When I was little, my grandparents would always take me on bike rides through the countryside of Twente. Me as a little kid with my tiny bike together with them on their big bikes. They’d take me on sandy paths and tiny bike lanes through the forest and to be honest, I hated it because I would always fall off on the sandy paths.

Now many years later these have become fond memories. My grandparents took bike rides for a long time when they got older until it wasn’t safe anymore for them to bike. Whenever I’m on my bike through the countryside here in Twente and also on vacation I am grateful for the love of going on bike rides they instilled in me.

Bike Rides in Summer Socks are named for this love of bike rides my grandparents had and my whole family has. The pattern shows the bendy bike paths, the unevenness of the forest ground and is also inspired by my gran’s love for cable knitting.

This pattern is published in honour of my grandmother, on what would have been her 92nd birthday. She passed away in February 2021 and is still dearly missed. With these sock patterns (Sleepover in 2020, Rice Pudding in 2021 and now Bike Rides in Summer) I want to capture her knitting legacy so her gorgeous designs won’t be forgotten.

Finished Size
Adult S (M, L)

Leg/foot circumference
7.0 (8.0, 9.0) inch / 18 (20.5, 23) cm; fits 8.0 (9.0, 10.0) inch / 20.5 (23, 25.5) cm

Leg/foot length
Adjustable to fit

Gauge (in stockinette)
Approx. 8 stitches per inch/2.5 cm
Approx. 13 rows per inch/2.5 cm

Needles
2.5mm / US 1.5 or size needed to obtain gauge, dpns or circular needles

Yarn
1 skein of semi-solid fingering weight sock yarn. I used Colourful Soft Sock – 400 meter/100 gram

Printing
There are two versions of the chart provided in the pattern, one in colour and one in black and white.

A big thank you goes out to my Tech Editor Kathie Popadin and my test knitters, Angela, Kaja, Linnea, Melissa and Nadja!