Freedom.. the two wheeled kind

After much coaxing and build-up I talked E1 into trying to ride a bike again.  (Earlier blog post). On Sunday we broke through the apprehension and decided to try and go around the block twice.  Prior to going I was telling E1 how "close" I thought he was to getting it.  I said I bet in  25 trips around the block he'd have it down.

We set off.  I ran beside him and steadied him.  Down the hill on the street he did well. I could see the uncertainty in his eyes and the tightness in his arms/hands.  Up the inclines gave him some trouble.  But all in all after the 1st lap I told E1 I was wrong.  He'd have it down in 10 laps. We did 1 more lap and called it good for the day.

Monday comes and I load up the bikes for all 4 and head to a park with a large, flat lot. I unload E1's bike first.  He' steadies himself on the care then OFF he goes like he's been riding for years.    As mentioned in the earlier post, he's beaming.   The rest of the week he rides a bit on the driveway and the front lawn.  Until today.

Today I asked if he wanted to hit the street again.   He's out the door before I can even catch my breath. 
FIVE MILES later we call it a day.  F I V E  M I L E S!!   How proud I am of him.  I took him on a route with some hills to build some strength.  On one of the hilly laps I heard him whispering to himself "you can do it"  and he did.  Sometimes I wonder about E1's confidence.  Not today.  Not this week.  This newfound freedom of his has his confidence cups overflowing.   What an awesome thing to watch...

Way to go E!