(r)evolution

This journey started about 2.5 years ago.  I'm not sure who was more excited (okay, maybe me) when I put Carter on that yellow balance bike.  My excitement was soon met with his own enthusiasm for two wheeled freedom.

So for the next few years, he rode.  In our cul de sac, in the park, to the store, at skateparks (his idea, I promise), then at our new home in NC.  About a month or so ago, he asked if he could try "that bike with pedals".  Being a serious cyclist, I've been nervous to not push and pressure him to ride a bike with pedals.  My only hope was that he'd never need training wheels (this is where my heavy hand starts and stops).  I knew when he wanted to ride a "real" bike, he would & could do it.

That is just what he did.  The first try, down our driveway.  After a nervous spill, he was there.  Sailing.  Quickly, he was pedaling that bike harder than the crank could turn over and spinning out the gear.  One of the greatest parenting moments for me.  Few things compare.

Nothing is better than seeing your kiddo proud of his own accomplishment.  Watching him beam after  discovering something new or overcoming an obstacle.  And this was definitely all C.  I'm proud of the way he learned, but also the way he rides.  You may see some from the video, but I doubt I was charging on my first bike like he is today.  It is something to see (pardon the cycling parent bias here)  - Carter sprinting nearly all the time and challenging 8year old kids to race him when he's only been riding for 2 days.

A couple thanks.  Thanks to Juan (a cyclist in the neighborhood) who passed down a bike to Carter that his kiddos learned on.  Not sure if the bike's experience helps, but C thinks it is a "fast bike".  Finally thanks to my Dad, an avid cyclist himself for passing down his love of bikes, and the freedom you can only feel while riding.  I know he would be smiling and chuckling at Carter as he barrels down a hill, on the trail, or in the skatepark today.

Thanks for reading...