Make memories on two wheels
Well, it’s halfway through the summer season, and for those with children, there’s still time for vacation Bible school, swim lessons, vacations and staycations.
For families taking advantage of the latter option before this next school year begins, I’m sure you’re aware of the numerous activities and events Shreveport-Bossier City has to offer. (Hint: You can find a full list of things to do for free at Shreveport-Bossier. org, or stop by the visitor center at 629 Spring St. for a free guide.)
While the options are as unlimited as they are culturally diverse, do keep in mind a simple pleasure a family can enjoy together at no cost and all smiles: cycling.
I personally can remember, if I think hard enough, of being buckled in a seat on my dad’s bicycle with my brother and mom riding alongside us. We’d ride to the Broadmoor YMCA pool on warm summer nights and to the snow cone stand off of Preston Avenue.
While I don’t have children of my own, I look forward to making memories with my own family one day. Until then, it puts a smile on my face to see families – like the Ellis clan – on bike rides together.
Matt and Jamie Ellis, a couple who just celebrated their 10-year anniversary, make an effort to have their four children active outside – usually on bikes – every day. The family resides in Bossier City and splits their bike paths between either side of the river.
I met the family (sans Matt, who was away on business) at Hamel’s Memorial Park in Shreveport, which is one of their favorite spots to go for a family ride. They also enjoy riding in Bossier City’s Plantation Trace and to a nearby neighborhood park not far from home.
“I like taking the kids to the park and giving them freedom to explore on their own,” Jamie said. “I think bike riding for kids allows you to go [as a family] from one adventure to the next. The kids learn a lot; we stop to explore and talk about what we see.”
Jamie, who grew up in Blanchard, finds it important for her children to experience the outdoors as much as they can; the lesson is that by seeing the outdoors, one learns to appreciate it. I nodded in agreement.
“Exploring and seeing things together as a family is my favorite part [about biking together],” Jamie’s stepson, Gunnar, 15, said. “It’s really relaxing.”
The relaxing environment is most likely due to the standard of safety Jamie holds for where the family goes on two wheels. She admits it’s challenging to find more places in the community for children to ride their bikes in a safe environment, adding that once motorists and bikeriders have a better understanding of each other, children of all ages will have safer places to ride. Nodding, again.
With her 2-year-old daughter in a trailer attached to her bike, Jamie’s other two sons, ages 8 and 6, zoom by around us. The boys are laughing, and the girl takes it all in.
“We get out to burn some energy,” joked Jamie.
During the time I spent with them on the riverfront, I saw all smiles and fun. I found out later that on this particular ride, they followed animal tracks, watched cranes hunt for fish in the shallow water and explored along a marshy area.
There’s a variety of things to do as a family in our own town, but getting each family member on a bike, and exploring the outdoors together, well, it’s gotta offer an experience you can only find in the natural world.
Consider making cycling a family affair during these last weeks of summer. I’ll bet you’ll find yourself biking into the new school year, too!
Karen E. Wissing works in Shreveport-Bossier City and loves her community.
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