Look Ma, No Training Wheels!

Our own neighborhood is too steep and hilly for beginning bicyclers, so teaching the kids to ride their bikes has always involved driving to a nice, safe, flat surface. We've found office building parking lots on weekends are the perfect spot.

After a few misfires this summer, Carl finally took Ryan out for a successful bike riding lesson while Alex has been home resting.

Part of the reason why this summer misfired so spectacuarly was that it was hot. So Ryan didn't really want to be out doing something that wasn't fun for him. But it also meant he was wearing shorts, and after a few falls and more than a few scrapes, he would call it a day.

So we dressed him up in Alex's skateboarding gear for extra protection for our post-Thanksgiving lessons. Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist pads.

And it WORKED!

Yes, there were a few spills.

Some more difficult to take than others.

But all in all, it was a success.

The training wheels are OFF!