We donated bikes

Last Saturday, my children donated their bikes to Community Cycling Center, a fabulous Portland based organization helping educate the community on bike safety & they provide previously loved bikes to those in need.  The Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Store, in Milwaukie, Oregon, hosted the donation event.  For each bike you donate, Bob's gave a voucher for a free meal.  It was a win, win situation for our family.  Since moving to Washington state, we have managed to find our way to Bob's store/restaurant about 7 times.  We've only lived here 2 months. A couple of free meals was much appreciated! lol

Ben & Riley's bikes were too small for them.  Riley has complained numerous times in the past few weeks that her knee bothers her when she rides.  However, when she finally tried my bike, her knee pain magically disappeared.  When I finally stepped back & watched her riding her bike, I noticed her knees were practically up by her ears! Indeed, it was time for a bigger bike.  She has grown like a weed this year.

{here's a slide show of our day}

 

I know my kids don't fully understand the impact of their donation.  I don't think they'll really, really get it until their adults with children of their own.  However, because of their willingness to give, two other kids will have bikes of their own.  Of course, we went right out and bought Ben & Riley new bikes after eating lunch at Bob's.  Mountain bikes...since we live near mountains and trails.  They're taking them on our long holiday weekend to the cabin. 

I know it sounds like this blog post is about giving the gift of bikes, but this is actually about what naturally follows once the bike is given.....EXERCISE! We're all consumed with kids not being active enough.  This entire process sparked a lot of ideas for myself.  I struggle with being active.  Yes, I go running, but I really don't like anything else.  [I can't say I fully like running, but I don't hate it like I once did.]  So I'm going to let this family event motivate me to do something. I'm not sure what at this time.  When I figure it out, I'll let you know. 

If you're itching to get active...or feeling stuck in a rut with activity (or this entire journey), is it time for something new to spark your interest?  Perhaps something that has nothing to do with you at all.  Maybe it's time to let an outside source be the nucleus of your motivation.