The only form of legitimate exercise I’ve done since having children, apart from chasing them around to get ‘one more bite’ into them, is riding my trusty ebike.
It’s been almost two years since I invested in the entry-level bright blue electric bicycle, strapped a double seater bike trailer to it, and pedalled to kindy, school, and work. Don’t come at me for my bike being electric – we live in hilly Mudgeeraba and the trailer + children + school bags add another 50kg of dead weight for my poor thighs to deal with. Pedal assistance for the win!
People will talk of the typical benefits of cycling, such as saving money, getting fitter, and helping the environment. While these are obviously fabulous reasons to cycle, here are some other lesser-known benefits.
On beautiful days (of which the Gold Coast has many), taking the bike is one of the few things we all agree on and enjoy. No fights, just excitement.
It makes me feel like I’ve got my sh*t together as a mum. The laundry pile may be overflowing, but at least our mode of transport is cool.
It becomes about the journey just as much as the destination. This has been such a help on weekends where I am solo parenting. Each outing with the kids is prolonged and way more entertaining, especially when we blast fun music.
I can always get a park. No need to do laps of the Greenheart playground or Robina Town Centre parking lot on the weekend, just cruise straight into the bike parking and straight onto the café.
Random people will give me compliments, wave at us from their cars, and even give a polite little beep. Not going to lie, I do enjoy getting a compliment from time to time. Now I know how my husband feels when he changes one single nappy.
Once the kids are dropped at kindy and school, I can blast whatever music I like and enjoy the trip to the office in peace.
Being a bike mum brings my family, and especially me, a lot of joy. It has been an integral part of bouncing back from postnatal depression and anxiety. If you’re on the fence about trying it, please give it a chance. I’ll be sure to say hi at the bike parking area and share a knowing, slightly smug look with you.
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