We bought the 7yo his first bike several years ago.
With a keen cyclist for a husband, we chose him a lovely Islabike. It was a little too big for him, and the derailer meant that it couldn’t have stabilisers/training wheels…
To make matters more difficult, he had never been all that interested in his balance bike, so had no real experience of ‘riding’ a bike.
As a consequence, after a few failed attempts to encourage him to learn, cycling was put on hold.
Like any 7yo, he has recently become more aware of what his friends can/can’t do. He became concerned that he was the only one who couldn’t ride a bike without stabilisers. I know for a fact this isn’t true, but to a 7yo it can easily seem as if you’re the only one who can’t.
So, a few weeks ago my husband took the pedals off his bike, effectively turning it into a balance bike. And he was off. After a slightly shaky (!) start, he was flying – gliding along, perfectly balanced, and most importantly, confidently.
Last Monday, the pedals went back on. We have a ‘handle’ that attaches to the back to allow an adult to steady the bike, a necessary ‘comfort’.
My son and husband set off. And by the time they came back – my son was cycling, unaided!
We have a wonderful video of him cycling along, quite happily, then glancing to the side and giving a squeal – realising that daddy is beside him, not behind him steadying the bike!
I am so proud of him. It didn’t come easily, but in the end he was determined and he persevered – and he did it!
I’m linking this post up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements over at Ethan’s Escapades. Please click on the badge below and share in the amazing achievements, and milestones, of our children. And, please join in and support this lovely linky!
I’ve also linked this post up to #PoCoLo from Verily, Victoria Vocalises.
Well done! It’s amazing watching them ‘suddenly’ be able to ride their bikes, isn’t it? My poor daughter had wonky stabilizers on her bike, which I didn’t twig, until I realised she was always leaning to oneside. We couldn’t fix them (we were in the Falkland Islands, and couldn’t get replacements) so in the end I removed them. It took her a while, and quite a lot of tears, but finally she got the hang of it! Now we don’t have anywhere for her to ride a bike, unfortunately – but they say you never forget how to ride a bike…
It was incredible, especially as he’d been so against it for such a long time. Very proud of him! It wasn’t great when we realised we couldn’t attach stabilisers… But he got there in the end :) And, as you say, now he’s done it – he shouldn’t forget how…!? Thanks for commenting x
That’s fab. We wanted to buy Monkey a bike for his 3rd birthday last year. Took him to our local bike shop so he could pick one, wouldn’t even sit on one and everytime we’ve mentioned it since he just says ‘no bike’. We’re both gutted!
My husband was seriously gutted when he wasn’t interested… I’m as glad for him as the 7yo that he’s finally mastered it! He just wasn’t ready until now. Do you have a balance bike for Monkey?
That’s brilliant – well done him! It’s really nice to read that he was a late starter on the bike too – we keep thinking we should get our 5 year old out on his more but he just isn’t really interested at the moment!
From our experience, wait until he’s interested – you’ll only out him off completely if he’s not ready xx
What a wonderful post, I bet he was so chuffed when he realised he was riding on his own. We were thinking of getting POD a scooter (she’s not three yet) but I suspect she’s inherited my terrible balance!
We started with a balance bike, then a scooter, then a bike! The 4yo mastered all three straight away… The 7yo has my clumsy gene :)
What a big step, well done to him for persevering! He looks very pleased with himself :-D #PoCoLo
He really was! As was I, to be honest :)
Yay what a great achievement. He looks so pleased in the photos :-) #PoCoLo
Thanks – he was thrilled!
Ohh well done!! That’s fab x
Thanks!
well done – what a fab achievement! (my son was also around 7 and only managed when his younger brother started to ride). Love the handle idea too. xxx
Ah, yes – the competitiveness… My 4yo can ride his bike, but still has stabilisers – 7yo had to be riding solo before 4yo!
That’s great! I am so happy for your 7yo, and for your husband… It can be so tough when you love something and want to share it and they just don’t. I had the same experience with my 8 yo and books. The first time he read a “real” book and not just a football / facts / science one was the proudest moment of my motherhood…
But anyway – well done! Learning to ride a bike is really tough, so well done!
Thank you – my husband was disappointed, but he’s very proud of him now :) I am happy for both of them xx
This is amazing and to not even having stabilisers is fantastic. Possibly making him learn faster. He looks so proud of himself. Congratulations little man.
Thanks for linking up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements :0)
x
Thank you! He is thrilled, and it means that we can now go out for a cycle as a family which is lovely (once I get a new bike anyway!) And, thank you for hosting :)