Bike Trip Update

For the last week we have been searching for just the right bike for Nature Girl.  We wanted to give her every advantage for her 172 mile bike trip coming up the first of June.  We were suppose to go camping this past weekend so we figured we had two weeks to find a bike before her next long training ride.

But, camping got canceled because of a lot of rain (we were going to go snorkeling and canoeing in some local springs.)  So, the need for a bike became a huge dilemma.  We looked on Craigslist, talked with friends, looked into borrowing one, went to a couple different bike shops but were coming up empty.  Either the bikes didn't work or they were too expensive.  Time was running out.

Her training ride was on Saturday and Friday we were to meet a guy from Craigslist and he had a bunch of different bikes.  He thought one would surely fit her.  We got there and the one bike we thought was perfect, she just didn't feel comfortable on.  The bike was a bargain.

So, our last effort was to go to the bike shop we had been to the past Sunday and get the bike she wanted which was more than we had really planned on spending.  But, we had explored every other possible option.  When we got to the bike shop, they day before they had had a trade in of a type of bike that we had been looking at.  It happened to be less expenses then the one we were there to buy.

NG rode it and loved it and hubby haggled a little and we bought it.  It was perfect.

That Saturday morning hubby and I woke up and we both started thinking about the bike off of Craiglist and how it was a fabulous bike and a really great deal.  So, that morning hubby went and bought that bike as well.   We essentially got two bikes for the price we were going to pay for one.  The second bike will work for both of us.  And it is so awesome to ride.  There is such a difference between a department store bike and a bike from a bike shop.  I hate to say it.

So, we are a bike or two closer to become a biking family.  Sunday hubby had to run to the store to get one thing.  He decided just to go to the convenience store and he took the bike.  And two of the four kids.  They had a blast.  And, it seemed they got back even quicker than if they would have taken the van.

We are very blessed in that the majority of the things we need, we are able to get.  That doesn't go unnoticed by me.  I think a lot about why we are so blessed.  That weekend hubby said that if there is any kid who wants to go on the bike trip but can't because they don't have a bike, they can use our "new" one.  He is also planning on bringing the extra bike along on the week long tip in case someone has a need during the trip.  I can't help but think that is one of the reasons we are so blessed, we are willing to share.  Not just keep our blessing to ourselves.

Who knows?  But, I am thankful and grateful and will continue to pass the blessings on . . .