The Bikes of Amsterdam

Bike riding as a kid was one of my favorite childhood memories- I can recall finding a gorgeous pink and grey huffy one year on the side porch as a Christmas gift- and who could forget their favorite Banana seat bike with streamers hanging from the handle bars! I've ridden a bike a few times since early childhood- like the time at Radford when I got pulled over riding a bike home for not having a bike light, and the time I ran my new mountain bike straight into a tree within 5 minutes of riding on a trail (not quite the happy childhood memories). To be honest- I am (and always have been) a terrible bike rider. Balance and I are not friends- and within one day of purchasing my Amsterdam Bike (European minivan)- I was reminded of my poor balance as I took my first fall (kids in bakfiet- dutch for bike bucket- at least that is what I have translated it to mean). Luckily in the past two months I have become a little more Dutch in my bike riding skills- oh the things the dutch can do on a bike!! It is endless - see below for a list of some of the things I have seen in just a short period of time- I can't wait until winter to see how truly devoted they are to biking!

All ages ride bikes here- can you see the baby on the front of this kid bike? Pretty sure they don't sell that at Toy R Us in the States! At Luke's 3 year old check up they asked if he could ride a bike without training wheels (he only rides his Balance bike and scooter- no petals involved)

This sign is not too clear- but it reads "Private Parking: Staff Only" I laugh EVERY time I ride past it!

The Clog Bike

A Bike Must have-Rain Cover

The School Carpool Lane

Shopping for a bike was truly like shopping for a car- so many options and prices! Here are some of them (I stole a few photos from other moms I've met-too funny not to share)

The Mega Mama Bike- for a family of five

The four seater for when the kids get bigger?

Mama Fiet (school bus)- Two toddlers in the Back

The Three Seater- Kid in front Pedals 

Carries an infant in the front (6 months) and a car seat on the back(see that flimsy wire thing in the back?
That is a CAR SEAT ADAPTOR- again not sold in the US Babies R US)

The Three Wheeled Trike- I've seen up to SIX kids in these!
Daycares use these a lot

The Long Bakfiet- Room for four kids

The Short Bakfiet (The Lester's European Minivan) Room for Two

Here are a few others- and I know there will be MANY more to come!

The Duck Taped Bike

Motor Bike carrying bike around waist- I guess
he was afraid he would run out of gas?!?

The Green Bike- (unfortunately an act of Vandalism- Not cool for the owner- Funny for me to see and smell on a morning run!)

College Friends riding around at night (RU police- check out my bike light!)

At first the whole idea of loading and unloading the kids into the bike was exhausting- but I must admit- I prefer it to the car (at least for now while the weather is bearable). Luke and Audrey absolutely LOVE putting on their helmets and riding in the bike. They talk to people as we pass by, yell at dogs and ducks, sing songs and laugh hysterically! Derek has started to ride his bike to work daily (30 minute ride) and finds it helpful for preparing for and winding down from the work day. The kids know the exact minute he arrives home when they hear him locking his bike up outside of the kitchen window-I'm not sure sure that I am so fond of greeting a sweaty husband!

So friends at home (have I mentioned lately how much I miss you all!) What are you waiting for- go to the garage- dust off your bike and start riding- I promise you don't have to wear the silly spandex outfits- the Dutch do it :

• Wearing Business Suites and High Heels
• Carrying and entire family-the more the merrier!
• Carrying boat rowing oars, coat racks, another bike, newborn babies in car seats/ or in the baby bjorn
• Carrying an entire week worth of groceries
• Holding hands while on dates
• Riding them when they are 3 years old or 90 years old!
• While texting or working on their Ipads
• While playing frogger- running red lights, dodging tourist, trams, and cars
• Even if their bike has a bent wheel and their seat is rusted 

*** This Family Abroad LOVES and MISSES you ALL! ( A LOT)***