The Bike

You may have recalled our previous attempt at teaching Riley to ride his bike. It did not go well. And over time, while we attempted to convince him that he WOULD learn to ride, he just got more and more discouraged. So we just sort of stopped trying and decided that when Riley was ready, we would be there for him. And this past week, he was ready. He talked more and more about Violet riding to school and how he wanted to ride, too. But of course, he didn't know how to ride his bike. It just seemed like he couldn't really balance himself or steady himself. That was because, as frugal parents, we got him a bike we knew he would grow into. And all of a sudden a lightbulb went off in my head. Maybe the bike was just *too* big for him to learn on - but if I could find him a smaller bike to get the hang of riding, he could then try the big bike!

Last week, while the kids were in school and I had time to do anything I wanted, I went to a local thrift store. And there, in the back, was a little yellow bicycle. And it was marked $5.00. I picked it up and brought it home for Riley. Once we pumped up the tires (I ended up having to buy a new tube for the back wheel for another $4), Riley got on the bike...
He walked it up our hill a bit to give himself a downhill start...
And began pedaling like he had been doing this all along!
He did great! I think RIley even surprised himself as how well he could ride this little bike.

He still had a few things to work on, though... like turning...
And, yes, there was a crash or two.
But the difference is, this time he was smiling when he stood up!
And ready to go again!!
Riley loves riding his bike. Every day he asks to go outside and ride more and more. He has, since these photos were taken, mastered turning, stopping, starting, and even jumping the bike off the side of the curb, thanks to my daughter. (my precious daughter, who tells me after she helped teach Riley some turning techniques, "I guess I am a better teacher than you, Mom!")