A Bike With Two Wheels

Yesterday Ali attempted to ride her bike with training wheels during our evening walk. She leans so heavily on the left training wheel that it will no longer turn. It was very frustrating for her and for Daddy who had to walk the little bike home. So last night she decided she was done with training wheels. Daddy took them off. I think that 'almost 5' is too young for a two-wheeler, but Daddy disagrees. He claims he was wearing a dirt track around his house on his bike by the time he was 5. I bet he was one of those little boys that was all activity, all the time. God bless his mother. Anyway, Ali was ready to strap on her helmet and have a go at it by 8am this morning. After Joe was off work and it was starting to cool off, we finally agreed to take her. You have to understand my hesitation - the kid still has stitches in her face and we're going to teach her how to crash a bike??

I can't believe how well she did on her first try!! Joe was such a great instructor! The first few blocks were about the basics of falling - always aim for the grass (as opposed to the street!) After she figured out how to pedal fast and steer at the same time - she rode a straight line for about a block with Daddy running faithfully beside her! Joe is so proud of her! And I am so proud of them both!!