A major disappointment--the campsite I had reserved for our Memorial Day Folsom trip turned out to be unbikeable. It was on the other side of the lake and at least 50 miles to get there, the last 25 being on dirt forest service roads. I was not up for that this weekend and didn't want others to follow me into a situation that I wasn't sure about. I really like a challenge, but this time, I had to let this adventure go...for now. 

Instead of wallowing in non-biking pity, we planned an alternative trip for the day up to Karen's Bakery in Folsom. My parents came along and our favorite biking family joined us, at first thinking it was just a picnic trip to Hagan Park, but when they found out we were planning on continuing to Folsom they jumped onboard! I was totally impressed at their willingness to go farther with the kids than they had ever been. Jen only has a homebuilt Mixte with 8 gears but she took on the rolling hills to Folsom with ease. Randy pulled a trailer that they bought from Costco a few weeks ago. We all played a little bit of swapping children. Their 5-year-old daughter really loved being up on the Mundo's Peanut Shell since she was a little cramped in the trailer with her almost 3-year-old brother. We had a fantastic time chatting and singing our way to Hagan Park. Big Brother and his buddy hung out in the Chariot together giggling up a storm and wreaking havoc. They were wild together and having the best time. Little Brother took a bit of a rest in Randy's Costco trailer. 

At the park, we all took a break and the kiddos ran free. While we were there, someone called my name and I turned around to meet a fellow cargo biker, Seth, from Sacramento, whom I had communicated with via email. It was so great to meet him and his family in person! Have I mentioned how much I love being a part of this Sacramento biking community? It's a funny experience to be recognized from my website but great nonetheless. 

After the park, we loaded the kids back up. Randy took the crazy boys, I had Little Brother back in his Mini Yepp, and passed off my singing companion to Jose since we were about to hit the hills and I had never taken a 5-year-old up hills. Turns out that I shouldn't have been worried, the Mundo takes inclines like it's nothing and we flew up them without a problem. I could have easily carried more weight on the bike and I shouldn't wuss out so quickly next time. 

Once we were at Karen's we sat down to a fantastic lunch. I thought it was silly that while we were waiting for our food, I was snacking on the goodies we brought. Typical biking me--constantly eating. My burger was amazing with its blue cheese and wedge fries. Yummy! I got a s'mores brownie to go (which I've already eaten) since we didn't get to go camping and make s'mores ourselves. 

After parting ways with my folks and our friends, I was so happy to have had such a wonderful group of riders today. No one had complained or fussed (even the children). It ended up being about 56 miles in total, much more than any of us (except my dad) do on a regular basis, and Jen had never even done that much before. It brought me up to date for my May Is Bike Month pledge: 528/600! I have another ride out to Hagan Park tomorrow so I should actually make my goal! For awhile I didn't think I'd do it.

I'd imagine that we are now all off in our respective homes resting our weary bodies but I hope that they all feel the same amount of appreciation and pride in our little band of bikers as I do. I look forward to more rides with these guys soon!