Ever been told it’s as easy as riding a bike?
Well that statement is pretty meaningless to anyone who currently hasn’t mastered the art of balancing their buttocks on a slim seat whilst creating motion by furiously rotating their legs on plastic pedals.
In fact if you were to tell twin girl that bike riding was easy peasey lemon squeezy I would expect you to be subject to a barrage of five-year old name calling and possibly some hair pulling.
Twin boy managed to master the skill a couple of weeks ago; and with huge satisfaction. Whilst I wouldn’t say he lords it over his sister he does like to tell her that he is “littler and can still ride without stabilisers” much to her dismay.
So today the extra wheels came off and twin girl faced her fear. I’d like to say she rose to the challenge well but in actual fact it was bloody painful and that kid has serious trust issues. He who helped create them almost crippled himself holding onto her seat and his reward was to be accused vehemently that he was letting go and was trying to make her fall.
Tantrums followed tears accompanied by cries of ‘I’ll do it when I’m eight; leave me be.”
Guilt replaced my impatience when I snapped;
“Oh come on there is no better feeling than learning to ride your bike.”
And a teary, tired twin girl replied;
“There is mummy, kisses and cuddles with you is the best feeling in the world.”
But do you know what? In spite of hating every second and feeling like she was going to crash into a tree at any moment.
She did it.
For the last five minutes on the bike she rode alone as he who helped create them ‘pretended’ to hold her seat.
As she braked to a halt; he whispered to her;
“I have been naughty; I let go.”
Her face was a picture; confusion turned to a flash of anger which was washed away by the quiet look of achievement.
“I did it!” She spoke softly to herself. “I can ride my bike.”
Then louder with a gleeful giggle and a glowing grin.
“Owen, I did it; Daddy let go; I did it.”
As I said no better feeling than learning to ride a bike; except perhaps the kisses and cuddles at the end…
Whooooopie!!! Go girl! Oh the cleverness of her! X
we are very proud!
Go twin girl! I remember learning to ride my bike so clearly. My mum did the same thing (lying woman that she was) and pretended to be holding on. I only realised when I stopped and looked around to find her about a mile behind me. What an achievement! x
We have not addressed the issue yet of daddy lying. No doubt it will come back to bite me….
Ahhh bless her, such a great feeling when you first go solo without the stablisers there will be no stopping them now.
I love a bike ride 🙂
I have romantic dellusions of us riding together as a family…. Bound to end in disaster
Well done twin girl!!!! It must be hard being a twin and having to keep up with each other.
Loving that kisses and cuddles are the best thing in the world. 🙂
Thanks x
Nowt wrong with a bit of competition x
Oh well done her. We cheated I’m afraid and went down the balance bike route. Much easier, they do it all themselves. You’ve reminded me, it’s about time to try DS on a pedal bike.
We did both…
Oh bless her that’s wondeful! Well done Twin Girl!
My sister didn’t learn to ride a bike until she was 14 because just as she was within spitting distance she watched me catapult over the handlebars rendering myself unconscious and my collar bone broken.
Didn’t stop me getting back on a bike but then that’s because I’m stupid. Or do my sister tells me…
Maxi and Mini are still trying to master the whole bike riding thing
Hurts your back doesn’t it…
Yay! Well done Twin Girl! Fantastic news, and well done to he who helped create them for being so naughty 😀
Thanks we are off now to perfect her style….
Well done twin girl!! It’s just brought back flashbacks of my dad teaching me to ride my bike when i was 7. And also when he was trying to teach me driving about 11 years later. Good times.
I can tell you hand on heart that I will not have the patience to teach any of my kids to drive. Some would argue I also don’t have the skill….
What a lovely post, and a great achievement! Well done to all 🙂
Thanks Nicki
How wonderful! I remember our boys’ look of amazement too when they realised we’d let go. I’m now approaching the time when my eldest will look to me to teach him how to drive. I have to say … as BRILLIANT a driver as I obviously am … I’m petrified! We’re just at the ‘him steering the wheel on a straight road whilst I’m still driving’ phase, and that’s scary enough! Don’t think I’m ready for him to actually sit in the drivers seat yet!
Aw, I bet she was so proud of herself!!! Such a huge achievement! I was a late bike rider too, and thought I’d never manage it. I still remember the moment dad let go of the bike and I went off on my own. Exciting stuff!
She is still very proud of herself!!!!
Thanks x