Thursday, March 1, 2012

the balance bike

Last Sunday afternoon, we went on a walk around the block.  Our friends, the Treeses were outside and Clay noticed that Nate was riding his bike with training wheels.  He immediately handed us their balance bike [it’s a little bike with no pedals so they just focus on balance] and told us to have Nate ride that for a few weeks and he’d be ready for no training wheels.

After pushing Ryan all the way home on the balance bike . . . .

bike ride

Nate jumped on and was instantly obsessed with this little bike.  Within 24 hours he was balancing on the bike down the driveway and half way down the street.  He crashed a few times when he got a little daring or stopped focusing but he simply stood up &  yelled, “I’m tough.  I can do this!” and jumped back on. 

nate riding the bike (1 of 1)

nate on balance bike feb2012 (1 of 1)

By Tuesday, he started begging for the training wheels to come off but I wasn’t ready for that with Wes out of town so I told him Saturday could be the day.

He has spent HOURS with this balance bike this week.  He took every opportunity to go outside and he was on this bike loving every minute of it.  Grandma even took him to the park to ride it on Wednesday.

nate on bike bw (1 of 1)

boys on bikes (1 of 1)

Today was a busy day in the yard and by the time it got to bike time – Nate was a little on the tired side and the bigger bike scared him a little without the training wheels.  When he’s ready – we’ll try again!  But for now, he’s loving this little bike.  We’re giving it back soon so maybe that will get him on the big bike!

4 comments:

Alisha said...

He will totally get it! It is a little scary at first but he will love it! Go Nate!

The Skeehan Family said...

ooooohhhh, I wanted to get one of those, I've heard they are pretty awesome.

Way to go Naters with your skills!

Unknown said...

What a cool idea!

Lauren said...

The twins got balance bikes last fall and have loved them. They're getting the real deals this week on their birthday. I hope the transition for them goes as smoothly. (Although, I'm not counting on it). Way to go, Nate!