Jack’s New Skill

Jack and Owen really wanted to go bike riding today.  So, despite the rain, we went to Jack’s school’s parking lot which is big, level, and empty of cars (for the most part). 

When we got there, Owen was already tired (he isn’t exactly sick anymore, but is still not eating and is super sensitive to everything.  I am really hoping it is just that this week of sickness has been hard on his body!)

Jack got on his bike and I held the seat – and he was off.  He balanced from the first few pedals today.  After his first go around, he fell over away from me after his bike was stopped.  I tried to reach him (and got three smashed fingers and three ripped nails – very short)  He was scared, but got back on.  After that it was smooth sailing.  Check him out!!

Jack is the Man!

The really funny thing is that he has the balance part down pat, but not the steering or speed control.  Whichever way he leans to keep is balance is the direction that he heads in.  You can see that he mostly leans to the right, so he goes in a clockwise circle.  I wasn’t sure if he was going to hit the van that he was heading for… 

Before Jack got this bike for Christmas, he had a balance bike (a bike with no pedals, where you just run and then put your feet up when you get going.)  So he learned the balance from that, but he couldn’t really go far enough to have to steer much around here.  I think that is why he can balance so well, but needs to practice steering. 

Owen learned on a typical bike with training wheels, so he started out focusing on steering and control.  When Owen got good at those two things, then we added in the balance.  

It is really interesting to see the order reversed.  I thought I would really like the order that Jack learned, but now I am not so sure.  He wants to go fast, but isn’t really ready yet.  It seems like he is more likely to get hurt.   Of course, that might not be due to the order of learning.  It could be due to his little personality that tries first and fixes the mistakes as he goes.

I suppose if Jack does not end up in the ER in the next few weeks needing an ultrasound and an MRI and a new bike helmet( because of a collision with a tree) then he will be ahead of Owen at this age…