New Mom juggle

[firwave]

I'm a new Mom with a 5 month old and just getting back into mtn biking. I almost bagged out on it but got pretty excited reading a dirt rag I pulled out of a pile of mags that have built up. So I hit the trail for a quick ride one evening just before dark and was surprised that I could actually haul my heavier ass up the trail.

Would love to hear comments from women on how they got back into it after pregnancy and birth. Also how they (and Fathers out there) juggle family and still ride?

[hophead]

Would love to hear comments from women on how they got back into it after pregnancy and birth. Also how they (and Fathers out there) juggle family and still ride?
That's a tough one, and I don't juggle well. My wife has let me know that I spend way to much time riding, racing, and tinkering with bikes in the garage. I have made a concious effort to balance my riding and bike related activities. For instance, the other night I wanted to work on a project bike in my garage, so I did it while my wife was at the gym. Instead of riding trails every night after work, I have started commuting on my bike whenever possible and riding less after work. Also, I bought my daughter a mtn bike and she loves to ride. I haven't gotten her out on any singletrack yet, but she's ridden on the C&O canal tow path and on some paved paths. She just turned 9 and I hope she will be into riding as much as I am someday.

Oh, and welcome back! That bike'll get you whipped back into shape in no time.

[ripnshread]

I am a stay at home dad durring the day and a home based website administrator every second in between. Because it is soo hard to get away and get in a trail ride I use nap time as the perfect time to get in a few extra miles. I have purchased a Chariot trailer and some slicks for my hardtrail and we try to get out a few times a week. He sleeps, I ride. Its great training pulling around a kid. I still get out for the occasional trail ride. Here in Northern Michigan it stays light till 10pm durring the summer. One of the reasons we moved here.

[marapets]

oh i know the feeling. i have a 14 month old child and its hard fitting everything in

[firwave]

Regarding using a bike trailer for the baby...I thought about it but really don't trust all the morons on the road racing around in their oversized vehicles SO I've opted not to do the trailer thing. I just don't think it's safe where I live. Yes, I could go to a bike trail but then it'd be loading the kid in the car, the bike on the car, the trailer in/on the car, etc etc...just too much. So for now, it's ride at night and on the weekends.

[mellers]

Yes, I could go to a bike trail but then it'd be loading the kid in the car, the bike on the car, the trailer in/on the car, etc etc...just too much. So for now, it's ride at night and on the weekends.

I'm not an avid bike rider as most on this forum...I came to this forum through my friend who is the biker and I take the photos (although I am tempted to dust off the cobwebs of my cheap and embarassing mtn bike and give it a try)...however...with that said...I AM a mother of 5 (3 step: 18, 16 & 14 and 2 of my own: 7 & 5) and I will say this...the ONLY thing that keeps me sane is having some ME time. So my advice to you would be to keep riding at night and on weekends...and give yourself that needed mind break!!! Eventually as your child gets older...you will find ways to get more and more ME time...just don't EVER have none!!! :)

[Ruralakay]

Eventually as your child gets older...you will find ways to get more and more ME time...just don't EVER have none!!! :)
I agree that me time is so important for sanity. And, it does get much easier, as your child gets older. Mine are now almost 16 and 7, respectively, and very much involved in independent activities (like driving and racing motorcycles, again, respectively), so I have a lot more time to myself, these days.

Hopefully, your spouse is supportive and the "hands on" type of parent. That'll make it a lot easier for you to slip away and do some "me" stuff, from time to time.

Congrats on your new addition! Parenting is the adventure of a lifetime. Enjoy every moment, because, before you know it, you'll blink, and your baby will be doing "college shopping".:(

[sharpshooter]

you know one way my mom got back into mtn biking after having kids was to join a womens mtb group called team babes on bikes (bob) they ride every weak and its a awesome break for her to get out of the house dominated by testorone you should check out thiswebsite and see if there are any group rides for all levels in your area

http://coteambob.com/

[rockhound]

It is almost impossible to find time to ride with a 7 month old at home.

I do my riding on the weekends. I can't see how to fit it into my schedule during the week. I am thinking about bringing a beater to work to ride at lunch.

It's tough, but life has its priorities, and right now it isn't riding.

[Happy Turtle]

New mom juggle? Just don't drop the baby. It's a very loud experience!

The proper equipment helps. We have 4 kids (1,3,7,9 yrs). We have 12 bikes in the garage. Kids have bikes, all adult bikes have Blackburn racks to fit the baby seat(s). Burley Duet trailer & a Bike Friday Family Triple Traveler have made our lives bikeable, kids & all.

Serious Mtn biking (like climbing, skiing, surfing, etc...) is a serious challenge with wee ones. My mountain biking (like my climbing) is counted in single digits each year, and has been since my eldest was born at mach 3 with her hair on fire.

I do log many, many, many miles riding to and from work.

Stop thinking of the bike as just a toy and look at it as how you get around and you will find yourself riding most everywhere you can.

[real_ss_budgie]

well it was getting stale so i came in to freshen it up......

[rockyrider]

Sometimes new fathers are able to help with the juggling. Triplets are handy since they all weigh the same. Here we see mom tossing the second child in as dad gets ready to add the 3rd baby and the blue ball.

[myron]

Sometimes new fathers are able to help with the juggling. Triplets are handy since they all weigh the same. Here we see mom tossing the second child in as dad gets ready to add the 3rd baby and the blue ball.
doesnt the blue ball last for six weeks after the birth?? stop it ken!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Divscotty]

my issues are on the other end of the spectrum. I am caring for ailing elderly parents and the time issues seem to be similar.

Divscotty

[Ruralakay]

Lord have mercy! The men have invaded the women's room!! Bug off, ya cheeky monkeys!!

[rockyrider]

Sorry... (slinks away with tail between legs)

[Ruralakay]

Sorry... (slinks away with tail between legs)
No, wait, Rocky...please don't go! I was just playing! This is the most action the women's room has gotten in a while.:p

[real_ss_budgie]

No, wait, Rocky...please don't go! I was just playing! This is the most action the women's room has gotten in a while.:p

see what youve done ruru-caramel drizzled petite-fleurs.
he's buggered off. lets make you a new mom hey...oooo ahhhh....meowwww.......

[Ruralakay]

see what youve done ruru-caramel drizzled petite-fleurs.
he's buggered off. lets make you a new mom hey...oooo ahhhh....meowwww.......
Sorry, budgie whipped cream dolloped hot fudge sundae, I lack the plumbing for that to happen anymore (thank God for small miracles). After everything I had to go thru to get snipped, I'd better not get pregnant, or heads will roll...starting w/the doc's (he's in enough hot water over this, as it is).

We can practice, though, if you'd like....stop it, Angela!

[Ruralakay]

Okay...seriously, though, now...it's time to move this freak show back to the Hang Out.

No offense, but there are reasons this thread is supposed to be primarily for women only.