Bike Riding With My Daughter

A couple of weeks ago, I won an award from my company for the work I did on an important project. The certificate came with a choice of several different awards ranging from different packages of steaks, to various kitchen appliances, to all kinds of electronics, watches, and bikes. I chose a single speed men’s bicycle.

Knowing that having my own bike would mean an opportunity to ride around the neighborhood with the 6-year-old, I suggested to her that now was the time to learn how to ride her bike. This suggestion did not go over very well. Remembering the trauma of trying to learn how to ride a bicycle with out training wheels several months ago, she was not interested.

On Saturday, I suggested that she get on her bike, “…just to see if your legs are long enough to touch the ground…not to ride…and I’ll totally hold you and not let go.” This sounded reasonable to her. About ten more seemingly reasonable baby steps and 45 min later, I had her riding up and down the street, without my intervention.

(image courtesy of www.aperfectworld.org)

Now, all of the sudden, riding a bicycle was cool, and she could not wait for mine to arrive in the mail so we could ride together. Fortunately for us both, it came via UPS last night. I put it together and we rode a circuit around our neighborhood. It was a great time of exercise and fellowship with my daughter; and for now is something that is special because no one else in the house has their own two-wheel-bike and/or the skill to ride one. After our ride, she asked me, “Daddy, that was so fun! Can we do it again tomorrow?”

I smiled and said, “Of course…”

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