridden. Geesh. We truly are not a biking family. But we don't allow the girls to ride on these crazy country roads (unlike I did when I was younger than they, but we won't go there). So I had to agree with E. However, I was not about to give in after only 12 measly minutes! I took the lead -- my strategy was that they would have to follow me and therefore they couldn't wimp out on me. I managed to eek out 5 more minutes before I heard, "I have to go to the bathroom." Well, that pretty much trumped everything. Besides, it was getting dark there in the woods (did I mention we got off later than planned?).

We turned around and suddenly realized that going home was considerably easier than our way in. Not that our way in was difficult, but you did have to pedal. All of sudden H. wasn't so tired. And more amazingly her urgent "need" was no longer so urgent. She actually had the audacity to ask to turn around AGAIN (are you getting whiplash?). No. I was firm. And, it was getting dark. Considerably dark. But l wouldn't dare admit to them that had we not turned around when we did we would have been pedaling by moonlight.

Continuing our gradual descent, we had time for conversation. "Mom," Gazing at the fallen leaves, H. asks in all seriousness, "Where did all these leaves come from?" I wish I could say that I embraced such a teachable moment with all the gusto of a trained biology teacher, but alas, I think my response is best characterized by the term "guffaw." A loud guffaw. Followed by the probing question, "Are you serious???" I mean, I know we don't get out as often as I'd like, but seriously? In her defense, as she backpedaled (forgive the pun) to explain herself, I think she was wondering when the leaves fell. It's been quite warm this fall and hasn't exactly felt like autumn yet, so she was surprised to find leaves covering the path. But come on, what would you have done?

We eventually returned to our car and loaded up the bikes. Final count -- 31 minutes. A whole 31 minutes. Far surpassing any previous held bike-riding records for these two ten year olds. And our reward for burning undoubtedly hundreds of calories? Ice-cream from Twin Kiss! The girls were impressed with the age of this establishment. It's been around longer than I have so it must be ancient! ÿ

Note:  Also posted by Theresa on Facebook.