Up a Size

One thing Matt and I want to accomplish this Summer is teaching the girls to ride a bike. Really ride. Not just balance on a bike that's too small. Not just rely on training wheels. Matt doesn't want to have "some nerdy kids who can't ride a bike because their parents failed them."

The girls had small 12 inch two-wheelers all of last year. As their legs have grown longer, watching them make circles on our small patio has begun looking something like a clown on an exaggeratedly small bike.

While they can ride, they can't really ride. Not independently. It seems like other kids at similar ages have the skill down (not that I'm comparing, it is just something I want my kids to get confident with). And, it seems like I learned much younger. But, I think that is because my house faced West and had a flat sidewalk out front that I could ride corner to corner on. Repeatedly. I blame the girls' lack of bike balance on the fact that we have a cracked up driveway that either dumps into a busy thru-street or drops off the edge into the neighbor's grass. And the sidewalk has enough of a slope going down that they pick up too much unwanted speed. Not really a prime practicing place. Matt doesn't think we can blame it just on that. He blames lack of time put into it.

So, to help the out-grown bike situation, we made use of the local thrift store. We picked up two bikes (and a helmet) that are in good condition. They are just the next step up. Maybe 16 inch tires? Still nothing overwhelmingly huge. New air in the tires and elbow grease on the frame, they will work great for this year! The girls are ecstatic about their new rides - to the point of Paige including, "Please don't ever let me change my bike again. I love my new bike so much!" in our dinner prayer!

To help out with the location and time, we're determined to make use of local tracks, parking lots, and other sidewalks. Making the time is the key.

After bikes were cleaned to go, we loaded them into the truck (yes, Matt, a definite benefit of having an open truck bed) and headed up the 1800 South, Tuesday night. The girls were off! Training wheels are still attached, but won't be for long.

Tyler started out keen with the "being pushed" stage. I am certain by the end of the season he'll have the peddling down.

There was some reverting in bike size...

But, Paige's switch in bikes was a kind gesture to accommodate little brother's interest in the two-wheeler...

The race is on...

The race to be first around the track. The race to master the two-wheeler. The race to successfully get out this Summer rather than crash in front of the TV.