Have Good Bike Karma This Mother’s Day
Get Mom riding—and keep her riding.
This Mother’s Day, think about ways to make sure you and mom are spending quality time together: getting fitter and healthier, enjoying a happiness-producing endorphin rush, helping save the planet by being more eco-conscious, and combining all of that with time together. We’re talking, of course, about getting mom onto a bike, or more excited about riding bikes, if she’s already an occasional pedal-er.
Whether mom already has all the ride gear she needs or there’s still more goodies that she can add to her bike setup to make riding more fun and rewarding, we’ve got some gifts—from free to high-ticket—that will put you in the running for Son or Daughter of the Year.
A Bike: Karmic Koben S
Every mom needs a bike—heck, everyone needs a bike. And for some busy moms who don’t always have the time or energy to pedal the full distance on work commutes, would run errands if the groceries weren’t so hard to carry, or have a hard time keeping up with the kids/the husband/the Spin class crusher next door, an electric-assist bike might just be the solution she needs. Let’s share a story from a local Palo Alto Mom.
“Riding an e-bike encourages me to ride farther than I normally would because I know if I need a little help to my destination, I can always leverage my battery to help me,” says Karmic rider Grace Marquart. “I’ve always owned a standard, basic bike that I used for leisure rides with family and friends every once in while. After owning a Karmic, my love for biking increased dramatically. I realized how easy and fun it was to incorporate my bike as part of my lifestyle. I started riding my bike regularly as a form of exercise, which I rarely did before, as an alternative way to get to local destinations, and to join bike rides with friends that were more serious riders. My Karmic gave me the confidence that I could make it to any destination, whether it was near, far, flat, or steep.”
Now, she tells everyone to consider making the switch—especially moms!
“I’m definitely always trying to influence other women to bike and even get a Karmic too! As a full-time working mom with two boys, I rarely made time to take care of myself,” she explains. “This all changed after I got my Karmic. I often share with career-driven women and moms how my life has changed after owning a Karmic and how getting an e-bike is a beneficial and fun investment. I emphasize how an e-bike can make exercising simple and fun, how using my Koben for local errands saves on gas, helps the earth, and benefits your body, how biking can allow you to have ‘me time’ to decompress and appreciate nature and being outdoors, and even how kids can be encouraged to bike more when they see an adult—such as their mom—doing it.”
With just a few extra watts when needed, mom can put the hammer down and probably start taking you on hill sprints. Give this gift only if you’re willing to lose your KOM and ready for the shower of praise from Mom!
A Coupon for Ride Time
Whether it’s a book of ‘coupons’ for rides with you, rides with your young kids (for the dads trying to come up with presents) or just the gift of free time for herself (while you make dinner or do laundry), mom will be overjoyed to have definite time to get on the bike and get out for a guilt-free, stress-free ride.
A Roadie Helmet: Giro Sonnet
When it comes to riding stylish, helmet-matching, not clashing, is key. So look for a helmet that matches mom’s sweet ride, like this Giro Sonnet.
A Skill Session or Spin Classes
If mom has talked about wanting to ride more but expressed nervousness about trail riding or riding in a group, consider signing her up for some one-on-one skills training with a coach. She’ll boost confidence and learn skills (and maybe teach you a thing or two if you’re nice!). If she’s more worried about being in cardio-condition to ride, an eight-week class pass to SoulCycle might help solve her fitness-related woes.
An Urban Helmet: Giro Reverb
If mom is more of a casual rider and prefers a more modern, commuter-esque helmet, the Giro Reverb in a funky purple/blue sparkly shade will pretty much guarantee a winning choice for Mother’s Day.
A Fender: Barfly Rain Fly Rear Fender
Rides are a no-go in the rain? That might be because wet pants make getting to the office or doing the school drop-off a little awkward. But a rain fender—even a cheap, easy-on-and-off model like Barfly’s—can go a long way towards making a rainy day ride a lot more palatable.
A New Saddle
This one, don’t just buy before mom tries. Instead, take her to a local bike shop to get her sitbones measured and have the experts there recommend a saddle that fits her right and suits her riding style. An improperly fit saddle can mean a whole host of problems, from numbness and saddle sores to just simply not being comfortable. All of those problems translate to skipping rides or hanging the bike up for the season because if you’re not comfy, you’re probably not having fun. There isn’t one single perfect saddle for everyone, but you can find the perfect one that’s just right for mom.
A Massage
Biking is basically the perfect excuse to need regular sports massages. And as one of the classic Mother’s Day gifts, this one ticks quite a few boxes. No more sore legs after a big riding weekend, plus the luxury of hitting a spa for some TLC. We would all ride more if there was a massage at the end!
A Bag: Timbuk2 Prospect Backpack
Show mom that you know her and love her by customizing a backpack that will make running errands by bike a breeze. The Prospect Backpack from Timbuk2 is designed to fit women’s frames better, and has all the pockets she’ll ever need. And because it’s fully customizable, it’s a one-of-a-kind present that can be tailored to mom’s favorite colors and patterns, making you look like a genius.
A Bell: Spurcycle
If safety is an issue for mom, this bell can add a much higher level of comfort to a ride. The Spurcycle looks like an alien, but it’s loud enough and durable enough that it’ll be keeping mom out of trouble for years. “Being able to communicate politely from afar in a universal language is transformative,” says Nick Sloane of Spurcycle. “It isn’t yelling. It’s not honking. It avoids spooking and it helps generate a mood of cooperation among other cyclists and pedestrians.”
A Basket: Ohuhu Rust-Proof Quick Release Front Handlebar Bicycle Lift Off Basket
Wicker is adorable, sure. But a clean wire design will serve mom a lot better in the long run and can stand up to any weather and any cargo. Just add a bouquet of flowers for maximum good kid points. Every bike needs a basket.
No matter what you give your mom this Mother’s Day, if it’s cycling-related, you know you’re helping keep her healthier, more productive, more eco-conscious and happier. And what other present can do that?
