Should yummy mummies ride?

[xwhatsit]

Thanks for the different perspectives, helps to clarify the issue for sure!

You live in Invercargill now. I suppose that significantly increases your chances of survival -- especially a rider like yourself (where the biggest worry is somebody else doing something stupid). Much less chance of some git pulling out in front of you or changing lanes into you over the Harbour Bridge.

Don't have kids so I'm in no way qualified to comment on anything else.

[Grahameeboy]

Dads are not required in NZ society. Mums are. It is infinitely more easy for a Solo Mum to negotiate life than a Solo Dad.

Agree on that one...........

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

where the biggest worry is somebody else doing something stupid). .

Nope that would be sheep running out in front of you...

[Chickadee]

Nope that would be sheep running out in front of you...

Yep, livestock is firmly in the mind as a hazard on trips out. Watched a mate get taken out by a cow up in Aucks, not pretty but he lived. Broken collarbone and fooked bike for his trouble. He gave up riding, he has twin girls same age as my youngest. He's firmly against riding when you have littlies (after the accident of course).

[scumdog]

Nope that would be sheep running out in front of you...

Hey, you havin' a go at me or something??

[jtzzr]

Personal choice ,If ya wanna ride gear up and ride.

[RantyDave]

I've been thinking about us Mummies of kids under age 5 - is it a good passtime for parents of small children?

I'm a dad but, this worries the shit out of me all the time.

I'll actually read the replies now.

Dave

[Renegade]

i hate to admit it but my partner (yummy mummy) is a cop, last week she came home with a split lip and a black eye, i dont worry every time she goes to work but when she comes home like that it guts me a little.

then she turns around and tells me she dosnt like me riding bikes personally i dont really see the difference, both are dangerous, she loves what she does and i love riding bikes, so i say do it if you love it

[mstriumph]

.............. I know a friend won't let his wife get her learners (kids similar ages to my two) ride, he rides but doesn't want to have her out there in harms way. What are your thoughts on this issue?

that he needs to realise that his opinion may be important to her but his word ISN'T law .............. unless, of course, they have some sort of kinky dominant/submissive thing going - in which case, forget i said anything


but seriously [yes - i can be ....] i've always thought that my job as a parent is to set a good example - to me, that means a demonstration, through my own life, that dangers and challenges are everywhere and that one does NOT achieve self-esteem or live a full and fulfilling life by running away and hiding from them

i've always ridden - and my offspring are many things but cowards isn't one of them

i've always eaten my own cooking, too ...........and that's prolly even MORE dangerous

[mstriumph]

..............Parenting is one of those jobs where nothing is about you......................

unfortunately, it's ALL about you - from the moment those little eyes open, it's YOU they are watching - and heaven help you if you say something with your words that you don't demonstrate in your life ............

i suspect that 'being a good parent' has so many shades of meaning though that we are ALL right [and all wrong .....] to some degree?

[MyGSXF:Me]

I can perhaps see the logic in not having mum and dad on the same bike at the same time

My logic: if you love it and it offers you a sense of fulfilment and enjoyment then that in itself is going to make you a better parent to your children anyway. If something goes wrong then I figure my kids will know that I was doing something I love.

Edit: I am a firm believer that having children is no reason why we should ever change what we do or who we are.

I agree Keystone! My bike is my soul! I was riding well before my boys came along.. I continued riding while I was carrying them.. & STILL I ride now!

Many years ago a friends grandmother was hit by a car.. WHILE she was walking across a pedestrian crossing, at lunch time, in a busy shopping street.. the force of the impact pushed her up & over the top of the car (a mini) & she rolled down off the back (she was a BIG lady!!!) She was in a coma for a week.. then died!

When your time is up.. it's up!!

If my time is up while I am riding my bike.. so be it!

In saying that.. I can HELP minimise the chances.. by not riding like a moron! by continuing to up skill myself (rider training courses!!) wearing decent gear, etc.

Jen

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Hey, you havin' a go at me or something??

ummm... nope just the facts man...

[slowpoke]

You've gotta keep it in perspective. It's not like a 1 in 5, or 1 in 30 chance that you are going to be killed/injured it's one in tens of thousands or 100's of thousands. Once you start thinking "I could get hurt" or "my kids could be orphans' regarding m/cycling you have to do it for everything:

No more smoking (to stop biking and keep smoking is just non-sensical)
No more not crossing at the pedestrian crossing
No more putting off the prostate exam/pap smear
No more having that sneaky last drink and taking the backroads home
No more not wearing your seatbelt
No more putting off the weightloss program
No more speeding

You get the idea? You either live in fear and take every possible precaution or you take reasonable care (as you should do anyway) and live a real life. To cut out biking and stay 10kg's overweight, or still smoking, or still driving 5-10k's more than you should etc is ignoring far greater hazards in favour of a lesser one.

If your kids have a passion you help them follow it don't you? You don't think they'd do the same for you? Teach them how to embrace life, not hide from it.

[Jorja]

Frosty won't take me as pillion. I allow him these little paranoias as long as he keeps my bikes running.

[Lucy]

when you began, (and I don't remember you being a total hoon then)! Then I think it's as safe as anything risky can be. Livestock is an issue around here too, which has reminded me of the need to be able to stop fast.

I don't have kids so can't really comment, but I would never ride pillion with my husband, not in case we died, but in case the bike did...