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Boda Boda friends, dropped boys, Xtracycle DIYers

10/8/2012

9 Comments

 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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! 
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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!
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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!
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Homemade Hooptie.
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Happy guys!
9 Comments
Kristi
10/8/2012 02:20:14 pm

We had so much fun. We'll have to do another ride when we come back for our tune-up/BionX and try to plan a time when everyone is awake :)

Reply
Elle Bustamante link
10/9/2012 03:59:46 am

I can't wait!

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Rochelle
10/9/2012 06:48:30 am

I bought a BB in Sept to pick up my son from daycare after work. I have the smaller step through version. He was nervous the first time he sat on the back, but now it is his preferred method to travel. Unfortunately, it is also his preferred method on the weekend. He is 8 and weighs 54 pounds, him along with 30 lbs of groceries slowed me down to 6 miles an hour up the hill. But the great thing is I didn't have to stop and walk.

Reply
Elle link
10/9/2012 07:03:24 am

That's great, Rochelle! In a few months, you won't even notice the weight. Then, hop on a regular bike and you'll be amazed at how fast you go! The added weight gets easier, promise. Although, you would be a great candidate for the BionX assist (my dream!).

Six miles uphill is nothing to scoff at! Great job!

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Rochelle
10/9/2012 09:30:55 am

I have to say the Boda Boda takes the hills much easier than my hybrid, and it is so much more comfortable to ride. My son is old enough to ride his own bike to the store. It's just more fun for him when I pedal.

I would love a BionX long john or box bike to take the dogs the 15 miles to the dog park. The dog park in the next town is 3 acres and the whippets love to run. I haven't figured out any other way to carry 80 lbs of dog on a bike.

Also thank you for the inspiration. I find myself checking your blog almost every day.

Elle link
10/11/2012 10:12:27 am

Thanks so much, Rochelle!

Have you thought about a Tail Wagon from Burley? That would hold about 100lbs of dog and dog related accessories. Then you would really appreciate a BionX!

Happy riding and keep us posted on your adventures!

Reply
jessica
8/9/2014 12:23:24 pm

Would your friend Pablo be willing to share how he made his homemade hooptie? It looks fabulous, and we would love to make one for our girls (ages 3 and 5) so they can ride the xtracycle with an extra friend. Great blog!

Reply
Elle
8/11/2014 03:53:46 am

I've emailed him to see if we can get some more detailed photos and instructions. If so, I'll make a post about it. I hope so!

Reply
Christian
10/19/2015 11:50:10 am

Hello, just stumbled over the nice post. Did you get the instructions fir the diy hooptie?
Best regards
Christian




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