KidicalMassYYJ

Sunday KidicalMassYYJ Details

2011-08-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

For those of you who like to plan ahead (a day or two) here are the details for Sunday's longbike, cargobike, crazybike kidicalmass with North Park Bikes:

Please arrive at North Park Bike Shop between 12:30 and 1:00pm with kids, bikes, picnics, and enthusiasm. We will depart at approximately 1:00pm, and travel down Vancouver, then Cook Street to end up in Beacon Hill Park. We will congregate in Beacon Hill Park, by the band shell (that way we are close to washrooms and the playground, and are easy to find for any latecomers who would like to picnic with us). Once at the park, we will picnic and visit!

Keep in mind that we are traveling on somewhat busy roads, and although we will have a lead rider and a rider at the rear to help keep us organized, you are responsible for your own. We are traffic, and will follow all traffic rules accordingly. (We are not a parade!) Don't forget to wear your helmet!

We hope to see you there!

Longbike, Cargobike, Crazybike KidicalMassYYJ

2011-08-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to our second KidicalMassYYJ, in collaboration with North Park Bikes, coming up on the afternoon of Saturday, August 28th.

To make this event extra special, North Park Bikes is inviting anyone with a longbike, cargobike, or crazybike to join the KidicalMassYYJ crew for our ride.

We will have a fantastic family ride followed by a picnic, giving everyone a chance to socialize and chat bikes! We are still working out the details, but stay tuned for exact times, locations, route, and other fun stuff!

Happy Riding!

The KidicalMassYYJ Team

KidicalMassYYJ #1 a Success!

2011-06-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

Our inaugural KidicalMass ride was a huge success! Over 50 people participated in the wonderful ride. It was amazing to see all of the kids riding with the adults, on adults' bikes, in trailers, on their own pedal bikes, and even a two year old on a run bike! We were lucky enough to have a full police escort, and traveling music in the form of a guitar player on the back of our Big Dummy. We had a lot of positive feedback, including comments on what a great group it was, and how much fun was had. It was fantastic to have our first ride coincide with Fernfest, and we are thankful that they hosted us as part of their celebration. Thanks to everyone who came, and we hope to see more families and bikes next month

We have more KidicalMassYYJ fun planned for July, and August, so keep checking back for updates, and follow us on Twitter @KidicalMassYYJ, or find us on Facebook!

Happy riding!

KidicalMassYYJ Route Announced

2011-06-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone.

After an extremely busy week we are back at planning for our AMAZING family ride on June 25th. We will be there all morning at FernFest (and enjoying the breakfast!). We have sorted out the route for the first KidicalMassYYJ ride and it will look a little like this:

It will be a leisurely ride for almost 3 Km. We wanted to avoid any of the major road crossings to ease anybody into this family cycling thing! We will have Marshals, Live Music and Town Criers!

We will decorate and then push off between 11:00 am and 11:30 am.

We are still actively looking for assistance with Marshals. This job entails blocking intersections and / or riding at the front or back of the ride. Please email us at kidicalmassyyj@yahoo.com or DM us at @KidicalMassYYJ on Twitter.

Don't forget to warm up your legs for KidicalMassYYJ by taking part in Saanich Bike Fest on the 19th!

Evolution Of Family Biking Pt. 1: Batavus and Bobike

2011-06-11T13:24:00.001-07:00

Since we have had so many varieties of family biking set-ups, we thought that it would be helpful to review them here for other families. I will present these reviews in four parts:

Pt. 1: Batavus and Bobike
Pt. 2: Madsen
Pt. 3: Xtracycle and Surly Big Dummy
Pt. 4: Bakfiets
So stay tuned for more...

The Batavus Old Dutch was the bike that started my adventure in family cycling. I am convinced that with the right set-up, anyone can cycle with children safely and joyfully.

The Bike:

The Batavus Old Dutch is a steel step-through frame, with a 3 speed internal hub, coaster brakes, fully enclosed chain, skirt guard, fenders, and integrated locking system. Being a Dutch bike, the rider is very upright which provides increased visibility and comfort compared with a more aggressive riding position. You can see over cars, and the cars can see you (so you don't need a neon vest). You are not slouched, and your arms and wrists are relaxed. For me, this is the perfect riding position, and I have been trying to replicate it on every bike I've owned since.

The step-through frame and chain guard, skirt guard an fenders challenge the notion that one needs to have "gear" to ride a bike. I have happily ridden this bike in a pretty dress and heels (yes, I said heels). It is easy to hop on and off, and the position allows you to reach the ground, while seated, and still have proper leg extension while pedaling. The integrated lock is brilliant, as you can lock your back wheel, making the bike rather difficult to steal, and pop in to your favorite cafe, without having to chain your bike to a post. The rear rack holds a significant amount of weight, so I was able to fill my pannier bags with whatever I needed for the day with kids.

There are some disadvantages to the Batavus, depending on your view. It is a heavy bike, with only 3 gears. Living in Victoria, and having a few hills to traverse, I found this a bit difficult, although you could probably change the gear ratios to improve on this (or get stronger legs). Because it is a relaxed riding position, you do not go fast. (If you like looking at the scenery while you ride by on a sunny spring day, then this may be your kind of bike. ) Also, I am not very tall (5'3") and I had this bike seat set as low as possible, on the smaller version of this frame. Despite these faults, I loved this bike.

The Seats:

I have used Bobike seats since I started riding with my son, when he was just over a year old. I love these seats, and recommend them to anyone. The Bobike Mini attaches to a quill type stem on a bike. Once you have the clamp attached to the stem, the seat itself is very quick to get on and off. As an added bonus, you can get a fantastic windshield for your little one! This seat is for children 9 months to 3 years, or 9-15kgs. It has the advantage of having your child between your arms while you ride, which provides them with a feeling of safety and allows you to easily communicate while you take in the sights. The Bobike Maxi attaches to the back of your bike (seat tube and rear stays). It is for children 9 months to 6 years, or 9-22kgs. If you are only going to buy one seat then, I would suggest the Maxi. The only disadvantage of the Maxi is that it is not as quick to remove. With everything we've ridden, this is still my favorite set-up. They are not bulky, the kids love them, and they look lovely! With two kids, one in front, and one behind, this is a great way to travel, and an opportunity to share your love of biking with your offspring!

Happy biking!

Motivation....

2011-06-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

If you don't yet follow the family blog Totcycle it's a must. We have been following these folks for quite a while and they were certainly inspirational for us.

A must see is Totcycle's post "Why We Ride".... this folks, is what got us through last winter. Don't forget to check out all the other great posts and his great links on the sidebar (to a bunch of OTHER great bike blogs!)

Enjoy!

Our Transformation to a Bikey Family

2011-06-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Not all that long ago (is three years long?) our family packed up from our snowy, slightly northern city of Edmonton and took a chance. We had thrown a dart at a map and landed on Victoria, B.C., where we only been once before...on our honeymoon....for about 7 minutes. Now we were on a great family adventure.

I had always loved bikes. I worked in various bike shops and even managed a few before starting my new career. I met some amazing people and made life long friendships.

I think I may have stated that I LOVE BIKES.

I have been involved in MTB riding since the age of 12, Road riding at 18, and even owned a Electra Rat Fink cruiser bike for those long rides with my new wife and her Electra Twiggy.

I started my career in June of 2005 and was married two years before. We were the perfect DINKS (you know, Double Income No Kids)...we even lived in the 'burbs. For two years I commuted in my vehicle, 18Km each way...by myself (I know, I know - BOO)

In 2007 my son was born. Needless to say, this changed my perspective on life. I bought a Cyclocross bike and started to ride, snow or shine (there is no rain in Edmonton as they only have a Dry season and a Cold season). I must admit, I was pretty hard core. I reached my limit at about -25 degrees celsius.

The riding was good but it was only me. I eventually got my wife involved and we had the typical setup. Me on my cross bike, my wife on her hybrid and a trailer. I didn't know this would be the start of a journey to being family bike advocates.

My wife soon found another love and I was left....to be not so stylish. She bought a Batavus Old Dutch and a Bobike Mini seat for our son. This bike setup is what came with us to Victoria. Needless to say I was jealous and had to keep up with her. I went over to North Park Bikes and bought myself a Surly Big Dummy.

That bike changed the way we viewed cycling.

We have since cycled through a few bikes (haha I'm so clever) and are now set up with a Bakfiets and two Big Dummys.

My wife will soon be reviewing various other bikes and systems we have used, but really...at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is getting out and riding with the family.

Get out and enjoy our beautiful city and all it has to offer!

See you on the streets.

Family Bike Fest a Great Success

2011-06-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

Well...the verdict is in. Family Bike Fest was a wonderful event, right in the heart of Victoria. I can't yet figure out how organizers ordered such perfect weather, but I assure you, we will be talking with them to secure great weather for KidicalMass on the 25th!

We arrived in our caravan style (two Surly Big Dummy's and a Bakfiets) and set up beside North Park Bikes with Joe and Luke. As you may or may not be able to see, we were soon joined by another Surly Big Dummy, a Electra Townie with Ibert seat and a Breeze with the new Yepp Mini seat. Lots of families congregating at our location (I was already signing them up for reviews:).

All the families had a great time with the various events, including the Victoria Police Department Reserves, with their bike rodeo. All of us spent time today at the various booths and either eating (wow...great food carts in Victoria) or talking to amazing people.

I was initially unsure of the location of Family Bike Fest, but after being there for just a short time, I realized what genius it was. Not only was it a beautiful location, but we encountered hundreds of tourists. Now normally tourists + bikes in Victoria = not so much fun. This time however, the streets were closed and it was just us for traffic. All of these hundreds of tourists saw why we are often considered the best cycling city in Canada (by most accounts, mine included).

Overall a wonderful event that I hope continues as a new family tradition.

Family Bike Fest Tomorrow!

2011-06-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Tomorrow is a big day for us here in Victoria - Family Bike Fest! We are very excited, and will be there taking in the great events and talking family bikes. Come find us: Big Dummy, Bakfiets, and Kidical Mass YYJ signs. You may know us from other rides, such as the Victoria Tweed Ride, or have spotted us around town. We're looking forward to chatting!

Summer has arrived in YYJ

2011-06-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

Well, it's official, summer has arrived! We were out and about today scoping out our route for KidicalMassYYJ on June 25th and it looks like some Fernwood Fun for our trip. We are arranging some entertainment (for the back of our bikes!) and looking at the best routes for our ride.

We were lucky enough to talk to @FamilyBikeFest on the phone today and we are getting so excited for that party! As expected, we all have the same goals: FUN on BIKES for EVERYONE! (doesn't seem to lofty eh?).

After lunch we headed off to the great finale of Bike to Work Week, just by the Galloping Goose Trail by Selkirk. It was such a great event and great to see all the cyclists from all walks of life and all regions of the CRD. Always inspirational. (Check out our Twitter @KidicalMassYYJ for a pic of the festivities).

Looking forward to Sunday and seeing you all there!

Don't forget to submit some stories of your bike experiences to us. We will be posting (if, and) when we get some!

Cheers!

KidicalMassYYJ

KidicalMassYYJ has Arrived!

2011-06-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all to the greatest celebration in Victoria (YYJ). Fernfest is coming to the funky community of Fernwood in Victoria. Join us all day on Friday June 24th and Saturday June 25th for the family friendly party. As part of this great event, we are hosting Victoria's first KidicalMass. KidicalMass is a fun, family friendly event that focuses on safe cycling for all members of the family!

Part of our getting ready is to get everyone excited! As such, we want to hear from you. Send us your family cycling stories, your stories about riding as a kid (or as an adult!). We want to start to share these and generate some energy around cycling in Victoria.

Stay tuned for lots of updates.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter : @KidicalMassYYJ and Friend us on Facebook!