Nubze

When Spencer was five years old, (and six, seven, and eight) he refused to try and learn to ride a bike. I tried to console him, cajole him, and basically attempt to convince him that riding a bike was a good thing. But, he was having none of it and rejected any opportunity to learn to ride.

Normally, this might not be a big deal, but I am an avid cyclist and I wanted desperately for my son to also participate in an activity I loved. Eventually, I gave up and just accepted I would need to continue riding without my son.

Then, one day this year, he stated he wanted to try and learn to ride. I was so ecstatic, that I went and bought a way-too-expensive bike for him. I was also wary that he would give up on it at the first fall.

Well, I guess, giving him space to sort things out for himself was the right action (or lack of action) to take. Without pressure from his dad, he decided bike riding might be something he should try to under take.

After only a couple half-hour sessions, he now can ride on his own. In fact, he is so excited riding his bike, that he ropes me into time trials, obstacle courses, and what not, just so he can continue riding. Be careful what you wish for, I suppose.