Beeming with pride :D

[Alex Franke]

My 3.5 yr old son got his first "big boy bike" on Sunday evening from a friend down the street. I held him up by the seat once or twice while he pedaled few times, but then we had to go in. On Monday we went out through the garage and he said, "Daddy, get your bike down and let's go for a ride!" I told him, "Not until you actually learn how to ride yours -- want to try again?"

He picked up the bike, positioned the pedal, and (to my utter amazement) rode off -- 5-6 good pedals before he turned and fell. He got back up and did 8-9 more before he accidentally skidded (foot brakes) and fell over again. He got back up the third time and rode around the cul de sac for about the next 5 minutus nonstop -- giggling with joy the whole time -- while I'm calling frantically into the house for my wife to get the camera!

I'm so crazy proud of him -- I just had to share this!

[gad5264]

There is nothing better thant the deep down belly laughter of children when they accomplish something new.

Way to go little fella and proud papa........

[cabinetman]

It's one of those moments that you wish your camera had a belt clip. Save this pic for about 13 - 14 years and show it to his girlfriend as he hauls butt out of the driveway on his Harley.

But for now gear him up with elbow, shoulder, and knee pads.
.

[lrogers]

That big smile says it all!

[Ed62]

He sure is a proud little guy. I'm glad to see he's wearing a helmet to protect against head injuries. Good call on your part.

Ed

[gabedad]

It is a proud moment. I remember my son's. I was holding on to the back seat for a few pedals - then he said "dad can you let go? " and off he went!

[Alex Franke]

We spent about about hour riding around the neighborhood yesterday afternoon, and he didn't fall a single time. He can even skid to a stop now when he wants to.

I'm still totally amazed, but now the reality is starting to sink in -- his world had just gotten a lot bigger. I remember when I got my first car I thought, "I can go anywhere now." He already wants to ride down to the park and other places we typically drive to.

We've stayed on the cul de sacs so far because he still needs to learn the rules of the road -- things we take for granted when riding a bike like looking ahead and behind before we turn left.

It sounds silly, I know, to those who aren't parents, but I often find myself thinking -- with mixed emotion -- "my little boy is growing up!" And he's only 3 1/2. it's going to be a long journey, and I'm sure at the end I will think that it went way too fast. Meantime, though, I'm just going to soak it up!

[leehljp]

I still remember my daughters' first solo rides and their beaming faces. Thanks for sharing it.

[crokett]

He sure looks like one proud kid! My oldest is the same age but still wants to ride her tricycle. I would not be all that surprised if the younger one is riding a bike first - she will most certainly do it at a younger age.

[radhak]

That really is amazing - a sub-four-year-old without training wheels is scarcely believable; i think he must be one of those 'naturally gifted' - keep your eye out for more sports opportunities, and who knows, that might be your retirement option (as in, his endorsements, your condo on the beach) .

but yes, you have bigger headaches ahead - how you gonna teach him road sense?! !

[Alex Franke]

Well it's a couple weeks before his fourth birthday now, and he's had a few months experience riding his little Mongoose bike, so I thought I'd try him out on a "real" trail biking adventure. We biked down to the edge of the neighborhood where the roads stop and the trails begin.

As we approached the trail head I stopped because I was in the lead and I wasn't sure what he was going to do. He just rode on by me and took off down the relatively thin, wooded, debris-covered trail!!

I quickly caught up to him to watch and coach him along the way, and saw him carefully managing his speed, balance and control while bouncing around over roots and rocks, down and up hills, around trees, dodging branches, over sticks and small logs, etc -- and he's not even four yet! Once again, I'm totally and utterly shocked by what this little kid can do!!!

We rode the trails for about 45 minutes, and he stopped several times to get over some logs and bridges, and to go up some steep hills -- but he didn't take a single spill.

So sorry to be a bragging daddy again, but I'm just so darn proud of him I feel like I'm about to explode!

Happy Independence Day!

[jonmulzer]

Brag all you want, you SHOULD be proud! If anyone doesn't like it, they can just not read.

[Ed62]

They learn fast. That's for sure. He'll probably be surprising you with his abilities until he's quite a bit older.

Ed

[ironhat]

Don't worry about bragging, Alex. You've given us a great gift with that picture and the stories of the joy and determination of a child who doesn't know that he 'can't' ! God bless, Alex, and thanks for sharing the fun.

[crokett]

Wow Alex! That is amazing. My oldest is about your son's age and she just figured out how to pedal her tricycle.