When our children were smaller we would ride multiple times a week as a family. It was harder in some ways and easier in others. We'd put The Sharp Shooter and The Bird into the bike trailer and The Alpha on the trainer. There were attached to us and we could ride for near 30 miles as a family as long as we brought enough snacks and took a break for running around half way. As they grew it became more challenging. Eventually, it got to the point where we were rarely riding as a family and when we did it was not fun. There were tears and shouting. I missed what used to be a fun day of speeding through the trees, spotting turtles in the bog and snacks of trail mix and laughter.
This year is going to be different. Better. On Sunday Supportive Husband Guy took our two more confident riders while I went with The Bird. She's a nervous child, not as strong or competitive as her siblings. The main point was to get her more confident on her bike. The second purpose was to get her moving and active. The Bird is a sensitive child. A harsh word or too much pushing will not motivate her. I had to find the motivator and on Sunday I finally did.
As a middle child she's not in charge of much. More often than not she's just along for the ride. When I told her she was in charge, the boss, her entire body reacted. She gripped the handlebars firmer. She peddled faster. Her back got straighter. She grinned wide.By the second lap of the trail she was ready to go. The sun came out and it was as though she was solar powered. Sun on her face she was speeding. I actually had to peddle to keep up with her.
It wasn't a long ride or a fast ride but at 3.5 miles it was 2.5 miles further than she's ever ridden on her own. Best part is she liked it and wanted to do it again another day. We agreed to a goal of 5 miles next time and a goal of 10 miles by the arrival of summer and 15 miles by the time school starts up again in the fall.
Now we just need to work on The Sharp Shooter's awareness of his surroundings.
What do you do as a family to have fun and establish a habit of healthy living?
Keep chasing perfection, people.
Eventually we are going to Catch Excellence.
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