Training Wheels

We have been in Ocean Pines for a month and have spent most of our free time at the pools, at the beach or setting up the house. Today was overcast so we decided to explore the neighborhood more. We went on the longest walk/bike ride ever to visit a hidden crabbing pier. When we got back Ryan decided he was ready for his training wheels to come off. A friend had given us a Balance Buddy to put on the back of his bike to help him learn to ride without training wheels.

So while Gavin slept off our first adventure of the day, Ryan helped me take the training wheels off. He and I set off with me jogging (which quickly turned into a full out sprint) as I held the Balance Buddy. Within ten minutes I realized he had it and sprinted along with my hand floating above the Balance Buddy bar so he thought I was still helping him. Up and down the road we raced until he caught on and figured out I wasn't holding the bar anymore! He was so excited. We went all over the neighborhood with me running alongside as he continued to build his confidence.

Soon we had Michelle come outside to see what he could do. They took off down the street with Michelle trying (unsuccessfully) to keep up with Speedster Ryan. This video was Ryan coming back to the house (alone!) with Mommy not even in sight.

When Gavin woke up from his nap he was so impressed with Ryan he wanted to start riding Ryan's old smaller bike with training wheels. And he demanded to have the Balance Buddy. So Gavin helped me modify his bike to have both the Balance Buddy and training wheels. Off the family went to race through the neighborhood - Ryan speeding around and Gavin alternating between healthy pushes via the Balance Buddy and pedaling when he felt like it. We all had a great time and relished in another great milestone!