some pros, some cons

We just recently graduated to this "family bike ride" level.  Three kids on their own bikes, two kids in bike seats.  

It seems like a pretty big accomplishment since biking is definitely a "some pros, some cons" kind of proposition.  

One of the big pros is that we live really close to a terrific greenway system that's perfect for biking.  One of the big cons is that even with "really close" there is a significant bit of big city riding between us and the greenway - broken sidewalks, construction zones, and the ever present ridiculous traffic issues.  

So we navigate the crazy, and then enjoy the smooth.  

Actually super close and easy accessible to us is a slice of greenway with our favorite soccer field - not really a soccer field, just a (rare) expanse of green grass.  We call that area "clover field" and it's a great spot for our family, plus I can easily get the five kiddos there on my own with (relatively) little exertion and stress.  

But for a longer ride when Matt is with us we like to cross one more super-road and get to the greenway that runs along the river..... 

It's really so beautiful, especially considering it's surrounded by millions of people and lots of big city gunk (overflowing trash, yucky pollution, crowded sidewalks, honking horns).  But this little slice of greenway-by-the-river is a sweet oasis!  There are some areas where the green spots widen - good times to let the littlest two sets of legs get the kinks out :)

And here we are headed home... crossing the major north-south road near our apartment.  The brown buildings you can spot through the roadways are actually part of complex.

It's one of those "so close yet so far away" kind of feelings.  But we work our system (single file, pushing bikes, Matt in front with Isaac directly behind, then the girls and then Mom bringing up the rear.)  And we make it through the mess with no issues.

So I'm thankful for the pros and willing to work with the cons!  These bike rides are gonna be a fun treat for us :)