No Training Wheels!

Sam accomplished riding his bike with no training wheels for the first time tonight. Ben first took the wheels off over a month ago, and tried to teach Sam in the same way he taught Maria - running with him on the bike until he felt secure on his own. Sam hated it and wanted the wheels put back on. Ben refused, saying he was ready with them off, and he keeps wiping out with the training wheels on because he tries to go too fast around corners and the wheels get caught. I told Sam that I would get a bike, and then we could "learn" together.

But then, as usual, life got in the way. T-ball games, golf camp, short trips, etc., and before we know it it's July and Sam hasn't ridden his bike yet. Last night, he expressed interest, but would let no one help him and could not get started on his own. He did keep trying and trying though.

So today we went to Wal-Mart and I picked out a bike. Just a 7 speed beach cruiser, but exactly what I wanted. This evening we got it out, and while Ben was adjusting the seat for me, Sam decided to try going down the hill in the side yard on his bike, which we had tried to talk him into yesterday as well. (We had taken Mike's suggestion and lowered the seat all the way so he would feel in control.) And he did well in the yard, so he started riding on the driveway. We are now working on corners and going on the road. He has learned how to fall by letting the bike fall under him. It saves him falling but his legs are going to be bruised.

I don't think we're going to be able to get him to come inside very easily tonight!


Update - we just got back form our first family bike ride - Sam did pretty well, except for turning around. But great for only riding for an hour!