Dustin is unable to ride a bike due to his balance and coordination issues. We tried and tried. He even did a full year of physical therapy specifically for learning to ride a bike. It never worked. When we originally qualified for this program I considered getting him a 3 wheel bike. But then I thought that may be a bad idea since he would have to obey traffic rules and watch for traffic etc. His low IQ would complicate that as well as his impulsivity making it an accident waiting to happen.
We decided on a tandem and received it last week. I took it out with Dustin for the first time on Thursday. It was awesome! We only rode about 4 blocks, but it was wonderful. He was able to peddle without having to worry about balance. He freaked out, but he did really well. I cried that my boy rode a bike for the first time at 16 years old. I was touched.
This Saturday I decided we were going to take a real ride. Our city has a wonderful system of trails that are paved that wind all over the city near our three rivers. It's called the River Greenway and there are 2 portions very near our house. We took off and rode and rode. It was awesome until I realized I had to ride back home. Ugh! I had the bright idea to leave the Greenway and loop back through downtown to our home. I had no idea it was that hilly! I am so out of shape!
We stopped a couple times so this asthmatic could catch her breath. Then I decided I had to get off the bike and sit down. I got off, sat on the park strip and laid down. It was a glorious sunny day. I thought I was going to die! LOL I actually considered calling Robert to come meet us and switch me places! I decided to put on my big girl panties and make it home! Dustin kept saying, "Mom you can do this! I believe in you!" It was funny and so very cute.
He did really well. He pushed hard and really pedaled. We made it home. What seemed like forever was a little less than an hour. I can't wait until next time, we will rock!
I am so thrilled for my boy, who felt a little more normal this weekend.
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4 comments:
I am so happy for you and Dustin. It brought tears to my eyes just reading it. You are awesome Sheri! Dustin is a lucky kid.
WHOOOOHOO! Congratulations! Riding a bike is the next thing GB wants to tackle. I do not know if it is possible, but at least your success gives us another option :)
Java can't ride a bike by herself either so we got a tandem a few years ago. I love bike riding with her! It's a total stress buster and attachment builder...and a butt reducer for me! Happy bike trails to you!
~Kari
Oh how very wonderful!!
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