Cargo Tales, Pt. 4: Barricade bikes and boards

During February, we offered families from five different schools around Wellington the opportunity to take the Yuba Spicy Curry bike home for an extended test ride, to give the cargo lifestyle a go.

We thought it would be fun to share some of the stories that we received from the families who took part. We hope that these may inspire some of you who have been considering making the jump to two wheels to come in and take a bike home for an extended test ride of your own.

For this episode we present to you the story of the 'Barricade bikes and boards' and how the Spicy Curry changed their day-to-day for the better.

In 250 words or less tell us the most important ways riding a cargobike made a positive difference to your family.

Riding a cargobike has opened up Wellington for our family; it is no longer a city we navigate through a series of windows. We have recently returned from a traumatic stint in New York, where we were mainly confined to our home for nearly a year. We feel extremely lucky to be back in the relative safety and freedom of New Zealand, but much of our time is spent indoors, in a car or on public transport, and our six-year-old son Fred is still reluctant to leave the house. The four days on the cargobike created a sense of fun and spontaneity around getting from A to B that really improved our lives. Aside from our weekend adventures, I was able to do the school drop off run on my way into work – while navigating never-ending hills and hauling multiple bags of gear, as well as my skateboard. We are expecting a new baby in July, and can already see how a cargobike would play an even more valuable part of two-kid life.

Tell us a fun story from your time riding the cargobike.

Fred was initially very hesitant to even look at the cargobike, but within seconds of climbing aboard he was wooping, laughing, and asking for regular updates on how fast we were going. Our first trip was supposed to be to the library; but, at Fred’s suggestion, we took a detour to the beach. Then we went for a milkshake and fries, before heading to the library and returning home with a full basket-load of dinosaur books. I couldn’t believe it!

What surprised you the most about riding the cargobike?

I was surprised at how easy and safe it felt to ride up the 45 degree hills of our area, even with Fred on board. I was also surprised that Fred and I could easily carry on a conversation while riding; it transformed the usually quite solemn school drop-off run into the highlight of our day.

In your childrens own words, how do they describe riding the cargobike.

So so so so so so so so so so so good. It’s good at riding up hills and our house is on a hill. I like how fast it goes because I like it going faster than 30 kilometres. I love the seat I get to sit on and my mum is going to have a baby and it has a baby seat on the back. – Fred

Any further comments or feedback regarding the trial?

It was a sad day when I had to return the cargobike, but we definitely made the most of our time with it. Thanks for introducing us – we’re hooked! 

Thanks for your story Team Barricade!

If you enjoyed this post, keep an eye out and have a look on our blog using the filter 'Family Rides' because we have a bunch of other stories we have or will be releasing soon.