OK, let’s start with the fact that apparently I have A. Big. Mouth. I know that’s not news to those of you who know me, but I think it’s the first time I have been openly accused by Olivia (my teenager is a completely different story, of course). Somewhere along the line, I guess I missed the memo that this whole two-wheeler experience was TOP SECRET. So, if you see Olivia cruising around town on her new bike (or any where else she might be…) act good and surprised and spare me any more reprimands. You never knew she was going to bike camp and you are completely taken off-guard to see that she has mastered the art of two-wheeled riding.
Now that we have that out of the way, I have another confession. I am NOT good at “trusting the process.” I didn’t post anything about yesterday’s bike camp because truthfully, I think we were all a little worried. Wednesday was “Launch Day,” meaning that all the kiddos had the opportunity to try riding a regular bike (with a handle on the back for the spotter to help support them). Olivia “launched” briefly, but then was “grounded” back to the roller bike. Of course, the instructors had told us that, “this happens A LOT and that we should NOT worry. It doesn’t mean they won’t be riding independently by the end of the week.” So what was I to do? Worry, of course. Why would these incredible instructors, with years of experience doing this know what they were talking about? And, as a teacher myself, why would I ever listen to reason when it comes to advice about children learning in their own time?! In fact, I even went so far as to engage Olivia in a long talk this morning about how it wouldn’t matter if she wasn’t completely riding by the end of the week, that I was super proud of her effort, blah, blah, blah. She didn’t buy it for a second.
It is truly unfortunate that we don’t have a photo of the look on my face when, after just a couple of laps on the roller bike, Jillian, the instructor, took Olivia out on the two wheeler. Shock. Awe. Shame on Me. Within a few minutes, Jillian was barely holding onto the handle and Olivia was flying across the room on the bike! Then Olivia’s volunteers took over and she continued on the two wheeler for the rest of the session. We had a few little crashes, some erratic driving, and when the laps changed direction, it definitely threw Olivia for a loop, but overall, it was AMAZING!! Fortunately, I do have a picture of that! Needless to say, we can’t wait for tomorrow! Olivia and her humbled mother are ready to ride again.
With Volunteer Tina, “Look…no hands!”