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The Athlete · № 01

Rode Without Training Wheels

Rode a two-wheel bike without training wheels or a parent holding on, far enough that a grown-up could see you do it end to end.

The idea

Don't run alongside holding the seat. That delays the moment they need, which is balance forced by speed. Find a grassy slope with a slight downhill. Sit them on the bike with feet on the ground, then have them pick up the feet and coast. They'll panic for thirty seconds and then they'll know. The hover doesn't fix the fear. The speed does.

Steps
  1. Skip training wheels. Lower the seat so feet touch the ground.
  2. Find a slight downhill, ideally on grass. Speed creates balance.
  3. Push off and coast, feet up. Repeat until feet stay up.
  4. Add pedaling once balance is automatic.
What counts

Your kid rode a two-wheel bike unassisted, end to end. A short clip is plenty.