My son's getting a bike!

[allabouteva]

Hi ladies,

You might think what's the big deal about my son getting a bike.:rolleyes:

Well, my son Kieran is intellectually disabled, and I thought I'd never see the day he would get on a bike and actually pedal. Yesterday he did!:D

His new physiotherapist Cathy told us about a bike building program run by volunteers, who custom fit bikes to children with special needs. I hadn't heard about this, and even if I did say a year ago, it wouldn't have the same impact as it does now that I'm become a cycling addict.

So yesterday we went to the volunteer group called Technical Aid to the Disabled and they literally velcroed Kieran into a sample bike. And he actually pedaled a little himself. I'm so thrilled (Kieran not so!). But, I just want to publically thank and acknowledge all those quiet achievers who do things like this for people they don't know. I'm so happy that my son can share a really big part of my life.

Here he is:


796

[uk elephant]

That's great! My neighbour in Illinois worked for a similar group. He is a retired professor (physics I think) who now devotes his time to helping disabled children to learn to cycle. Wish I could remeber his name or the name of his group....

Hope you and your son have some great times together on your bikes!

[Nanci]

How thrilling for him!! When does he get his bike? Are there places you can go ride with him??

I used to volunteer for this program that put disabled kids on horses. I even took "my" kid to compete in the Special Olympics. Kids are so empowered when they have a means of locomotion.

Nanci

[Brina]

that is so great. I love that the opportunities are there - bicycling, horses, skiing.

[DirtDiva]

Fantastic! I hope he loves it as much as you do. :)

[crazycanuck]

HEy AB.

So good to hear that there are caring folks out there willing to help kids! I sure hope he gets to ride along with you & your family.

GO KEIRAN!

c

[Bad JuJu]

What a cool cool thing! I hope that as he gets the hang of it, it will really "click" with him. Try rail-trails for places where you can cycle together.

[Geonz]

UK elephant: Do you mean
http://www.losethetrainingwheels.org/default.aspx?Lev=2&ID=43

[uk elephant]

UK elephant: Do you mean
http://www.losethetrainingwheels.org/default.aspx?Lev=2&ID=43

That's the one! Hope they are doing well...

[caligurl]

that is SOOOOO awesome!!!!!!!

sorry.... GOTTA use the smilies here! this post REALLY rates them!

http://www.smileycons.com/img/emotions/195.gif http://www.smileycons.com/img/emotions/181.gif http://www.smileycons.com/img/emotions/183.gif

[SalsaMTB]

Wow, that's excellent!! Congrats! I had never heard of these groups before.

[bikerchick68]

Eva... that is VERY cool! Hopefully Kieran will develop a passion for riding as he gets adjusted to the feel of it... I know sometimes kids with disabilities take a bit longer to get used to things that aren't in their comfort zone... it's just a bit more overwhelming for them... but once they ARE adjusted... watch out! He could give ya a run for your money :D

[DrBee]

Wow! That's great! I hope he gets the hang of it soon and you can have many wonderful rides together. Sounds like he's a natural if he already started pedalling :) I didn't know programs like that existed - they are definitely needed. I'm happy for you both!