Proud Pappa

Ok, I'm a pretty proud pappa now. I took Erik outside today, the weather was really nice. We took his bike out of the garage. Last fall, we took his training wheels off, and he's been trying it once in a while, but not really sticking to it. He could ride, but can't start on his own. He needs a push. He can brake, but most of the time, when he stops he drops the bike and crys for a bit. He so very much wants to ride, that when it doesn't work out he gets mad, upset, and sad. So I figured all he needed was total immersion.



We got suited up with our helmets, and went out for a ride. I have to give him a push to get started, but then he's pretty good after that. I explained that when we get to a road (we were riding on the sidewalks) you have to stop and walk your bike across. Erik wanted to do it right, so he'd stop about 50 feet from the road and walk to it first, then across, then he'd wait for me to get to the other side so I could give him a push start again. Anyhow, I was kinda feeling out how much he could handle, but he got into it really quick. We ended up riding just over 3.5 kms! Erik did a great job. He still can't start on his own, but he loves riding now. It won't be long before he's riding all on his own. I'd love to take him out on some trails once he's ready. That won't be long either. I'll finally have a riding partner. It's so very cool. I'm one very proud pappa.

A Monument to Yesterday

So, yesterday Erik walks up to me and asks me to take his training wheels off. I think, why not? So out come the wrenches and I take them off. I tell Erik to get his helmet on, we go out to the sidewalk, I help Erik up onto the seat. He puts his feet on the pedals, I tell him to start pedalling and give him a push. I thought for a second about holding on and helping him along, but then I got this slightly sadistic desire to watch and see if he wipes out.

So, I let go.

And what does that little turkey do? He rides to the end of the block, puts on the brakes, and falls over. Gets up, and yells for help to get going again. I jog over, give him another push, and off he goes back to where he started. Just like that, my 4 year old boy decides to give up training wheels and ride like the big boys.

Ok, he still can't start on his own. And most of the rides end up with a small wipeout when he forgets to put his feet down after he brakes. But something happened at that moment.

I felt pride swell.

It's a good feeling. I stood a little taller. My voice got a little louder. The sun was brighter, the grass was greener. It was cool.