Getting to school has never been so much fun
I had an extra proud mama moment today. My baby boy (who, at nearly five years old, is not actually a baby, but will always be my baby) rode his bike to school for the first time. You could tell he was pretty darn proud of himself, too, as he pedaled across the park and rolled along the sidewalk, eyes fixed on the brick route ahead — and any friends who might be around to catch him cycling sans training wheels. When he arrived at school and added his bike to the cluster of cycles on the rack, he had to lean it just so, as if he’d been picturing for months how his little red Diamondback would look locked up with the rest.
We were lucky to find that bike. Owen had been learning to ride on a 12-inch bicycle that once had training wheels. His first stab at pedaling on two wheels actually started a few months ago, but he decided he wasn’t ready and went back to his Skuut, on which he glided all over with the confidence of Lance Armstrong on a trike. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago, that he decided he wanted to ride like a “big kid” again. After a couple of lessons on the 12-inch, we realized he would probably fare better on a bigger ride and started researching 16-inch kids bikes and figured it could be an early holiday present. But, serendipitously, the same weekend we planned to head to REI to make the purchase, we spotted the used-but-in-excellent-condition red Diamondback at a yard sale, and the rest is history. A couple more lessons later, and Owen was popping wheelies all over Capitol Hill. (Okay, slight exaggeration, but he was riding on his own, and we’re all beaming with pride.)
Anyway, before you think I’m writing this just to brag about my budding Tour de Francer, this post does have a greater purpose — to let you know how to get your own wheels for a steal. This Sunday, November 7, Bike and Roll, a bike rental and tour company with several locations in the DC area, is holding its annual bike sale on 2009 and 2010 rental and tour bikes. It’s a chance to get great deals on their gently used fleet of several Trek models, including kids bikes and some special equipment. Hybrids, cruisers, tandems, tagalongs (kids bike with back wheel that attaches to the back of an adult bike), and youth models (24-inch and up) will be available for purchase. The sale will last from 10am – 3pm. ALL SALES ARE FINAL and CASH ONLY. Free fleet helmets & discounts on lock and light sets will also be available.
The sale will take place at Bike and Roll’s Downtown DC/Old Post Office location, just a block and a half from the National Mall, at the rear plaza of The Old Post Office Pavilion in the historic Penn Quarter. Look for the blue and yellow kiosk on 12th Street, NW, between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues.
