Hey frienddssssss. 👋 It’s your North Park loving, hiking and biking fanatic, post-writing nerd here. Today I wanted to dive into the awesome new rental service that the park is offering. When we moved to the area, this didn’t yet exist, …(or one did, but not all automated and fancy-like). I finally got to try out this service a few weeks ago, but it’s been in this location since July of 2024. Let’s get into the deets, yeah? 🚴♀️
Biking, Swinging, and Reclaiming Childhood Joy
The title of this post couldn’t correlate more with how I’m currently feeling. It’s not just fresh air I’ve been craving for years inside a grayscale job site, but also freedom to finally bring out my inner child and welcome her to the fun activities that have been so long suppressed. What’s your inner child reaching for?
Since I’ve had time to visit the park more often, I’ve kayaked, swung on the swing set, trail hiked alone, ran around the loop, and biked (which is what you’re reading about now!) I have to say, swinging and biking were probably my two top faves, as they literally had me grinning from ear to ear. It was a rush of a feeling getting back on the bike to wobble a little and then straighten out as I made my way across the road. That same feeling came when I started actually swinging like a total weirdo at full speed.
Sure, if you embark on these kind of adventures as a singular adult, you may encounter some side eyes and strange looks. But the thing is, I’m doing these for me, and I frankly just don’t care anymore what other people consider “weird.” What is your version of weird?
I was finally able to feel that freedom, that adrenaline spike of joy and familiarity. And getting back on a bike after years of using just my legs to get around? It was so exciting. Going faster down the hills and feeling the wind on a cloudy and chilly summer morning, it was perfect.
If you’re contemplating doing something that feels awkward or out of place now as an adult, just don’t. It’s not worth missing out on the simple joys that are calling to you — like hopping on a swing at the park and kicking your feet toward the sky.
The ample selection of bikes that are available to rent! There are several different sizes.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the North Park Bike Rental App
Now, for a quick run down on how to be awesome and rent a bike.
There are two options to rent yourself a baddie bicycle. (Really, they’re pretty great). You can travel online to their website and fill out the necessary info in advance if you’re sure of when you’re wanting to ride. Or, you can choose to do this last minute like myself and stroll up to the docking station to choose a bike before reading the instructions on the wall. 🙂
It’s super simple, you can download the app for your android or iPhone through their QR code, (it’s on the wall as well), or you could always search for them in the app store like it’s 1900. You then select the system, read and sign the waiver, and then check your email or texts to activate your newly setup account.
After that, you’ll open the app again and choose a bike that’s available, and then click “ride.” This is when you’ll be prompted for a credit card to assume the charges, (my total trip was $16.05, which was the total charge for an hour). Unfortunately I didn’t make it the full hour, as my biking legs had some re-training to do. Plus, I wasn’t sure how long the first trip would take me, so I made sure to set an alarm for when my time was getting close (like I did during my kayak trip) so I didn’t have to pay the whopping $20 late fee. 😳
Once you’re all paid up, the bike will unlock from the rack and you can remove it from the stand. (This starts your time, so no dilly-dallying folks). Make sure you are able to get back to *the same location* that you started with in the allotted time. It goes by quickly, so round up your initial hours if you think you’ll be out for awhile.
When you return to the docking station, you’ll lock your bike back on the same docking port as you got it from, and press “end ride” on the app.
Check out the pics below showing where the number of the bike will be located, where to adjust the height, and see that you have an awesome handy dandy drink holder. 🧋✌️
Bike Rental Rules to Know Before You Ride
Here’s another tidbit you should know that’s stated on their website:
You are financially responsible for the bike until the ride is ended in the app.
So, be careful, wear your helmet and yield to pedestrians folks. 🚲 Follow the bike signs and stay on the correct side of the road within the biking lanes when they are present. I’d even suggest walking whatever trail or path you’re planning on biking ahead of time, to ensure you’re familiar with the area and know where the lanes are to stay within.
The Playground Is Calling
Guys and ladies of the internet, this is your sign to get outside and do something about it. Even just a 30 minute bike ride or a 20 minute session on the swing near some squawking geese can change your outlook on the day. It can provide new perspective on what’s important and show you how beautiful nature can be if you just give it a chance.
Going outdoors doesn’t need to be done 24/7 and take over your routine, but I’m suggesting trying to incorporate it just a little more when you’re able. Sure, a solid Netflix & Chill sesh can be rewarding, but within that same hour you can explore, imagine, and bring back those exciting feelings of being a kid again.
Once you get back into the swing of things (see what I did there), you’ll start to remember why these activities brought you joy in the first place, and wonder what ever made you stop doing them. 🤔
Find your new calling, figure out what makes you feel new joy, and go adventuring (even if it’s the solo kind). 🥾✌️
Until then, here’s one of the rude geese. 👇
Thanks for riding along with me today.
Whether you’re here for the biking tips, a dose of fresh air inspiration, or just needed a reminder that it’s okay to play—we’re in this together. I appreciate you showing up, being curious, and maybe even considering your own little outdoor adventure. Until next time, stay weird, stay wild, and don’t forget to pump those tires. 🚲
