All set for the ride, 9th September 2023
Dearest Ira
Happy Daughter's Day 2023.
Today, I take this moment to blog about a recent first experience that you and Papa had. A milestone for sure.
Making memories, on the road
Papa decided to take you on a bike ride to Hosadurga to meet your aunt, Ramya and cousins, Pranati and Pranav.
This was a sudden impulsive decision on a Friday evening, but given how your Papa rides, the planning was meticulous to every detail.
You both rode 420 kms over two days with a night stay over at your aunts place. For your first ride, this was surely fabulous.
The ground rules of riding with Papa
1. Always listen to rider
2. Even though am incharge of your and my safety, you have to take care of your safety. Feet always on footpegs, no dangling. Vehicles zip past us closely. Small percentage of riders can come close to bike. If feet dangling, you are outside width of bike. Your feet can be injured.
3. Phone numbers of important people. Where do you stay. This was a small chit that was put in your jeans pocket for easy access.
4. In case of accident, first people to call. This was also included as emergency contact on the chit.
5. When you fall, roll off the road. Injury will be lesser
6. Talk to me? Tap me on the left shoulder. I will slow down and stop. On the road, when in high speed, can't hear each other too well. Talk loudly. Pee, water, stretch, wash face, rest.
7. You cannot sleep on the bike. Be safe. Talk, sing to self. Think a lot, tell stories. Constantly look at what is around and be aware. Engage with self.
8. Public bathroom safety rules were added by Mamma.
While Mamma was excited for you both, she surely was a bit anxious too. The quick calls intermittently not only helped her vicariously enjoy the ride but also gave her the moment to calm down.
You had a lovely time with Pranati and also visited the famous cafe at Hosadurga and had a lot of junk favourites for dinner.
What Ira learnt from the ride. You recorded audio messages for this and am putting it out here.
1. She cannot sleep while they are on the road and anytime she is sleepy, Because if she slept and fell on him and he lost balance, they could crash
2. If Papa tapped her left leg, he was asking her or telling her something
3. When she had to tell him something, she had to tap him on the left shoulder or arm and if she wanted him to pullover, say pullover
4. If he tapped her three times, meant there was a hump coming up and she had to hold on tightly
5. A thumbs-up sign from either meant all good
Yaay! Our first Bike ride done. 10th September 2023.
What she liked about the ride was that she could look around, keep her self occupied and just enjoy. She said a car window provided a limited view but on a bike, she could see all around. Ofcourse the snacks at the pitstops were added benefits :)
As parents, this was a big moment for us. Ensuring a journey of exploration and self discovery through this bike road trip for you.
To more bike road trips and to more new discoveries.
Love, hugs and kisses
Mamma and Papa
Little things, big Joys 😍
#Pramadhs #HappyDaughtersDay #Ira #Iraisms #IraAtNine #NovelsAtNine #IraAndPapa #Happiness #Gratitude #LoveBikeRides #LoveTravel #FirstBikeRide
