My younger kids are spending a good amount of time on their bikes these days. That means I don't have to give them rides everywhere they want to go. 
Since my daughter is a freshman this year, she can take her bike to visit many of her friends. And then there are the times she just rides around with some other kids--no destination in mind, just a bunch of kids on bikes. She'd like to be able to ride to school next year, but with a state highway to cross, that's not as easy as it might sound.
But bicycling is a great--and fun--way to keep fit. During my middle-school and teen years, I rode my bike all over the place: to the library, music lessons, the store, or even just to get an ice-cream cone with friends. I've still got that bright red Schwinn that was my constant companion and easy means of transportation before I had a driver's license.
And now that the World Cup is over, maybe my younger son (AKA the Sports Encyclopedia) will get hooked on the Tour de France. It's got ten days more to go, and just because Lance Armstrong says he can't win it this year doesn't mean it won't be an interesting race right up through the last stage.
Besides, the Tour de France doesn't come with vuvuzelas.
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