I guess you can call my children city kids, or label us an epic parent fail, but Ryder cannot ride a two wheel bicycle. Last Christmas, Santa brought him a bike, that we keep at my parents house because of no space, and he always puts up a fight when it comes time to ride it. As far as he is concerned, he scoots around town on scooter, and he seems completely content.
During our recent trip to California, Jason and I wanted to rent bikes on the beach. We would have let the girls ride on the back, but then we realized Ryder still can’t ride a bike- totally our fault. So, the mission this spring will be to get both kids off training wheels. Down here in Battery Park, we have incredible bike paths, which grant access different parts of the city, and I think our adventurers could be endless, if we all started riding together. And since our building just installed bike racks for all the residents it will make storage much easier.
While researching starter bikes, I came across STRIDER balance bikes. STRIDERS are no-pedal training bikes, designed strictly for teaching little ones how to balance. I felt that this was a great concept, because they can focus solely on balancing, without the distractions of turning the pedals as they ride. They push off the ground with their feet, so they can always put their feet down, if they are about to fall. Ryder has a difficult time with balance and coordinated movements, so this system seemed like the right choice for him. And with their models catering to children as young as 18 months, I ordered one for Siella, as well.
Naturally, when they arrived we quickly assembled them with their easy no tool requirement. Ryder was reluctant to try it, because it resembled a regular bike, but after his first ride, his attitude changed. By needing to push his feet off the ground to move, the super lightweight STRIDER bike gave Ryder the confidence he lacks on a traditional two wheeler, by reducing the fear of falling, with his feet close to the ground. Even Siella made great progress on her maiden voyage.
After a few weeks on the STRIDER, I think Ryder will feel differently about riding a two wheeler, and the training wheels will be a distant memory. And, as soon as Siella masters her hot pink STRIDER, we will pass it on to Gemma, so she can keep up with her big brother and sister.
Ryder is sporting the Strider 16- Sport and Siella has the Strider 12- Sport. All bikes have puncture proof EVA polymer tires which means no flats ever. Visit www.striderbikes.com to see all of the styles and colors. Free shipping is available on all bikes in US.
Thank you STRIDER for sponsoring this post.
2 thoughts on “Spring Wheels”
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