My son's getting a bike!

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:


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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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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Originally Posted by Geonz

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

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

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

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

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

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!