Boda Boda friends, dropped boys, Xtracycle DIYers

Kettle Corn cargo bike!

I got a chance to meet my Twitter friend, Kristi, and her wonderful family yesterday when they all stopped by Practical Cycle to buy their new Boda Boda cargo cruiser. Kristi's husband, Pete, had been in the market to upgrade from his Target bike so he could commute 12 miles to work and back. Pretty impressive! They chose the Boda Boda for its practical kid- and stuff-carrying capability, as well as the comfortable ride. Cassidy added some fenders to complete the bike and they're still waiting on some stoker bars for the kids to hang on to. For now, they just have a rumble strap and soft spot, although that worked for their first rides.

They were nice enough to share their awesome boys with me since my decided to stay home and nap with papa.

Sweet boys!

Pete took Kristi for a ride first. We rode along the American River Parkway and then they swapped halfway. Being that both are on the tall side, it was a pretty awesome sight! It was the first time I had seen the BB in action. I was very impressed since many people had been worried about the high deck. Didn't seem to be a problem for either.

Looking great!

We rode about 8 miles and then they had to head home. They strapped the BB to the van's roof and ride off. I love getting a chance to meet these amazing online bikey people in real life! I look forward to hearing about their future adventures with the bike (which share a garage with their Madsen charge bike). They're hoping to add a BionX assist in the near future.

And off into the sunset they go!

In other news, our Mundo joined the "I dropped my kids" cargo bike club. I always told people that it happens to everyone but up until now (7 months later) we had managed to avoid it. Big Brother was climbing up the side loaders with Little Brother in the Peanut Shell and Jose was just out of reach. The parking lot might have been uneven, Big Brother might just be too big to climb up, or maybe Little Brother leaned over at the wrong time. Next thing I knew (I was across the parking lot), there was a crash and a couple of stunned boys. No tears, no screams, no bruises, no blood--not too bad. The only part that was a bit damaged was one of my blinky grip lights. I think Big Brother's giant handlebars helped buffer in the fall. Awesome. We're now in the club of those who know that dropping your kids is not the worst thing in the world. Glad to have gotten that out of the way! 

Hams! John Boyer of Edible Pedal took this great photo at the Bike Swap.

We rode around a bit in John Phillip's Cycle Truck, too. The boys love getting a bit more freedom. John is going to let us test out a prototype tricycle he plans to build, similar to a Nihola, to see if that helps my mom feel comfortable taking the boys around. She tried the trailer once and was too scared. The trailer is too far behind and difficult to pull. I know she wouldn't attempt to put them on the bike so I think this could be a great alternative. John says it might even be ready in a week or two!

Look at all the long-tails!

Finally, one more awesome mention--Pablo had bought an Xtracycle kit from Practical Cycle and brought his finished bike back to show us last week. I hear they made it to Folsome Lake on their inaugural ride.

He even made a homemade Hooptie to protect his boys (aged 3 an 4). It was so strong and stable! It definitely makes me want to try something like that when Little Brother is too big for the Peanut Shell. Pablo's enthusiasm is contagious! He is so excited to have a fun option for riding with his kids.

Next, he just has to pick up a Boda Boda for his wife and they'll be able to all ride together! I hear that she might get the electric version, the El Bo. I'm jealous!

Homemade Hooptie.

Happy guys!