Nelle and her friend both recently earned their cycling licences, opening up even more possibilities for summer adventures. They have already discovered how much fun it is to explore by bike, and this week they set off on another little road trip together.
They cycled about 14 km (9 miles) each way, making it a 28 km (17-mile) round trip. Not bad for a day out!
Their destination had everything a summer day should have. They went for a refreshing swim, bought themselves ice cream, and spent a while relaxing in the beautiful castle gardens. The weather was just right too—not too hot, with a gentle breeze that made the cycling much more enjoyable.
I love seeing them become more confident and independent. There’s something special about watching teenagers make their own plans, pack their backpacks, hop on their bikes, and head off for a day of adventure with friends. Sounds like our childhood, right?
They returned home tired and happy. Days like these are what summer is all about—fresh air, freedom, good friends, and simple moments that become wonderful memories.
Ilze
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You have made me nearly trickle a tear . . . they are teaching themselves to ‘grow up’ in the safest way possible, trying something new or what you did together with the ability to return rapidly if something is not working out. My older daughter went on the very first Australian schoolgirls’ tour of China ex Sydney with her best schoolfriend at age 16 (over half a century back!) . Both had travelled a fair bit with parents, BUT . . . we were scared stiff but felt we had to let them spread their wings. Wonderful story when mine took her friend to her very favourite restaurant in Hong Kong – just the two 16-year-olds who already loved food. Strange milieu, totally alone. Then ( 🙂 !) she offered to pay the money spent back from her pocket money – she had been given a credit card for emergencies and had used that – we just cried and laughed . . . oh, by the time they got to Beijing they were managing Chinese shops with no English and even talked all the prices down . . . SO, sometimes one just has to let the kids grow up at their own pace . . .
Such a lovely story! WAY bigger then mine 🙂 In those days without internet – nice!
Ilze – I surely did NOT mean to ‘make ‘ anything bigger . . . this true story (to which there are a few very fun extra chapters!) just came to my mind when I read about your daughter enjoying her independence! We shivered and shook all the time Siiri and her friend Debbie were away – so young, so far, China of all places – that anything independent like that makes me smile very much even if this is ‘just’ 17 kms – they did it on their own 🙂 !
Oh no, I think the language barrier got in the way! 😊 I absolutely loved your story, and I didn’t mind it being “bigger” than mine at all. Quite the opposite—I was so grateful that my little post brought back such a wonderful memory for you and that you shared it with us. Stories like yours are one of my favourite parts of blogging. ❤️
It’s so refreshing to hear of kids being able to “escape” and spend their time doing what they want (safely!) on their own. So many helicopter parents nowadays – preventing their kids from becoming independent. Kudos to you all!
Thank you! 😊 I’m just glad nobody commented that she wasn’t wearing proper elbow and knee pads (I think it’s because my followers are 45+ )… She absolutely hates wearing them! Even after taking a nasty fall and ending up with a huge bruise, she still refuses. I’m trying not to be a helicopter parent… I hope I’m succeeding! 😄
A good healthy way to pass the time.
…. or experience something 🙂
Congratulations to Nelle and her friend. That sounds like a fun and wonderful way to spend time.
Thank you! They had such a lovely time together! They live close to each other and used to be classmates. This year they’re in different classes because Nelle chose German while her friend chose Russian, but thankfully they’re still great friends and spend lots of time together. 😊
They made great memories together. Awesome.
Thank you! That is something I love about this! They had phones for GPS to see where they need to go, and for pictures, but that’s it 🙂
Very wonderful for them! I remember those days, so fun! Children need a license to ride a bicycle in Latvia? I’ve never heard of such a thing…
😊 Here, kids can only ride outside parks if they’re with an adult until they turn 10. After that, they need to get a cycling licence. It’s not easy to get—you have to learn the rules of the road, pass a written test, and then your licence arrives about a week later.
They need to understand the road rules for riding safely in traffic, not just how to ride a bike.
I actually think it’s a great system. It helps children become more confident and aware on the roads, and hopefully it means fewer accidents.
…and since it’s the first license they can get – imagine the celebration 🙂 Next one is for scooters and bikes with small motors. Next one is car/tractor/etc 🙂
You need to be 18 to have the Car, etc but 10 for cycle and 14 for scooter and mini bikes 🙂
So Nelle is preparing for the scooter 🙂
Un pareizi ari dara. Pietiks lietainu rudens un ziemas dienu sedet pie datora vai televizora.
Jā 🙂 Labāk ārā 🙂