Our Pokémon Go Adventure on Wheels

It started with an advert for Pokémon Go. Gabriel spotted it and immediately started pestering me, insisting that it looked "so cool" and was definitely something we had to try. I wasn’t sure at first, but his excitement was contagious. Before long, we had it downloaded on my phone and set off on our first Pokémon hunt, combining it with one of our usual bike rides.

We were both hooked right away! Gabriel loved spotting new Pokémon, and the app quickly added an extra layer of fun to our rides. It encouraged us to explore new routes and stretch out our adventures. One weekend, our Pokémon-hunting spirit led us along the old railway line from South Cerney all the way to Cricklade. Gabriel managed the distance without a single grumble—quite a feat! Each little “PokéStop” gave him a fresh burst of energy, and he was eager to keep pedaling to see what was waiting around the next corner.

The railway line was beautiful, especially with the summer sun peeking through the trees, and it turned out to be a great way to push our limits a bit further together. When we arrived in Cricklade, the roads were blissfully quiet, giving me the perfect chance to teach Gabriel how to safely turn right at a roundabout. He listened intently as we practiced signaling, looking for cars, and timing the turn—each little success building his confidence as a cyclist.

By the time we rolled back home, we were both exhausted but buzzing with accomplishment. Who would have thought a simple game could inspire us to take on new adventures and explore our surroundings in such a fun way?

Now, our bike rides aren’t just about exercise—they’re a chance to bond, to explore, to hone Gabriel’s cycling skills, and, of course, to catch that elusive Pokémon Gabriel spotted on the map. Every time we cycle a bit further, it feels like a new victory for both of us.