Knowing that we just had a few things to pick up at the local food co-op and the weather had been unseasonably warm for a Colorado January winter day, and a bike ride was certainly within the realm of possibility. So we loaded Masen up in the old Schwinn Eric picked up at a yard sale last summer.

She has a wee-ride seat that puts her at the front of the action and she loves it. It is easy to have a conversation with her when she is sitting ‘shotgun‘ and these have been some of the best times we shared together last summer.

On the back rack, we had the Deuter Rack Pack Grocery bag. This is a very convenient, efficient and useful pannier-like bag that easily attaches and removes from the rack.

The pack is collapsible so that when it isn’t in use, you can easily stow it in the garage, in the pantry, or in the overflowing gear room… Its got great reflectors around it on the front, back and sides so that the evening commutes are made safer – you’d obviously need some flashing lights as well, but every little bit of visibility helps!

The elastic that is used to attach to the pack is substantial – this won’t easily break down, guaranteeing you years of service. The shoulder strap is comfortable, adjustable and, with a load of 15 pounds of groceries, quite manageable.

Aside from the qualities of the workmanship of the Deuter products, the great thing about this experience was being able to instill in Masen the expectation that a quick trip to the store needn’t involve the car. Instead it could be a fun bike ride!

Once at the store, picking the bag off the rack, taking it in, filling it with our goods and biking home saved fuel, exhaust, plastic (or paper, your choice) bags. But it was also a lesson in enjoyment, exercise and sustainability. Something Deuter has helped us share with our family!

–Eric Odell and Meegan Flenniken (Family Ambassadors).

Run your errands with your kid by bike!

• Learn all about the Rack Pack Grocery Bag at Deuter.com
• Pick one up from Summit Hut
• Grab your own at Rocky Mountain Trail
• Shop at Rock Creek