Mini tours with my kids

I've done some pretty cool things with my bicycle but my recent mini tours take top honors as the coolest and most impactful....At least for me. In the past week I've done two mini tours. I took each of my kids out individually for a long ride, a fun camping experience followed by a long ride back. Each of these rides involved the kids riding further than they've ridden before on both the ride to camp and the ride back.

Now I have a lot more to say but I want to do something a bit different with this experience and I may even make a short video that I hope will encourage other cycling parents to do the same. Until then, here are just a few pics.

This was the most rewarding thing I've ever done as a dad. I learned so much about my kids. I'm so proud of them and I feel so close to them. While the ride was really for them, it turned out to be just as much (or more) for me. Bicycles are powerful. I am so thankful for these two amazing children.

Comments

[Vito]

Very cool indeed:) I've been seeing quite a few parents riding the new Elm Creek trails with their children and that
makes me feel good. Your children are lucky to have such a great dad. I know that at least half of my students
this year will come from single parent homes and many will not have a father in the picture. Hats of to you Gnat!

[Jim C]

That is SO COOL!!! Jason, you are a great Dad. Your kids will remember their trip for the rest of their lives. Thanks for sharing your story.

[Martin Budd]

Gnat, I keep coming back to this photo of your son standing in the water and staring into the setting sun. I stared at it for ages when I first saw it. It's such an evocative and beautiful photo. It says so much. Everything about it is magical. Even the fact there are so few ripples around him tell me subconsciously he's been there a while, just looking.

The photo of you and your daughter at the railing speaks to me too. Simply staring at a sunset is such an incredible privilege. God puts on this incredible show at the end of every single day... I think it restores our soul to simply stand and stare.

What is this life if, full of care
We have no time to stand and stare.
(W.H.Davies)

[amj]

already know you're an amazing dad... but wow what a wonderful summer memory for all of you. that's awesome. what's next?? cuz i know you're thinkin' :)