Commuting - Fatherhood = Bye-bye biking

It has been just over three weeks since I was blessed with a beautiful baby daughter. Fatherhood has been a great experience, except for the fact that I have not been on my bike in over a month. The late stages of pregnancy had us driving everywhere, even the three blocks to the grocery store. Now, that baby has come along, we still drive everywhere. I have spent countless hours of roadside idling while baby feeds. I don't know why I haven't taken the bike out for a quick jaunt around the block, but I just haven't. Once I return to work, I will begin cycling everyday, but that is still two months away.

With a new baby, free time is at a premium, so that time is spent tending to the garden/yard and other basic household chores.

Has anyone any words of encouragement for me?

Things will settle down soon...it's a HUGE change that both of you need to get used to! Just be sure the wife knows about your need to get out and ride...work on MAKING sure that it fits somewhere in the schedule.

Just wait 'till she's old enough to ride - I ride with my three kids as often as possible now. They used to be "anchors", now they're "motivators"!

Start saving for a good trailer, If your lucky you can work your way up to an hour or more with the youngster being pulled along. You get to ride and wifey gets a break from the baby.
Best money I ever spent.

I've got four kids under six years old. You don't get to ride much for two months. Bummer. We are the lucky ones that gets to commute by bike every day. Two months off isn't so much, think big picture. Enjoy this time. Be a help to the new mom. It's a better investment than a quick shot around the block. Your fitness will return quickly. The trailer advice above is great. Trailers are wonderful trainers. Remember, you can put an infant into a car seat and put the car seat into the trailer.

Just think of all the awesome bike stuff you will get for Father's day presents:D

I have two under 5 and one on the way. I have found that the bike trailer has been the best investment so far, soon my oldest (4 1/2) will be able to ride a trail a bike. In the long run you won't look back at your life and say, I wish I spent more time on my bike. If you think that you are the kind of person who would say that...well lets just say be prepared to pay for some major therapy for the kids. Seriously though you are in for some great riding time ahead of you, I have taken to riding really early in the morning and it usually sets me up for a great day. and my kids are always bugging me to go for a ride, and I am usually more than happy to comply. beats watching tv. good luck.

Originally posted by Steele-Bike
It has been just over three weeks since I was blessed with a beautiful baby daughter. Fatherhood has been a great experience
Sounds like you have enough encouragement. Way to go, Mom and Dad!

;)

Get the trailer soon. It's time to shop at garage sales.

You can not only use the trailer to tow the child (or children), especially next Summer, but you can also use it to do the grocery.

Since we have children (now 7 and 3), I don't do as many long rides as I used to do. However, I use my bike as much as possible in day to day activities, so I get the mileage and relaxation anyways.

Regards,

Originally posted by Bikedud
Start saving for a good trailer, If your lucky you can work your way up to an hour or more with the youngster being pulled along. You get to ride and wifey gets a break from the baby.
Best money I ever spent.

I agree with this 100%!! Best purchase for the bike I ever made.

my 3rd (8 months) is the best. he goes to sleep @ 8:30pm and wakes up @ 7:30am after my 5:30am rides.
>2100 miles this year with 3 kids under 8. all 5:30am rides before anyone gets up.

Congratulations on the new addition Steele. :thumbup:


Originally posted by Steele-Bike
Fatherhood has been a great experience, except for the fact that I have not been on my bike in over a month.
I don't know why I haven't taken the bike out for a quick jaunt around the block, but I just haven't. Once I return to work, I will begin cycling everyday, but that is still two months away.
Has anyone any words of encouragement for me?
Words of encouragement? Well, let's see.
How much weight have you gained? None I hope.
Do you still have legs like this and the distinctive tan line?
http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/03tdfSt19/$file/1.jpg

Buy a trailer and take the little one with you. You've got to be in shape when you start commuting again in 2 months. :beer:

Steele-Bike, I have a Son that is alittle over two years old now, He rides in his In Step trailer with me often. You should see his little face light up when I ask him if he wants to ride the bike. He smiles really big, shakes his head up and down, and RUNS to get his helmet and sunglasses. Enjoy the infant time, It will be all too short in hindsight. Michael (my son) started riding with me at just about one. Congratulations!