Some of my bestest childhood memories are of hazy summer nights cruising around on the street in front of my house perfecting elaborate ballets on wheels that my neighbour and I called “Bike Routines”. We would practice each routine endlessly and when our synchronised cycling was ready for the public critique we would send out invitations {to our parents!} and put on a show.
Obviously choreographed bike-riding is not for everyone – or anyone else in the whole world perhaps? – but there is so much intrinsic kid-ness associated with getting on your bike, it is a shame that some neighbourhoods are just not suitable for kids to ride safely or easily.
Ethan and I loaded our bikes in the truck and set off for greener cycling pastures than our somewhat limited little neighbourhood. The Auckland City Council website has some great walking/cycle tracks listed if there are none in your area. We decided on a short drive to Te Atatu where we would ride for some of the way around the gorgeous coastline and the rest of the way through the sleepy Sunday suburbs, down to the Sailing Club, a quick visit at Nan & Pops and turn through Te Atatu for lunch and then …….. back to the truck.
Sounds ambitious with a 7yo I know. Ethan amazed me. We rode 10km and he only hopped off to push twice {I had picked a mostly flat ride to eliminate the risk of complaints!}. Te Atatu is a great choice for kids who love exploring the beach, tide and rock pools as at low tide there is so much room to wander about and so many things to peer under.
Our next ride will be around the Orewa Estuary which has established trails and is flat and fun for little riders.
Just in case we hadn’t fit enough into our day we walked down to the river, sat on the jetty and Ethan wiled away another hour feeding fish while we rested our tired legs {and bums!}.
Please comment below if you have any secret spots for family rides, I would love to have a few more up my sleeve!
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