Rewinding a bit... About a year ago (maybe longer?) we put training wheels on a bike Marcus was gifted. He took to the bike, no problem. Then a friend suggested we remove the training wheels AND the pedals. In essence, creating a balance bike of sorts.
A handful of months passed, balance biking went swimmingly.
Then this weekend happened. We pulled out the "balance" bike and watched as Marcus maneuvered it like a champ. In passing we asking if Marcus wanted to try pedals. We were greeted with an enthusiastic, "YEAH!"
On the pedals went.
Marcus hopped on to his bike. Scott and I both held our breaths. And away Marcus went. Like it was no big deal. Scott and I looked at each other in disbelief.
It was as if he'd been riding his bike, sans training wheels and with pedals, forever.
Now I think it's time to get him a bigger bike.
What a big moment!!! Gooo Marcus! Liam has had a balance bike for a year, and he just tears around the thing! He is so ready for pedal bike, so we need to pick one out for him soon! But then he will be this super big boy that I am not ready for!
ReplyDeleteSo awesome, Marcus! Way to go, buddy!
ReplyDeleteHe is so, so fearless! I just love how he just goes and doesn't think twice about it. He just does it. Such an amazing trait to have!
ReplyDeleteWow! My boys still need to learn to ride bikes. I guess the balance bikes really help!
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe it. He is SO GOOD! I watch the video of him riding his bike and it's like he's been riding forever. He's amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe bike we bought mason is a trike that you can have pedals on or not and that can have 3 wheels or 2. Right now we have it as a trike with no pedals. I definitely think he knows how to use the pedals (I've seen him do it at school) but I'm thinking maybe we need to keep the pedals off and push the back wheels together and try the balance bike and see what he can do!
We are slowly working on leaving the extra wheels behind but C is still a bit scared so we won't push it. I can't believe how BIG Marcus is getting. Such a little grown up.
ReplyDeleteGo Marcus!!! I know what you mean about disbelief! I was like, this can't really be happening?!? And how genius to make your own balance bike by taking off the pedals. Looks like there's going to be lots of bike riding in your summer plans!
ReplyDeleteSuch a HUGE milestone!!!!!! I think every kid can remember their first time on a "real" bike!!!! So much fun but bittersweet, right mom?
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! I really need to encourage Brantley to ride his balance bike more often. Since getting his car for Christmas, I'm pretty sure he hasn't even set foot on his bike! 😁
ReplyDeleteWahoo!!! That is so amazing! Way to go Marcus. Cam has a balance bike and has been riding it like a bat out of hell recently. Drew and I were just discussing getting him a pedal bike for his birthday and I know he's going to do exactly what Marcus did. How are these boys so big? Wahhh
ReplyDeleteI am so so impressed with Marcus. Monkey bars (crazy strength) and then a bike with no peddles. Whoa dude! So awesome. We never did the balance bike thing, but I wish we would have. It seems to really help. And I suppose Mason is too big for one now.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Marcus! I can't believe he's riding without training wheels already! That's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed you can remove the pedals from a regular bike to create a balance bike, mostly because I never thought about what an easy fix that is and saves a bunch a money! What a BIG boy. And he looks so proud of himself!
ReplyDeleteWay to go, big boy! That is so awesome! I feel like we made the mistake of having Henry on the training wheels too long. We now have a balance bike for Wes, and I think his bike transition will go much better. It's so fun when they finally have some freedom when they ride!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Marcus! I wish I had done this with Hannah. 6 weeks before her sixth birthday and she finally has mastered riding without training wheels. Meeghan wants hers off, but she can't touch the ground yet on her bike. I may try it this way though after next growth spurt.
ReplyDeleteThat is sow awesome!!! I have a friend whose little boy learned super early with the motivation of an older brother. Marcus just knocked that out of the park all by himself.... I guess I should teach Emily now eh?! Lol.
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about balance bikes -- what a great idea to use a regular bike in the same manner!! I think we'll be taking the pedals off our 'mini' bike for Tate! Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteOh, and WTG MARCUS!!!
ReplyDeleteYay Marcus! I'm still waiting for Reese to want to ride her balance bike. Crossing my fingers that she will this summer!
ReplyDeleteWay to go! I'm definitely going to keep a balance bike in mind
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