How do you teach an adult to ride a bike?

[lph]

Oh, it is! And they're thrilled :-)

[rebeccaC]

You’re at somewhat of a disadvantage because of the bikes you have available. That makes it more difficult for you! Make sure those students having the most problems have the bikes with the shortest seat height to get their feet on or mostly on the ground. For those who you have to hold the back of the bike for ALWAYS tell them before you let go of the bike to build trust!

For balance I found that I had more success when I got the student to focus and especially relax before starting off. I encouraged them to follow a procedure of sitting on the bike, both feet on the ground and handbrakes on. Looking ahead to where they are going, consciously relaxing the upper body, releasing the brakes and go while keeping their eyes looking ahead.

For those having problems and getting discouraged reassure them that that’s normal, finding balance can be something that just takes more practice. Keep giving encouraging feedback!! That helps your frame of mind too

[lph]

Thanks Rebecca, I appreciate it! Next session is today, and I'm already (mildly) dreading making no progress. Which is really stupid, because I know full well that learning a balance skill as an adult takes time and trust and practice, and they may well be making progress "inside their heads" when it comes to confidence and acceptance of a new situation, even though they aren't making much outwardly visible progress.

[lph]

Ah, I took the easy way out today ;-) I took the group with the most proficient riders, and got to work with the easy-peasy stuff, while the two others did a lot of support on the others. And yay! I think everyone is now actually getting there. maybe not riding all alone yet, but progressing to the point where they can partially handle the bike by themselves, and work on balance. Having itty-bitty bikes available was key, just to start with.

Deep down my frustration is probably an ego thing. I would like to be the one who just "makes it all happen", ya know... but it just doesn't work that way.

So, in answer to my own question: "how do you teach an adult to ride a bike?" I'd say: Put them on a really small bike. And don't move up until they feel confident.

[OakLeaf]

y'know ... I think my experience with handstand is comparable. I learned to balance rightways up as a child and don't remember much about the experience, which is why I didn't think I had anything to contribute to this thread, but learning to balance upside down is something I never could get as a child, and only learned a couple of years ago.

The first time I went into handstand my yoga teacher held my legs and I was so terrified I literally shrieked. It's still very slow progress getting my heels off the wall ... I think my PR is six seconds ... but before I hurt my shoulder I was plenty comfortable in headstand in the middle of the room, and I can go up into handstand at the wall pretty much effortlessly. It really was an ah-ha moment when I felt my body in balance. I think having the courage to try until they get that ah-ha is something they'll need to find within themselves, but it sounds like you're doing what you need to, to help them on their journey ...