bicyclist rehabilitation

[mimitabby]

about 2 years ago, our neighbor kid (about 9 at the time) broke his arm falling off his bike. I have no idea what happened, but he quit riding.

He moved to Puyallup and then moved back here recently at the end of the school year, and he came around recently and asked if he could ride on our tandem.
Raleighdon said sure. He confessed that he was afraid and hadn't ridden since he hurt himself. He's almost 12 years old and is finally big enough to fit onto the stoker seat on the tandem; moved way down as far as it goes. So we went to Seward park (a 2.5 mile paved circular path) and took him for a spin. After 4 miles he was tired and wanted to get off. We got off and he smiled and asked if we could go some more. We rode 6.5 miles slowly picking up speed from about 8 mph to 11 or 12, with him getting more relaxed and confident all the way. Fun!
we have a date for 2 weeks from today to go for a "real" ride.

[KnottedYet]

Awesome, Mimi! You guys are so cool.

That kid looks like he's having a great time!

[pooks]

He looks proud and a little shy about it -- very sweet. What fun!

[Zen]

That photo almost looks like it was shot in front of a studio backdrop.
It's cool enough for long sleeves there? I worked up a stink just taking my recyclables into town.

Do the best you can to get that kid back on the bike, it looks like you (and they) have a good start.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You guys are the greatest!

Yeah....long sleeves??? It was 90 on our ride today!

[makbike]

I love stories with happy endings.

[RolliePollie]

What a perfect way to get him back on a bike! How nice of you guys to help with his "rehabilitation"! I think many times all it takes it getting over that initial fear. He looks very happy and proud.

Next thing you know, I bet you'll be posting a picture of him on his own bike!

[mimitabby]

hey, guys, we live in Seattle. It really is cooler and beautiful here. Seward Park is a tiny peninsula sticking into Lake Washington, which is over 1000 feet deep.
we wore long sleeves on the ride and never got too warm.

[rapid cycler]

hey, guys, we live in Seattle. It really is cooler and beautiful here. Seward Park is a tiny peninsula sticking into Lake Washington, which is over 1000 feet deep.
we wore long sleeves on the ride and never got too warm.

Braggart.

Kidding. Y'all are awesome.

[PinkBike]

you guys are so cool. great humanitarians. lets us know how he progresses!

[yellow]

That picture really made me smile. You can't fake happiness like that! Thanks for sharing the story and picture!

[Lise]

That is wonderful, Mimi. How brave of the kid to ask, and what a great idea, to get him back into it with a tandem. You have some potential for great service work there, I think! It takes a big heart and loving patience. :D

[Wahine]

Yay Mimi and Raleighdon!!

You two rock. You have likely made a huge contribution to that young man's growth and consciousness.

[mimitabby]

yeah, he doesn't have a dad. His grandpa works evenings so he's never around either.

[Pedal Wench]

What an inspiring story. You've probably changed his life in such a positive way. Imagine any of us, afraid to ride, and someone opening up the opportunity again.

[mimitabby]

hey, we're just doing what we're supposed to be doing. I live on a wonderful street.

[maillotpois]

What a great story! Good job, you guys.

[HeatherErin]

What a cool thing to do! I'm glad you're there for him. :)

[Tuckervill]

So does the boy have a bike? If he doesn't have a bike, let's get him one!

Karen