PLANTING SEEDS BLOG: Biking

I have reached a milestone. My nine-, seven- and four-year-old children can all ride bikes now. Yay! Such freedom. It opens the door for all kinds of new family adventures. Plus, I recently was reminded how fond I am of riding a bike.

I was in the middle of Central Park and had to get to an appointment in midtown. My friend offered her bike. I was a little dubious, but agreed. Within seconds, I was zooming through the park. It was great fun and I felt like a kid, with wind blowing through my hair and my legs pumping. Best of all, I got to my appointment on time.

So with this rediscovered interest, I decided to research upcoming family-friendly biking events in the New York and Upstate areas. Here are some ideas for fun biking trips I'm looking into attending:

1. Harlem Valley Rail Ride (Dutchess County) -- Sunday, July 26

"22 Miles/Rail Trail: A ride along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail from Millerton to Wassaic and back offering smooth asphalt, scenic farm and valley views, and flat terrain. This ride is great for beginning cyclists and families with younger children. Riders have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders." [I have taken my children on a portion of this trail before, and it was ideal for little kids. It is flat and smooth and perfect for a family bike ride. So if you miss this event on July 26, you should absolutely plan for another time.] More...

2. NYC Century Bike Tour -- Sunday, Sept. 13

"Choose Your Distance, Ride Your Pace: 100, 75, 55, 35 and 15 mile routes. The Century is your ride—as challenging or relaxing as you choose, but always fun and rewarding. All routes have been carefully designed with your safety and enjoyment in mind. No matter which route you choose, you will be fully supported by experienced marshals and mechanics along the route and plentiful food at scenic rest stops. Plus on ride day all riders will receive a commemorative organic cotton t-shirt. Sign up before August 21st and you'll be eligible to use the express start on Ride Day." More...

3. Scenic Hudson's Farmland Cycling Tour (Red Hook, Dutchess County) -- Saturday, Sept. 26

"Meet at Poets' Walk, then choose a ride length, pick up a map and hop on your bike for a scenic pedal through the beautiful, rolling terrain of Dutchess and Columbia counties. In addition to catching occasional glimpses of the Hudson River, you'll pass working farms Scenic Hudson has helped to protect and farm stands offering fresh produce. Afterwards, enjoy a fabulous meal back at the park (included with donation)." More...

Here are some good resources to keep up with the biking scene:

• Transportation Alternatives -- An organization advocating for bicycling and walking and public transit as the best transportation alternatives.
• Bike New York -- An organization that promotes and encourages bicycling and bicycle safety.
• Bike and Roll -- A bicycle rental and tour company.

No excuses. Grab a bike and go for a ride to work or school or just for fun.

In 2006, Francesca Olivieri co-founded the company sage baby, an online eco-friendly baby store offering everything from organic clothes and skincare to furniture. She also writes a monthly blog for The Family Groove as well as contributing articles to Daily Candy Kids, Citiscoop, and NRDC's simple steps. She continues to watch her green business grow, while seeking to apply her values to her own home and family. Francesca lives in New York City with her husband and three kids, ages nine, seven and four.