It's ALIIIIVE!!!!

I shall call you... Frankenbike!

I started off with a wooden frame that was structurally similar to the basic bike rack, supported at the seat post and rear axle.

Then I scrounged up some thick foam padding (it was actually too thick, so I sliced it in half with a serrated bread knife) and sprayed the seat with strong adhesive before I put it in place.

I was planning on a vinyl or fused plastic cover, but as I kept working on this I realized that a cover would be a serious challenge, as I have minimal upholstering skills. So, duct tape to the rescue! I used an old belt nailed to the back of the seat as a seat belt, and added small footrests on the sides.

Total cost for project

Bike - $10 at a yard sale

wood frame - scraps from the wood pile

hardware - had some around

foam - found it in the basement

Duct tape - $5.99 for a 60 yard roll

Biking to the library with my son yelling "whee!" - priceless

$15.99 plus personal satisfaction.

I know you're wondering "is it safe?" - I tested it with my full weight on the wooden frankenseat, with no creaking, cracking, or groaning (except for from me - thirty is looming ahead in 11 days). I used solid hardware and wood, and I may have even over-secured it with screws throughout the frame. Plus, it's swathed in duct tape - tell me that thing isn't secure! :) It's perfect for my 4 year old, but I can even carry my (chunky) 7 year old - on level ground. I tried getting up a hill with Catie on there, and all I can say is both of us need to get in shape! Her bike needs a few repairs too, and hopefully we can become more of a cycling family. For my peace of mind, though, I may need to put a bike rack on the car so I can drive us out of our development. I was a little nervous about getting up that steep windy road with Daniel on the back, and I would be more nervous about Catie trying to bike up that way without blocking traffic and becoming a public nuisance.

I did make it out with Daniel, and we rode about 2 miles each way to the nearest library to return an item. Not too bad! Of course, the weather was perfect today. But still, I biked up and down hills, through traffic, and braved weird looks all with an extra 40lbs on my bike!

Tune in tomorrow to see if my legs fell off!