Giggles the conqueror!

Yesterday, Sunday 13 April, Giggles rode her bicycle all by herself for the very first time!!!!!

Our friend M was here for lunch, and after lunch we took the kids out on their bikes. Poppet has training wheels on his, so he's going strong without assistance. but Giggles' bike has a bar sticking up behind for someone to hold onto while she rides. I've been using it since she turned 6 and started attempting the two-wheeler. The first summer she wasn't ready, but last summer she almost had it and I thought she could do it if she really wanted - but I guess she still wasn't quite ready.

So yesterday, after biking around the neighbourhood and around the circle in the park for about 45 minutes, we came back to our back alley and Giggles said she wanted to try it all by herself. So I removed the bar from behind the bike (for better balance without assistance), M helped her to get started, then let go - and she was off! She went about 10m the first time, then kept trying over and over to start by herself too - and she did. M and I gave her a few tips to help her get going more easily on her own, and she rode up and down the alley (appx 50m) several times, even starting unassisted. After a few minutes I raised the seat on her bike to give her better push power - she could still reach the ground while seated - and that helped.

This was even with very flat tires on both wheels. So I took both bikes in for a tune-up today (I think a new tire might be required on Giggles' back wheel) and once the tires are firm it will be even easier for her to ride.

Pictures will have to wait for the film to be developed.

You go girl!!!!!