Bye Bye Dear Tricycle
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July 28th, 2006
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Daniel has always been fascinated by bicycles. It started with rides on my bicycle in his special bicycle seat, then we had the first attempts of 
getting to know the tricycle, then successfully using a tricycle, and we're now moving on to the next stage. Daniel is now using a "real" bike! We all know that our kids are growing up fast and time passes by quickly. I can't tell you how much these steps of development means to me. It's just awesome to be there. And the older Daniel gets, the more I enjoy seeing him try new things. In the early days it was a smile, grabbing of a hand, sitting up, waving, taking the first steps, or perhaps the first words. Now it's a new sentence, learning to use the potty, learning to play soccer, or being able to help out in the kitchen. The steps seem larger and it's a privilege to be there when they happen.
Last summer Daniel was all over the tricycles but at 15 months old he was simply to small to reach the pedals. Or even reach the ground. At the end of the summer, when he started day care, he fell in love with their tricycles and used them daily. Not being able to reach the pedals he moved back and forth "Flintstone style". Incredibly cute! 
We put off getting a bike until this year and in April we excitedly bought our first tricycle. We rode around the neighborhood but Daniel never fell in love with the tricycle we got him and he started to become more interested in larger, real bikes instead. During our two week trip to Germany a month ago we made a quick stop at an amazing sports store called Decathlon. It's a huge place which has a test track for bicycles in the store. I was looking at some clothes and told Daniel to go and check out a lonely kids bike which was parked next to us. It was too big for him but I figured he could at least play with the bell or just look at it for a few minutes. Before I know it I hear Daniel calling "Pappa, Pappa!" and as I turn around I see Daniel riding through the store with a huge smile. I was surprised to say the least, since the bike was way to big for him (14") but somehow he managed to reach the pedals. We stayed in the store for an extra hour and Daniel rode back and forth, excited by his new skills. We decided then that we had to get a new bike, a real bike, for him as soon as we got back.
Turns out it's not that easy to find a small 12" bike that looks nice and doesn't cost a fortune. Our neighbors went aways for a couple of weeks and we "stole" their bike during this time so Daniel could practice while we looked for a cool bike. The bike was actually for a 4-5 year old but Daniel is kind of tall so he managed to reach the pedals. I would have put up 
some pictures of him biking a lot earlier but the bike we borrowed was a pink girls bike. It looked kind of funny as Daniel rode around on the pink bike which said "Princess" in large letters. We found a cool looking bike that fit Daniel perfect and this one seem to be more popular than the tricycle which now is in storage waiting for our baby girl to be born. Riding on two wheels is completely different for a kid even though we still have the training wheels on. We would struggle to cover a few blocks with the tricycle and definitely don't have that problem now. We can easily cover a few miles around the neighborhood in an hour or so. Daniel biking and me running behind. And we are going on almost daily rides as soon as I get back from work. I'm so proud of our son who is careful and responsible while using the bike. He learned how to brake the second day and now stops by himself before crossing any streets. I'm always nearby but rarely have to step in and help out. I'm most thankful he knows how to brake and rides at medium speed since that can mean lots of running for daddy. Fitness is not a problem but it's nicer to walk while I enjoy the sight of my son on a bicycle.
Every time we go biking I start thinking about fathers and fitness. Most of the fathers I see are in horrible shape, carrying 20-100 lbs. extra, and I can't see t
hem participating in any physical activities with their children. Definitely not running behind the bike. As the kids get older they will most likely be involved in many activities. Soccer, hockey, swimming, tennis, running, etc. and it's almost impossible to be there with the kids unless the father is in decent shape. Sure, you can always watch from the stands but it's so much better to be right there with your child. If you're a father with a very small child, give that some thought and get yourself in shape. You're not going to get in shape because I tell you to but perhaps your unbelievable cute and handsome child can give you some inspiration? I promise that you will never regret it:-)) Oh, before I forget. Enjoy riding with your child but don't forget the helmet!
Have a nice weekend!!
Hi
We just love reading your blog here at the Chhimi – household. When I found out that we were going to have Erik – I was already super excited about doing a lot of guy things with my son and in general wanting to spend a lot of time with him. But I am in the “horrible shape” father stage and I have been really trying to cut it back – exercise and in general get back into shape where I can run along side my son. I already enjoy the feeling when I take my son into the pool – the first time I took him in with a “superman” hold he was kicking and enjoying the water so much – he did two laps on the adult lap pool and was slept a lot till noon the next day. I have been taking him ever since that day.
You are right my unbelievable cute and handsome son is becoming a positive inspiration in my life – and wanting me to do things that I never wanted to do and all the nagging from the wife has never accomplished.
Take Care and good luck to your family on the upcoming little addition to your family.
Congratulations to you two! :-)
BTW, do you find it possible for a dad to workout on a daily basis when there’s a child to take care of? Sometimes I wonder if I’ll have the time (having in mind some of the things other dads are saying).
“I would have put up pictures of him biking a lot earlier but the bike we borrowed was a pink girls bike. ” And those are not publishable photos because…?