Evan and his bike

As a kid I always liked riding my bike. I had one of those purple bikes with a banana seat and a flower basket on the front. I loved my bike! Tif and I would ride to Magdych's driveway and ride around their basketball court and back.



Evan also likes riding his bike. The problem is that his bike riding drives his mother crazy! Let me explain.





Doesn't he look sweet on his bike? This was a great toy that a friend lent me for Evan to begin learning how to bike on. He has been riding it for a year and is fairly speedy on the bike.

However, two times a day for these first two weeks of summer, all three boys and I get on our bikes to ride the 2-3 blocks to the high school for swimming lessons. Evan's bike is similar to a big wheel, so as we start riding up slight inclines, the treadless tires start to just spin and he doesn't get enough traction to properly move. Consequently, he will look back at his faithful mother who always brings up the rear and says, "I can't do it!"

Picture this: I drive up next to him on my bike, and I grab the big blue handle on the back of his bike. Then, while balancing the HUGE bag of swim clothes, goggles, and books on my back, I push him with the blue handle and continue steering my bike. Iam leaning over to the side of my bike at this point; I do believe the bag helps me not just tip over. He loves this and giggles as he gets going fast. This scenario is a recipe for disaster. So far, we have managed this arrangement unhurt. I am not sure that can continue.

On the way home, we repeat the same situation. However, on the way home we get to go down a nice sized hill. I hoped this would be my respite from the balance-push act I attempt. That is not the case. As Evan approaches the hill, he actually slows to turtle-like speeds because he is afraid of getting hurt. Yesterday, I actually got off of my bike at this point and just walked with my bike, and I was still beating him home! Even funnier, Evan saw me off my bike, and he asked me why I was walking. I explained that it is too hard for mommy to ride her bike so slow, so Evan got off his bike too and walked his bike for a little while!

So, you may ask an important question here: Why do I bother? Shouldn't we just walk? At times I would agree. Yet there are moments when we are all riding our bikes and just having fun together. Evan will pedal and laugh at how fast he is going. He feels independent and free. I just can't take that away from him. Therefore, I will continue my balancing act and pray for safe travel!

Off to our first trip of the day!