tag-a-long

A few weeks ago we bought a tag-a-long bike off Craigslist. She went out for her maiden voyage on Saturday. I'll get a picture sometime, but what it is is an attachment that hooks to my bike's seat post end then there's a seat, handlebars and one wheel which makes for a sort of tandem that my kid can ride, but it's a lot less expensive than the real thing.

First I would like to say that I think the Mugwump had a blast. We went to the park and he liked following me around. Except he kept urging me to go faster while he coasted. And he had some complaints about his view.

I think the idea behind the little bike that has to follow me everywhere is an excellent one. I loved using it and I hope that we can work up to some longer rides. The balance was a little off and that was a little concerning. I couldn't see what he was doing, but I suspect that my son was sitting on the bike behind me rocking violently back and forth to see if Dad could keep the bike upright. I was able to keep the bike upright, but it was at times a battle.

Now for the ultimate disappointment... I have always had a dream of creating a train of my wife and I on a tandem, followed by a tag-a-long bike which would then be followed by a bike trailer with my other boys in it. I thought that would be the ultimate SUV that would make an impression around town. After having ridden with just the tag-a-long I don't think this is a good idea any more. I have had visions of coming to a stop sign, losing my balance and having my entire family crash to the ground due to my mistake. Maybe we could make it into a really big tricycle so that I can't tip over....