My son's getting a bike!

[allabouteva]

Hi ladies,

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

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!

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:

[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