Touring the holiday lights

The holidays are upon us, and with them come a rich set of wintertime traditions. One of my favorite memories growing up was loading up the family to tour the great displays of holiday lights put on by our more festive neighbors.

In Seattle, one of the best is the Olympic Manor neighborhood, where legend has it that all the homeowners are strongly encouraged to put on their best show for the holidays. Perhaps you're thinking of packing the kids into the stuffy car and taking this tour--but you're reading the Cascade Bicycle Club blog, so maybe you've got some better ideas. Like bringing the kids out on their bikes!

Of course, you needn't do it alone, when you can do it with our city's very own family biking maven, Madi Carlson. Her monthly Kidical Mass rides are known for bringing out many of our bike-riding families for great mini-adventures, such as the 42-strong Thanksgiving Day ride around lake union.

This Sunday, Dec. 8, join Madi and her merry band of holiday family revelers at 3:45 p.m. at the Loyal Heights Community Center. You'll be rewarded with an easy-paced, 3-mile-or-so ride to tour some great lights, and the pleasant company of other like-minded family riders. Check the ride posting, RSVP to the Facebook event, or contact Madi directly for more details.

Happy holiday riding!