Slice of Life

Darby learned to ride a bike today! Unlike many of her other firsts (words, steps, etc.), this time I had the presence of mind to grab a recording device and document the occasion.

I'd been trying for weeks to get Darby interested in learning to ride, but she just wasn't into it. I remember wanting desperately to ride a bike when I was her age, but I lived in a neighborhood full of young kids who were constantly racing through the maze of our suburban streets. I had incentive. Poor Darby only has one playmate on our street, and she had been away on vacation for the past couple of months.

But of course once Darby's friend returned, bike riding quickly became an attractive option to spending her summer days doing chores with mom and dad.

Darby is a quick study, especially when it comes to physical coördination. She learned to ride just over the course of the past 2 afternoons using the same technique I used roughly 35 years ago: First learn to balance and coast on a small bike (12" wheels are best) without training wheels. Training wheels are a crutch and/or a nuisance for some kids. Being low to the ground makes it easy put your feet down when you start falling over, reduces the fear of geting hurt, and removes the stigma of being seen with "baby wheels." Then once you've got your balance figured out, it's a snap to put your feet on the pedals and go.

It was a treat for me to witness Darby's achievement and to watch her expression as she realized what she had just done: astonishment, joy, pride. (Or was that me?) Congratulations, Darby!