Ok, so a little back story. Last Saturday after T-ball practice we ran into another family from daycare at the park and while the kids played we found out that someone had loaned them a bike for their oldest son to practice on. He is about a year older than C (I should really think up some nicknames for everyone) and that he was to big for the bike would we want to borrow it. We have been thinking about getting one, but since his birthday is coming up in a month or two will wait until then, so this was a great deal! He would be able to practice while we figured out what we were getting and it can still be for his birthday. So we have been riding non-stop in the evenings and begging to go to the park and ride on the trail like the neighbors do.
Of course this whole riding in the park presents many new challenges that have been voiced by yours truly, such as hills and people and dogs, all of which make C pretty nervous, but we are going no matter what "we have to do the things we are afraid of momma, then we won't be scared anymore". Yeah right - whatever. Let's go.
So you may think what is the worst that could happen right. Large 4' wide bike path, late evening not many people around, we have only seen one dog - perfect right? And then it happens riding really fast and totally wipe out in the middle of the path = loud tear filled howling. Get up check everything out we are ok and ready to get back on the bike. So what could be more traumatizing than this? Well that would be riding really fast, trying to turn around on the bath and come back to mom and dad, rolling into the grass, not remembering how to use the brakes, proceeding to ride down the grassy hill and flip over the handlebars into the nasty a** water at the edge of the lake - face first!!! Yeah that's right ride all the way down with a look of terror and ignoring momma's cries of "use the brakes" and "jump off" because we are paralyzed by fear and cannot let go of the handlebars. Holy screaming - I think everyone in the park new something had happened even if they were miles away from us. And I ask you, why did the two old ladies who were closest not run down the hill to catch him as we charged forward? Well, they probably were to old, but they did stand around and gawk as we pulled him and the bike out of the lake and tried to check him out and calm him down at the same time.
And what were the first words out of the little tyke you ask? "My cars helmet is ruined, and my car shoes - momma they are band new and they are ruined forever". Renewed wails begin and then "Audrey's bike momma I broke Audrey's bike how can I give her back a broken bike? what will we do!" Hysterics begin again. Once I have explained that eveything is washable and if necessary replaceable, we have our shirt off so we will not be as cold totally soking and covered in mud walking back to the car I hear. "Boy, I am lucky to be alive! I crashed into the lake and that was scary! Do you think those people know I crashed into the lake? Will you let me sit in the car or do I have to ride in the back on the plastic?"
It is now the next morning everyone is clean all the clothes and shoes have been through the hot wash twice (might get washed again if they still smell) and we have learned a few lessons.
C: Momma I sure learned some lessons yesterday.
Me: Oh yeah, what did you learn?
C: I am not ready for a two wheel bike yet I need to practice more.
Me: What else?
C: If you are going towards the lake you should use the brakes.
Me: And if the brakes don't work?
C: You need to jump off before you hit the lake.
All good lessons if you ask me. I would like to think that this was a one time trauma in our lives, but I am afraid that it is probably only the beginning. It is a good thing I don't freak out easily because it's going to be a long ride!
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