Recipe for a Bike Rider

Caitlin learned to ride a bike this week - without training wheels.

At first I tried to help her by running along side holding up the bike, but that wasn't working. She felt very tippy and that scared her. (Read that as she was screaming and crying at every little bump and wobble.)

So, I had a new idea and it worked like a charm. Here's my recipe for biking success.

1. Get a good bike. For Caitlin, this meant trading in the steel tube 60lb el cheapo bike from Toy'R'Us for a super-lightweight aluminum bike from a real bike store. Caitlin just couldn't pedal a bike that weighed more than she did. And, the nice folks at the local bike store (Race Pace Bikes) have a fantastic buy-back policy. When Caitlin out-grows that bike, we'll trade it in and our total cost will be less than what the steel tube bike cost.

2. Spend a little time with the training wheels. Caitlin spend one summer with training wheels and that taught her how to pedal, brake, and steer.

3. Here's my secret ingredient - when you take the training wheels off, don't pedal the bike: scoot. I lowered the seat so that Caitlin's feet could be firmly on the ground on each side. Then we found a nice level place to practice. She pushed off with her feet and just tried to keep the bike from tipping. Her feet were close to the ground and caught her from falling. Eventually, she really understood what it felt like to balance on two wheels.

4. Start to pedal.

5. And you're done!

Caitlin went from completely unable to balance to riding very confidently in five days.

She is so proud of herself and so are we!

Spring Training Princess Style

King of the house warms up for a pitch.



The princess swings, it's a hit!



Rounding the bases! The crowd goes wild!

And now for a Gwen story as reported by Jeff: Gwen was pitching a fit for running a little bit late for school. As they pulled into the lot, Jeff said, "See we're not late, the buses are still here." Gwen retorts, "Dad, those are the late buses!"

If she ever becomes a lawyer, I pity her courtroom opposition.

Just for fun

From the Praire Home Companion - Pretty Good Jokes show:

"Case of Viagra stolen by hardened criminals."

Did you laugh?

Ice Skates

Are ice skates "shoes"?

I hope not, because if they are, I broke my "buy no clothing/shoes/accessories" vow. But, to be honest, none of my other shoes will really work out on the ice.

Here's how it started.

Last Saturday, Gwen got invited to an ice skating birthday party. Caitlin was so jealous that I took both her and Gwen ice skating on Sunday. I had such a good time that I went to the 12-2 open session on Monday while the girls were in school. In fact, I went the next day and the next. It was so much fun. And, as we are gym members, it was free except for the skate rental. So, I elimated that problem by buying my own pair. And I was tired of the rental skates chaffing my feet.

I went in with the intention to buy the least expensive beginner skates I could. But then, the salesman gave me his schbeal and asked me some questions. Beginner skates are fine for basically going straight on two feet. "Do you want to jump or spin?" he asked.

"Is the Pope Catholic?" I thought.

"Do bears poop in the woods?" I thought.

"What on earth would I want with skates that only let you go straight-ish?" I thought.

"Heck yes!" I said.

That fact that, any attempt to jump or spin would right now land me on my butt, or in the hospital, or both, not withstanding, I want to learn how to do all those things.

So, now I have what could best be described as "hopeful beginner skates." They were the cheapest pair with a chance of success at jumping or spinning. And now, Jeff and I are both signed up for lessons! I can't wait! Wish me luck!

BTW, Mom and Dad, if you are reading this, rest assured the ice rink is a mere 4.2 miles from the nearest hospital.