The Sensations of Non-Motorized Travel

Here in Vancouver we're enjoying a bit of a pre-summer tease, which means I've been out on my bike each and every day this week, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the beauty of Spring. One thing I've come to remember, after a long winter, is how my senses are treated to an absolute delight when out for some Spring riding. Most of the winter, I tend to stay hibernated inside the warmth of my house, out of the wet and cold, and opting for public transit and car-share instead of riding my bike. So it's completely reasonable that I forget how non-motorized travel can be such a positive experience for each of my five senses, and it's so lovely to have been reminded these past few weeks.

Most obviously, riding my bike is so visually stimulating. As Spring takes it's hold, blue skies become more and more common, meaning a beautiful backdrop for the still snowcapped mountains. Flowers bloom all around, adding a bright splash of colour to green scenery. On our most common bike route, the whole family is treated to two spectacles. First are the large, vibrant leaves of the chestnut trees that line much of the 10th Avenue bikeway, casting a soft green glow as the sun shines through them. It creates the most calming canopy, and I always feel just a little happier when I pass under their shade. Second, while fleeting, are the gorgeous pink cherry blossoms that grace many of Vancouver's bikeways. They are so special to the people of this region that it's almost irritating to non-locals how many photos are posted of them on social media. I feel absolutely blessed to be able to not only ride amongst these pink petals every year, but also to wake up to them outside my window each morning and watch the birds flit amongst them.

Which leads me to the sounds I am treated to while out for a bike ride or a walk through the city. Of course, the birds flirting with each other doing what they do in the Spring is a musical treat, especially when you hearing lovely song birds calling to each other. Something else that returns, though, is the sound of children playing. Hearing their screeches of delight and their laughter is very intoxicating, and it's hard not to smile at the sound of their playful innocence.

It's easy to understand that my sense of smell is in overload throughout my springtime rides. The flowers in full bloom, and the cherry blossoms, along with the newly budding trees offers such a freshness to the air that I frequently find myself taking in deep breathes without even realizing it. During my seaside travels, I love to take in the smell of the ocean. It reminds me that I am at home by the water, and no matter what stresses fill my days, I can always take a walk along the water and feel at peace.





Even taste comes into play when I'm travelling around on bike or foot. Passing bakeries is not only a treat for my nose, but I can also taste the fresh baked bread and pastries without actually eating them, sometimes causing me to divert my travels for a little nibble. And I have to be honest, pretty much every time I leave the house for a bike ride or a walk, I can hear the cafes calling my name. Be it habit, craving or otherwise, having a tasty latte in hand just makes the trip that much sweeter.

Finally, but most importantly to me, riding my bike is always a tactile experience. Today, for the first time, I raised my hand as I passed one of my favourite little maple trees on the way back from dropping off my daughter, running my hand through the new leaves. I've waited all winter and early spring to be able to do so without scraping my hands on the tree branches, and, inside, I was like a kid at Christmas, with a silly grin of satisfaction spread across my face. Touch is the way I stay connected to my environment, and it's only by travelling outside of a car, bus or train that I can truly experience all the textures of my surroundings.


Our senses are what make us human, and so it seems only fitting that the most human forms of travel are the best ways to really treat them. Sure, you can marvel at the landscape of a country side as you speed by in a car, but the slower modes of riding a bike or walking are the only way you can really focus and take in all the details. Not being trapped in a vehicle, I can hear all the wonderful sounds of nature and people interacting, and breathe in all the fresh scents of the natural world. I can savour a snack or beverage while I take life a little slower, and revel in the feeling of each tree, plant, and even rock I pass simply by reaching out my hand. The world around us offers so much beauty, and I'm grateful that my main modes of travel allow to experience it to the fullest.

Moments of Happiness in Times of Chaos

The perfect night for a walk along
the water

Raising kids is tough, any parent can tell you that. Finding the time to spend enjoying life together can be challenging, with school, work, after school programs, and whatever else is thrown into our already packed schedules. For the month of March, I had been exceptionally busy with travel and a demanding work schedule, meaning that by the time i got home, made dinner and sat down to eat with my family, I was pretty much drained, wishing to do nothing more that get on my PJ's and flop onto the couch. 

Thankfully, I can always count on my husband to find easy things to do in the evening that require nothing more than catching a sky train and going for a little walk. Admittedly, there are times when I would appreciate less enthusiasm, but truth be told, even when I go begrudgingly, I'm usually treated to something special. Just such a time was had a little over a week ago. With TED2014 in town, and beautiful installation art piece popped up right between Canada Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre. Called Unnumbered Sparks, the art project, created by Janet Echelman and Aaron Koblin, is an interactive community art project dangling above the heads of tourists and locals who have come to marvel at the spectacle.

As the sky darkened the light show began to take shape

Chris and Etienne playing with the light
from his phone

Not only was it a gorgeous night after many days of rain, but my eyes were definitely treated to something unique. Projections hit the mesh installation creating beautiful light that dances not only to the accompanying music, but also to the touch of onlookers. After downloading the interactive app, both our kids spent a good amount of time tapping Chris' phone and making splashes and sparks amongst the lights. I truly appreciate art that appeals to any age, as too often kids can feel awkward and uncomfortable amongst artwork they so desperately want to touch. The look of wonder and amazement on their faces was certainly a highlight after weeks of feeling too tired to spend quality time with my kids.

Once night arrived the colours clearly danced across the sky

My silly munchkins can always
make me smile

Sadly, I think this spectacle has left Vancouver. I hope that if you live in Vancouver you had a chance to go and see it. Some have referred to it as a flying jellyfish. I myself found it to resemble what I imagine the Northern Lights would be like, since I have yet to see them in person. Either way, it was one of those moments of happiness that I will cherish among the chaos of the ever-busy work/life/child rearing balance.

The Joy of Achievement

Etienne on his was to fight crime on his "Bat"cycle

As many of you probably remember, back in October we had the misfortune to find our beloved family bike trailer had been stolen from outside my son's daycare. While it was a sad and frustrating moment, it was quickly dismissed by our son deciding he was ready to ride a bike on his own, and so started a brand new chapter for the Velo Family. Since then, our son has become a superstar, insisting on riding to school nearly every day. He's come a long way from the boy that was terrified to try just last summer.

In watching him master his skills at riding, I've been reminded how amazing it must be to a child to start achieving new milestones in life. I can still remember the looks on my children's faces when they started walking. You could tell by their smile and wide eyes that they knew what they were doing was a huge step, pardon the pun, and were also reflecting the pride in the faces of my husband and I. I see that same look every time our son, Etienne, does something on his bike he's never done before, and I can't help but feel like such a proud Mommy.

It really was no surprise that the bundle of non-stop energy that is our son would have the stamina for long distances. He now easily travels upwards of 20 kms along the seawall if we ask him to, and very rarely complains of being tired. As with anyone learning to ride a bike in a hilly city like Vancouver, it is always the inclines that we are acutely aware will be tough for him. We learned which routes to avoid when our daughter was still getting her riding legs, and try to take things as easy as possible for both of them, and us, if we can. 

Sometimes it's unavoidable though, like the alleyway the children and I ride up to get to their dance class every Tuesday. Each week, Etienne has managed to get a bit further, with a little encouragement from his sister and I. We've even taken to singing a little song modified from Finding Nemo - "Just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling...". I think they mostly like when I start singing it funny just like Dory. At any rate, it clearly worked because this week, he made it all the way to the top without stopping, and the first thing he said was, "I'm going to tell Daddy when I get home!" The excitement and joy on his face was intoxicating, and all three of us were beaming.

Riding a bike is definitely a skill that allows children to start to feel that independence they see in their parents and other adults. They know that this is just the beginning of years of being in control of how they get from one place to the next. For our children, this is no exception, but I can't help feel there is one skill they've both been most excited to master. Since getting out city bikes, the kids have watched my husband and I learn and master the graceful Dutch dismount. It was then no surprise when our daughter, Coralie, did all she could to learn to dismount that way on her own Dutch city bike. We were, however, completely surprised to find that Etienne had been mustering the courage to join his family, even on his little BMX. Just a few weeks ago, when coming home with the two kids, I turned around to watch him ever so casually toss his leg over his top bar and step off his bike. Coralie and I were amazed! Apparently he'd been watching and practising without us even knowing, and was now just like the rest of his family. 

There are times now when I take my kids abilities on a bike for granted. Of course they know how to ride, that's what kids do. But when we have these small milestones, it's a reminder of how far they've come since sitting comfortably behind Mommy and Daddy in the trailer or on the trail-a-bike. I couldn't be prouder to see the joy on their faces, or the excitement they feel about riding. I'm also very happy that through all the frustration, loss of patience and anxiety, my husband and I have been able to pass on yet another important life skill to our kids. Now, if only I could get them to clean bathrooms as well as they ride bikes, and I would be one happy Mommy!

Every cloud....

Quite saddened to know these days are over

About a week and a half ago the dynamic of the Velo Family was severely disrupted. Upon picking up our youngest from daycare, I discovered that, for the second time, a stranger had stolen our bike trailer. Multiple thoughts went through my head, some less PG than others, but aside from the frustration and anger came a sadness. For many cycling families, this would be a blow. For us, it meant that we had lost our ability to bike commute as a family, to do our large grocery shopping by bike, and to enjoy long rides along the Seawall, something we had apparently taken for granted and missed almost immediately. 

The most immediate impact was felt by husband and son, who had come to rely on our trailer for their morning routine. Without the trailer, Chris would be forced to walk with Etienne to his daycare about a kilometre away, before riding off to work, adding at least thirty minutes to his commute. It's pretty astounding how something as simple as a theft can completely change your lives when you rely on two wheels to get you around. However, what started out as astounding in a negative way turned into something pretty spectacular.

As you may have read previously, we have been attempting to get our son to ride on his own for over a year to no avail. My husband and I knew all along that one day, a switch would flip, and he would just get it, but it seemed to be taking forever and we were beyond frustrated. So when the trailer was stolen, and we suggested to our little man that he try riding so he can bike to school with daddy, we didn't expect much. Especially when he repeatedly said that he couldn't do it yet. But we had to try; we had no choice!

So we set up on the sidewalk, camera in hand, ready and waiting for that magic moment. After several passes, things were appearing to be as hopeless as before. You see, my husband and I knew he capable of riding on his own. In fact, he was! But for some reason, in his head, he was still too young, and would panic after just a few revolutions without daddy or mommy near by. We decided we would give it one more go, cheering him on with compliments, encouragement and praise. And then it happened! After over twelve months of trying, failing and trying again, our four and a half year old son was finally riding on two wheels all by himself! He beamed with joy and pride, and was so excited he decided the very next day he would ride to school. True to his word, he did just that. The following morning, while I sat at home nervous for my little guy, I received a text from my husband saying simply this, "'I DID IT!'"

One very happy little boy

Here we are now, just eleven days later, and the Velo Family has just returned from our first bike ride as a family all riding solo. We travelled along the 10th Avenue bikeway three kilometres from our home on Commercial Drive to enjoy some breakfast on Main Street. It's a route we all know well, but the first time Etienne would ride that distance, including some steeper inclines on the way. I'm very happy to report he made it safely there and back without any tumbles, and only had to dismount a couple of times and get a hand from daddy to make it up the hill. So, what started out as a disheartening blow to our daily routines turned out to be a blessing in disguise. As they say, every cloud has a silver lining...or in our case, a little blue bike and a brave little boy!

The set is now complete!

The Tactile Beauty of Car-Free Travel

Running my hands through the
grasses in Olympic Village

While away visiting family in Ontario and Quebec, the Velo Family spent a lot of our travels in cars. Not by choice, but out of necessity, with our destinations being so far off the beaten track. On our trip back from my in-laws trailer, while driving along country roads, we passed some wheat fields. Out of sheer instinct, I went to reach my hand out and run it through the golden stalks when my hand hit the glass of the window. Aside from being mildly embarrassed by my forgetfulness as to my mode of transport, it dawned on me that I get so much pleasure from the tactile nature of walking and riding a bike. I also realized that so many people who spend most of their time behind the wheel of a car miss out on this sensational experience.

I've mentioned many time before about how intimate the experience or walking or riding a bike is. You are completely free to see, hear and smell the world around you without any obstructions or filters. The sense of touch is no different. Every ride I take I am drawn to reach my hands up to touch the low hanging leaves of the trees I pass, or stick out my leg to run it through the tall grasses. I can't help but feel one with my surroundings, and I find it surprisingly calming to have the ability to interact with nature in such a tactile way.

Walking is no different, although you are slightly less likely to miss the prickly chestnut burr growing on the tree when you aren't spinning past on a bike (yes, I did do this just last weekend). Last Monday, the Velo Family, along with my visiting sister and boyfriend, successfully completed the Grouse Grind. While the trek was gruelling, nature's stair-master provided many trees and rocks I could touch as I made my way up. I feel a bit silly saying this, but being able to touch the trunk of a tree as I hike through the forest is almost my way to say thank you for allowing me to experience the beauty of it all. I know my husband has caught me on many occasions just absentmindedly grazing a tree, a smooth rock, or any other parts of the natural world when we've been out, and has been known to comment on it with a chuckle from time to time.

My ability to both transport myself on foot or by bike while intimately experiencing the world around me is a privilege I will no longer take for granted. The sheer beauty and joy of feeling the wind in your hair, touching the rustling leaves and grass, and being exposed to all the elements is too often minimized as our society rushes through life. But now, having spent many hours inside cars and buses during our travels, I know what I'm missing out on and will relish each tactile experience with Mother Nature I get!

A Familiar City Seen Through New Eyes - Toronto, ON

All set for my two days of bike riding
in Toronto!

The Velo Family is currently on holidays, enjoying some quality time with our families in Ontario. It had been wonderful catching up, starting with relaxing on Lake Ontario with my in-laws, and now spending some quality time with my parents at their lake front cottage in the Quebec Laurentians. Every trip back East is special, since our children don't get to see their grandparents, aunt and uncles very often due to the distance and the expense of travel. For my husband and I, however, this trip was extra special for two reasons. We would finally be able to enjoy an extended amount of kid-free time, and we would be doing so in two cities full of memories for us - Toronto and Montreal.

As the opening leg of our trip had us just a short jaunt away from Toronto, that is where we spent our first mini-holiday without our children. Chris and I spent four amazing years in this city while studying at Ryerson University. In that time, however, we were never able to completely appreciate the city and the bike culture it had to offer. Believe it or not, we actually didn't ride all that often, what with Chris not owning a bike and mine sitting comfortably at my parents' home the first three years of school. We tended to stay within our school bubble, as most students do, and my limited experience in the city on my bike didn't leave a very lasting impression.

So when we arrived in Toronto last Saturday, we headed over to rent some bikes from a shop called Set Me Free on Roncesvalles (I still can't pronounce that properly) and experience what the city had to offer two bicyclists from the West Coast. At the shop, we were told they had many a mountain bikes to rent. Instantly, my heart sank. Mountain bikes? In Toronto, a city known for it's vintage bike culture? After some puppy dog eyes, and pointing out I was in a skirt, the guys at the shop had a peak in their older stock and found not one but two beach cruisers! Luck was on our side, and I was grateful. We spent the next two days riding from West to East and back again, taking in the city we had known with a fresh set of eyes and ideals while cruising around at a slow pace.

Chris cruising through Cabbagetown, keeping cool in
extreme the heat with some bare arms!

What we found was actually surprising! In a city currently notorious for being less than bike friendly, at least if you follow the politics, bike culture was thriving. Every where you looked there were people on bikes. On Queen West, there were, of course, the fashionable twenty and thirty somethings riding their upright city bikes, but what amazed us was the sheer number of them. So many that at any time you could see three or more cyclists waiting together at a red light. That many not seem like many, but this was literally happening all day long, not just rush hour, and on a Saturday and Sunday. Outside of the trendy areas, we were surprised and in awe to find riders of all ages hoping on bikes to ride in their city. 

A typical site along Queen West

The biggest eye-opener happened when walking to brunch on Sunday. We saw a man, likely in his mid-to-late sixties, walk out in a nice shirt and pants, hop on his bike, and head to what we can only assume was his weekly Church service (we were in Little Italy, so the assumption seemed fair). In all my six years in Vancouver, I don't think I have ever once seen a sight like that, and with two small children who seem to not sleep past 8:00am, you can bet I've been out and about our city around Church time on a Sunday morning.

Riders of any age were out and about the city on their
bikes, no special equipment needed.

I loved riding through Toronto and seeing so much I had missed during my university years. But I think what has stuck with me most is that even in a city where cyclists are fighting for their own space on the road, rubbing shoulder with cars, trucks, and fast moving steetcars, in face of all this adversity, their bike culture is big and strong. I'm sure every one of those people would love to have the separated lanes we have in Vancouver and for which I am so grateful, but not having them doesn't stop them from riding a bike. It makes me wonder...if Toronto's next city government is as pro-active for bike infrastructure as Vancouver's is, could Toronto become the North American Copenhagen? For all the wonderful bike riders we met last weekend, I will keep my fingers crossed, because they deserve it!

Bike traffic!

One of the many sadly underused Bixi stations.
Don't worry, there's hope to be found in other Canadian cities. Stay tuned to find out!

Just taking a couple of dogs for a walk in Trinity Bellwoods Park

One of our lovely hosts for the day Sunday, Yvonne, with Bonnie the dog
taking in all the sights from the comfort of her basket!

Riding along on of the only cycle tracks in Toronto along Sherbourne Street

I don't know if it's there yet, but with this kind of attitude
and bikes abound, it could be!

The Joy of Conversational Cycling

The ultimate in conversational cycling; riding with
2000 plus people for the annual Bike Rave!

If you've ever ridden a bike with someone, chances are, you already know what conversational cycling is. Quite simply, it's the act of riding alongside someone and having a conversation while you bike to your destination. It doesn't involve any fancy riding techniques, any preparation or pre-planning, and definitely no special equipment. Just a willingness to travel at a comfortable speed and enjoy a conversation with a friend. For me, something so easily done is actually one of my favourite parts about riding a bike, because not only am I out on two wheels, but I get the chance to catch up with my husband, my children, and friends, including those I haven't had a chance to connect with in a while.

The week before school ended for my daughter, I travelled by bicycle to Third Beach to meet with her class for the annual primary beach day. My trip there was so relaxing, riding solo along the seawall with only other bike commuters, runners, and the occasional tourist to share my trip along the water with. When it was time to come home, my ride was equally as pleasant, but I had a nice treat with about a third of the way to go. While waiting at a light, a friend, contributor for Spacing Magazine, and fellow parent came up next to me. As we were both heading back the same way, we subsequently had a great conversation about how the school year had gone, travel plans for the summer, and chatted about work and life. It was such a lovely way to catch up after a busy school year, with our daughters in different classes this year and therefore not having as much time to chat at drop off and pick ups. When we parted ways, we were both left smiling and waving goodbye, and it certainly was a great way to close out a day well spent.

It's almost a little funny that we classify this type of cycling, because it really is no different than having a conversation with someone while walking, taking transit or driving. But I guess there is something about sharing the experience of riding a bike with someone that makes it special, at least to me. I've written before about how much I love late night rides with my husband, because it gives us a chance to have a quite conversation without our children's noise in the background. Even riding with my daughter is such an amazing way to listen to her stories of her day, answer her far-outreaching questions and for me to offer a few life lessons. While my son isn't riding on his own yet, I'm sure you may have seen me riding along the seawall with him in the trailer, sharing a completely illogical but amusing conversation about whatever he is fascinated with at the moment (currently, that revolves around if all the trees died, we would "pop" into outer space and have to share a space suit).

I cherish every moment I spend on my bike, and the times I get to share that with others is truly special. Whether it's a ride to the store, the beach or anywhere in between, being able to have a thoughtful, or even silly, conversation with someone during that trip is definitely a perk. So next time you're out with a friend on a bike, take a moment to appreciate what your doing. Find enjoyment from the fact that not only are you sharing what could be a great conversation with someone you know and care about, but you're also sharing the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle.

Four Films, Four Unique People, One Common Thread...The Perfectly Simple Bicycle

On June 1st, Vancouver Cycle Chic premiered their four debut Cycle Chic Films at Whoa! Nellie Bikes. Throughout the month of June, they have since released one film a week to the public, receiving much acclaim for displaying such individualistic perspectives of people that choose to ride a bike to get around Vancouver. I am so proud of my husband and the rest of the Vancouver Cycle Chic crew for working together to volunteer their time in making these fantastic films, and I am inspired by each of their four bike riding stars. 

As I have said previously, these films and the people they feature help to show the human aspect of cycling. They show everyday people riding uncomplicated bikes to do what they do every day, living carefree on two (and sometimes 3) wheels. Featured below are each of these four films. If you haven't yet watched them, take 8 minutes from your day and sit back and relax while you view people just like you making the simple bicycle an extension of their extraordinary lives.

Film 1 - Simon "Inspiration"

Film 2 - Cecily "Heart and Soul"

Film 3 - BIKES "Musical Spectrum"

Film 4 - Camille "The Whole Story"

The real reason I ride

I always feel happiest when I'm by
the ocean on two-wheels

It's another dreary June day in Vancouver, and I'm having a particularly trying day balancing all the tasks that are waiting to be completed. As I work away the afternoon, my mind wanders, trying to think of something I can do to lift my spirits and keep me going until the weekend and the beginning of summer holidays. I think of relaxing spa days I wish to one day enjoy, of our family vacation mid-July spent with family, but most of all, I think of my bike and the rides I will enjoy on the warm summer days. 

We all have reasons to ride a bike. Some do it as a means of transportation, others to save the environment by reducing their carbon footprint, many do it for exercise. These are excellent reasons to get on a bike, and have helped inspire many bike-curious people to give it a try. I think, though, that all of us who ride bikes are unwittingly keeping secret the real reason we ride because it seems so obvious, at least to me. Aside from the health benefits, the reduction of co2 emissions, and getting around slightly faster than walking, I ride my bike because it's fun!

Riding a bike for me is one of the purest forms of enjoyment. Being exposed to the elements, feeling the sun on my face, and experiencing everything first hand has brought me so much joy throughout my years, from when I started to ride as a small child until today. I have my most inspiring moments on two wheels, and sometimes the best conversations with my husband when we are slowly pedalling along the seawall together.

Perhaps it's time we start letting the average person in on our secret. Instead of putting the focus on the divisive reasons that turn people away for fear that they may be lumped into a political agenda, next time somebody asks you why it is you like to ride a bike, be honest! Tell them how much fun it is! How no matter what age you are, riding a bike is like being a kid all over again, and feeling the freedom of being able to go pretty much anywhere you would like, in almost any direction you choose. Stripping away the political, environmental or health reasons for riding is the best way to get more people to try getting on a bike. When the only reason left is the sheer exhilaration of the wind in your hair and the smile on your face, there's no better sales pitch for bicycles, and you'll be sure to inspire many!

"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race."

-H.G. Wells-

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite so worthwhile as simply messing about on a bicycle"

-Tom Kunich-