Seriously, I had big Calves

Teaching your kids to ride a bike can paralyze you!!!!
It’s the fear.

Here’s a brief catalog:
Fear of falling while riding
Fear of falling while turning
Fear of falling while stopping
Fear of turning a corner
Fear of being hit by a car (healthy)
Fear of being pinched on chin by helmet (irritating)
Fear that my kids would become overweight social misfits
Fear that I am bad parent

The fear paralyzed us for some time before turning into anger.
We adjusted: shorter sessions, less expectations, more padding, and deep breathes.

Through it all, I carried the hope of connecting my children to the fun of riding bikes. I just knew that we would ride into the sunset one day. Two out of three have ridden into that sunset with me. Great memories, everything I wanted and more.

Here’s the more.
Between 1985-1990, I rode a ten-speed everywhere. The thought of those stark-white, meaty calves, misplaced on a 110 pound 13 year old, reminded me of the freedom, the air in your face, the amazing landscapes.
While riding last night there was a chill in the air. The moon was shining over the neighborhood ponds. I felt like I was in a nature poem. But it was the riding aimlessly that was the most profound. I never know if I am going left or right out of my driveway. I just go. It is a liberating feeling. Then at the next turn I just let my instinct take over. Right, left, straight, turn around, “it’s all good.” I mean how often do you just explore?

I guess I feel this freedom because at the end of every ride, I always find my way home. I always have seen something beautiful, and I am always glad I did it.
I want my kids to feel that. I want to feel that more.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6

Adam