We’re still getting settled in and there are about a million and one things we’d like to buy for the house, but priority number one was getting me (and Hudson) a bike. Twist my arm.
Aron is using our car to commute to work and so, thus far, I have been doing everything on foot or bike–the latter of which is especially convenient in Davis. Davis is renowned for its bike culture: nearly 90% of the city’s primary roads have bike paths. Even the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame chose to make the city its home, noting that Davis is recognized as a “Platinum” Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists and was once named America’s best city for biking. Anyway, point being that Hudson and I were to be getting around the city on two wheels every day, and I needed a new, super-reliable bike.
I started looking when we were in New York, and would go describe my needs in terms like this: where I’m going it’s fairly flat, but there are stop signs everywhere (and who knows when we might take off for a more hilly destination like Napa?), so a 3-speed is minimum and an 8-speed would be ideal. It’s California, so the weather is nice but it does rain so something with long front and rear fenders and an internal gear box is preferable. I don’t want to wear an ugly ankle strap, so I’d like it to have a chain guard. I won’t be carrying it up stairs or loading it in and out of a car much, but I should be able to lift it if required. I’ll be carrying my one-year-old and would also like to be able to bring home groceries and what-not, so it has to be able to safely support me and another 40 lbs without issue.
Oh, and I really, really want it to be pretty.
They suggested the Linus without missing a beat. And so far me and Hudson and the Dutchi 8-speed Linus are one happy little family.
P.S. Hudson is riding in the BoBike Mini Front Child Seat
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Love Hudson’s helmet and front child seat! It is super cute.
But you need a helmet too, Ashley! After two broken wrists and a mucked up chin, I tell everyone to please cover their heads. Without a helmet the injuries from a fall can be deadly.
Thanks, Lauren! I promise one is on its way!
yes!! helmets always! my next door neighbour has been unable to function for over a year now from a simple tumble backwards (onto grass!) where she bumped her head. she has trouble with memory, can’t talk to anyone for over 10 minutes, and has to sit in complete darkness for most of the day so she’s not over-stimulated. her experience really opened my eyes to how head injuries are so easy to get, but hard to fix….and a helmet is such an easy prevention step!
ok, off the soapbox now – i love that bike!!! what a gorgeous shape, and i can’t believe it fits hudson AND groceries AND you! i’m impressed.
That bike *is* super pretty! It’s one of my dreams to live in a more moderate, bike-friendly city- you guys are so lucky
Bikes are such a necessity in California! I go to school in Palo Alto and bikes are our number one method of transportation!
I love your chambray shirt! And I’ve been looking for a bike for the past year but can’t seem to commit because I’m too chicken to ride my bike on the street while battling the crazy taxis and pro-biking delivery men here in nyc. haha.
xoxox
Looking great! Hudson certainly seems to enjoy his new mode of transport! Sal x
That is so cute. Riding a bike around my place would kill me…there are hills in every direction…steep ones too!
I love that Husdon looks so comfy and he’s got the best seat in the house!! Jx
Love the bike! Ashley, you should get one of these “invisible” bike helmets: http://www.hovding.com/en/how
That’s insane!!
This bike is super cute and VERY dutch
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And I love love love your watch!!! Where did you buy it?
nadine
Thanks, Nadine! It was a gift from Aron for our fifth wedding anniversary, but it’s from Michael Kors.
Hurray for front mounted bike seats. I just bought one (weeride) two weeks ago which resulted in a surge of spontaneity. I am a bit jealous of your sunshine, as biking in Scotland is a neoprene suit affair!
Beautiful picture of the two of you on the bike! I bet he loves to ride like this.
Thank you! I think he really does like it. My favorite is how he holds my hand while we ride and claps after a song.
your purchase logic is impeccable!
Hi Ashley,
This is a question regarding an earlier trip to St. Lucia when Hudson was 7 mo old. Can you share what you did for his food? I.e. was he on solids and did you use store-bought baby foods? We are taking two trips in the next couple months and I’m not sure how I can do it without store-bought foods. I plan on feeding him homemade baby food at home..
Thanks,
S
He was onto solids at the time–maybe a month or two in. We brought a lot of snack pouches and what not, but mostly fed him from our plates: mashed banana, yogurt. I can’t recall if he was eating scrambled eggs yet or not–but that was always an easy menu option. Gee–it’s already such a blur! I know there was a lot of fruit sharing and that we did supplement with store bought options, like pouches from Happy baby and Happy Tot. And he was still nursing constantly, so that helped. We also had some puffs for the table distraction… service in the Caribbean is a bit more leisurely. Hope that helped a bit! Best of luck!
Thank you
I´d like to see some new posts!!!
How is Davis?! I’m so excited for you guys! It’s crazy to think I might end up at the Doctor’s office, and Aron might be my doctor. Haha!