The second week of August took us back to the long-time Holdsworth summer vacation spot, the Chautauqua Institution in western New York State. It was my 40th year there (I missed one while doing research in the Brazilian Amazon). After many years of flying from Minnesota to Cleveland, and then driving with Hillary's family to Chautauqua, the recent jump in airfares (and the need to purchase a 4th for the first time) made us rethink our plans. We decided to rent a car and drive the 900 miles (~16 hours) there and back. In my humble opinion, I think the trip went well. Henry, however, exclaimed many times on the way there that "this trip is taking too long!" The trip home was easier and we'll likely do it again. Driving to Chautauqua again brought back vivid memories of my family packing the family station wagon (and a large trailer in some years) and driving the 8 hours from eastern Pennsylvania to Chautauqua.
Three years ago I wrote a Riding Phrius post in which I reminisced about biking as a kid at Chautauqua. I also looked forward to the time when our kids would experience that freedom. Well, this year's trip was the beginning of that time! Last year Theo rented a bike and began to master using his brakes as he navigated the hills of Chautauqua. But this year I saw the beginning of Chautauqua biking freedom in him. One of his 7 year old cousins led him and his other cousin the ~3/4 of a mile to Boys and Girls Club on their bikes. No parents involved. He tested himself on the hills. He comfortably biked ahead of us in the quiet streets mostly minding the rules of the road. Meanwhile, Henry finally mastered peddling a tricycle. What a great week of daily riding for the kids. Here are a few biking pics from the trip.
Henry, Theo and their cousin Louisa rev their engines in preparation for Children's School.
Theo showing off his rental bike. Louisa sporting her Papa's childhood bike. Theo wishes he had one like it.
Heading along the lake to the afternoon session at Boys and Girls Club.
Parking amongst the mob of bikes.
Theo running into the Girls Club where his Group 1 started their afternoon session.
Three years ago I wrote a Riding Phrius post in which I reminisced about biking as a kid at Chautauqua. I also looked forward to the time when our kids would experience that freedom. Well, this year's trip was the beginning of that time! Last year Theo rented a bike and began to master using his brakes as he navigated the hills of Chautauqua. But this year I saw the beginning of Chautauqua biking freedom in him. One of his 7 year old cousins led him and his other cousin the ~3/4 of a mile to Boys and Girls Club on their bikes. No parents involved. He tested himself on the hills. He comfortably biked ahead of us in the quiet streets mostly minding the rules of the road. Meanwhile, Henry finally mastered peddling a tricycle. What a great week of daily riding for the kids. Here are a few biking pics from the trip.
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