Last summer, Tom's friend Jamie had made a trip to Whistler, BC and saw a bunch of kids riding these bikes with no peddles. He thought they were pretty cool so he bought Jackson an early birthday present and had one delivered to our house. What was funny about the gift at the time was that our neighbors had gotten them for their kids just before that and we had discussed getting one for Jackson too. A couple days after our discussion, we had one on our door step! We were obviously on the same wave length as Jamie. Any way, last summer Jackson was still a little to small for it and he didn't get to use it.
Now for the product review. There are a couple different manufacturers of these peddle-less bikes - Like A Bike and Skuut are the two most common. According to the Like A Bike website, "The LIKEaBIKE is a unique toy vehicle for children between the ages of two and five. Riding a LIKEaBIKE is incredible fun for kids! At the same time, it's highly beneficial for the development of their motor skills and sense of balance." Sounds impressive, and well, fun!
So with that bit of background, I will bring you back to the present day. Jackson has gotten his bike out a couple times over the last couple weeks when we have played outside, but he didn't really give it much of a chance. I think mostly because those times outside were filled with many more kids around to play with, so he would set it down to go socialize instead. Today was a different story. We decided to let the kids go outside for some fresh air after their naps and a morning filled with rain. There was a break in the clouds and many neighbors were still inside (thinking the rain was going to return) so it was a perfect time. We got the Like A Bike out for Jackson and the trike out for Morgan. I would say within an hour, Jackson was taking the bike up the alley by our driveway and riding it down to the hill with great skill. He had balance and control (most of the time). He was picking up his feet and letting himself pick up speed. Scary for me, but so awesome to see him do. You will note in the videos and pictures that we are bad parents though - no helmet. I have been pestering Tom for weeks to get one, his response is "He doesn't need one yet. He doesn't go fast enough to hurt himself." But after today, I think I have Tom convinced that we need to get him one. Luckily, no injuries and just a lot of fun was had today. Before we know it, family bike rides will take the place of our family walks.
Enjoy these pictures and videos from today's bike riding adventure! Sorry for the long video clips, but I just couldn't decide what to edit (I love the last clip by the way)!
More pictures from today at http://picasaweb.google.com/tracineuberger/20100424?feat=directlink.
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