What a ride!

Lars S. Mulford said:

Howdy folks!

I just wanted to share something with y'all. I just got in a few minutes ago from a night ride with
my 10 yr old daughter, Rachel. She's the one who got a recumbent for Christmas, thanks in large
part to help I received right here.

We didn't ride for long, as the Northeast is pretty cold right now, but it was actually an
abberation tonight and the temps were around 40 degrees. She wanted to ride, so we rode! We only
rode through our development (a large and hilly development, believe it or not here in Southern
Delaware) but it was beautiful. It was beautiful for several reasons, but mostly because my young
one was riding right there with me, proud as you please, on her shiny and beloved EZ-1.

We took turns going ahead of each other, as she gets a kick out of seeing the rear LED blinker
lights blinking in and out of sequence. She also gets a kick out of seeing my lights illuminating
her rear view mirror. We rode, admired the quiet splendor and majesty of this quiet night. The
skies are clear and the stars are bursting forth from the velvet dome above us, and we actually
stop to stargaze a bit. If the temps don't drop any further, I think we'll venture out onto the
garage roof (like we do in the summer) to stargaze with our binoculars.

We rode in the still cold. I watched with amusement and wonder at the wholesome and unfettered joy
that is childhood... ...watched how Rachel was in awe of how the night turns the most benign of
things into a whole new world... ...how the street and houses take on new forms and become new
adventures to seek out, conquer, explore.

I love checking ARBR every day and seeing new topics, talking new bikes, performance, etc. I
love all of that stuff. But, I have to tell you... I love experiences like I just had. I love
them the best.

The topper? At the end of the ride and we're securing our bikes in the garage, Rachel spontaneously
hugs me and tells me she loves me, and thanks me for introducing her to recumbents. I think to
myself, child, you don't know just how lucky I AM to have a 'lil one like you in my life.

Ride on, people. It doesn't matter where you live or what you ride. What matters is THAT you ride.

And that you share your life. Nice post.

gb

This is my first look at ARBR this year and what a treat to find your post and sense your joy! The
best rides (and hikes, climbs and runs) often come from relationships rather than equipment. My
daughter took an interest in climbing Colorado's peaks when she was about the age of your daughter,
Lars. We had a tremendous time "bagging fourteeners" throughout her teenage years. May you be as
fortunate as I have been.

OBTW, last summer she took a liking to my bent while visiting from far away college. I wonder where
that will lead ....

Regards, Steve Colorado

Don't you just love life and the affirmation of joy and hope it conveys through the wonder of your
child and the affection she bestows? There's few feelings that compare to being a Dad at times
like that.

Thanks so much for this GREAT story!! 😎

Most of the time we parents watch our children develop their own lives, with their own interests.

But isn't it wonderful when your children let you share with them the things you take joy
in yourself?

Thanks for giving the day a lift.

Beth

"Lars S. Mulford" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Howdy folks!

Damn, Lars. You just put tears in my eyes. My oldest daughter is turning 7 in a few days - her
recumbent is a homebuild SWB. Thanks for sharing!

Regards, Torben

Lars: Hooray! Best post in ages.

Thanks,

Scott

"Lars S. Mulford" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Howdy folks!

I just wanted to share something with y'all. I just got in a few minutes ago from a night ride
with my 10 yr old daughter, Rachel. She's the one who got a recumbent for Christmas, thanks in
large part to help I received right here.

We didn't ride for long, as the Northeast is pretty cold right now, but it was actually an
abberation tonight and the temps were around 40 degrees. She wanted to ride, so we rode! We only
rode through our development (a large and hilly development, believe it or not here in Southern
Delaware) but it was beautiful. It was beautiful for several reasons, but mostly because my young
one was riding right there with me, proud as you please, on her shiny and beloved EZ-1.

We took turns going ahead of each other, as she gets a kick out of seeing the rear LED blinker
lights blinking in and out of sequence. She also gets a kick out of seeing my lights illuminating
her rear view mirror. We rode, admired the quiet splendor and majesty of this quiet night. The
skies are clear and the stars are bursting forth from the velvet dome above us, and we actually
stop to stargaze a bit. If the temps don't drop any further, I think we'll venture out onto the
garage roof (like we do in the summer) to stargaze with our binoculars.

We rode in the still cold. I watched with amusement and wonder at the wholesome and unfettered joy
that is childhood... ...watched how Rachel was in awe of how the night turns the most benign of
things into a whole new world... ...how the street and houses take on new forms and become new
adventures to seek out, conquer, explore.

I love checking ARBR every day and seeing new topics, talking new bikes, performance, etc. I
love all of that stuff. But, I have to tell you... I love experiences like I just had. I love
them the best.

The topper? At the end of the ride and we're securing our bikes in the garage, Rachel
spontaneously hugs me and tells me she loves me, and thanks me for introducing her to
recumbents. I think to myself, child, you don't know just how lucky I AM to have a 'lil one like
you in my life.

Ride on, people. It doesn't matter where you live or what you ride. What matters is THAT you ride.

[email hidden] (Scott) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Lars: Hooray! Best post in ages.

Thanks,

Scott

"Lars S. Mulford" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Howdy folks!

I just wanted to share something with y'all. I just got in a few minutes ago from a night ride
with my 10 yr old daughter, Rachel. She's the one who got a recumbent for Christmas, thanks in
large part to help I received right here.

We didn't ride for long, as the Northeast is pretty cold right now, but it was actually an
abberation tonight and the temps were around 40 degrees. She wanted to ride, so we rode! We only
rode through our development (a large and hilly development, believe it or not here in Southern
Delaware) but it was beautiful. It was beautiful for several reasons, but mostly because my
young one was riding right there with me, proud as you please, on her shiny and beloved EZ-1.

We took turns going ahead of each other, as she gets a kick out of seeing the rear LED blinker
lights blinking in and out of sequence. She also gets a kick out of seeing my lights
illuminating her rear view mirror. We rode, admired the quiet splendor and majesty of this quiet
night. The skies are clear and the stars are bursting forth from the velvet dome above us, and
we actually stop to stargaze a bit. If the temps don't drop any further, I think we'll venture
out onto the garage roof (like we do in the summer) to stargaze with our binoculars.

We rode in the still cold. I watched with amusement and wonder at the wholesome and unfettered
joy that is childhood... ...watched how Rachel was in awe of how the night turns the most benign
of things into a whole new world... ...how the street and houses take on new forms and become
new adventures to seek out, conquer, explore.

I love checking ARBR every day and seeing new topics, talking new bikes, performance, etc. I
love all of that stuff. But, I have to tell you... I love experiences like I just had. I love
them the best.

The topper? At the end of the ride and we're securing our bikes in the garage, Rachel
spontaneously hugs me and tells me she loves me, and thanks me for introducing her to
recumbents. I think to myself, child, you don't know just how lucky I AM to have a 'lil one like
you in my life.

Ride on, people. It doesn't matter where you live or what you ride. What matters is THAT
you ride.

Lars,

Thank you for sharing this great story. Make sure you've got this in a scrapbook with photos for
those down the bike path years.

Slow Joe Recumbo