Bikes on Vacation

2 flat tires, a rusty chain, something decided to snack on the saddle; this is the “gift” of a bicycle on a vacation. 

My connection to bicycles goes way back to my childhood. Independence and autonomy was a 2 wheel pony stored in the backyard shed. As the youngest of a large catholic family, I received the hand-me-downs.  “Experienced” is the term our family used. Clothes, toys, sometimes medicine were always retained for future use. Bicycles were top of the list. My development of hand tool skills was driven by my need for independence and it all started with that broken bike in the shed. Fortunately, the tools to fix the bike were conveniently located next to the bikes. Pump up the tires and add some oil to the chain and I was free to roam the galaxy of East St. Paul, Minnesota

Not everyone has this connection with a bicycle. Often a bicycle is a gift not wanted. In some cases, it becomes a clothes hanger or, the worst case scenario, a broken promise to yourself towards self improvement. Have you ever made a New Years resolution only to abandon that dream by mid February? Forgotten bicycles occupy garages, basements and sheds throughout the Midwest . House guests who arrive uninvited are usually given the first right of refusal to these ancient 2 wheeled relics of the back yard. Usually a bit of air in the tires and some love will get these ponies back on the road.

There is no better way in my opinion to understand and explore the local scene then by bicycles. What better way to give a gift back to your host than to make their bike better than you found it. Dusting off the Schwinn collegiate and learning the local route to the swimming beach is a freedom I have not experienced since childhood.

If you want to take your vacation to the next level and live like a local, grab a bike and take it for a spin at the location of your next dream vacation.