We just had two consecutive days using the carrier pigeons for packing our family about. On Tuesday, Keri and I each piloted our box bikes with human cargo to a kindergarten roundup. The best part of this journey was that it was the first time we rode as a family in the dark! I must say that I never tire of that lovely and powerful light produced by the Shimano front hub-generator headlight. It’s light sensitive and human powered, requiring zero thought.

Keri experienced some knocking in her hub when shifting while heading up a massive hill, but aside from that small technical tidbit, the trip was fantastic. I’m continually impressed by the Sturmey roller brake and its smooth modulation and positive power. It inspires confidence and works great. Additionally, one ride on the carrier pigeon reminds me how quiet an internal hub can be. Our Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub (on Keri’s Bianchi Milano) has never been quiet. True, it doesn’t require the same degree of sensitive handling as the Sturmey hub, but it sure is noisy!

The weather was perfect on Tuesday night, leading us to extend our ride home just so we could enjoy the quiet streets. Riding at night is also a lot of fun as you can see into people’s homes! This satisfies my penchant for old-house-voyeurism. The carrier pigeons also handle tremendously well at low speed, making it very easy to cruise with one hand on the bar, the other hand pointing out the fantastic light fixture in someone’s dining room. Our extended trip home almost felt like watching a parade where the spectators cruised slowly by stationary floats.

This excellent experience was followed the next day (yesterday) by an excellent trip to Laurelhurst Park. I tossed both ladies into Big Beef and headed to the park to take advantage of the fantastic weather. Again, the bike handled flawlessly. After an extended stay and a lot fun, we headed back via a route directly through the park, past the duck pond and up the north side of the park.

This new route through the park actually proved to be easier than the steep route I typically take up NE 33rd Ave. between SE Pine and Ankeny. The east-to-west path at the park’s northernmost edge is far longer than the 33rd Ave. route, so the grade is reduced enough to make it very manageable. Plus, it’s off the street and gorgeous.

Whatever the case, Big Beef and Goliath continue to bring smiles to us every time we ride. After riding Keri’s Milano to work most days the past few weeks, I appreciate the carrier pigeon’s riding position all the more. Stepping into the pigeon, you’re immediately greeted by a natural, comfortable riding position that is a far greater pleasure than a traditional bicycle riding position (town bike or performance road bike). The riding position rewards and encourages you, adding bounds to the enjoyment factor.

The carrier pigeon helps us remember that the journey is quite often more enjoyable than the destination.