I am standing in the bike section of Dick's Sporting Goods with an incredibly knowledgeable salesman discussing gears. Tony has wandered off to the golf section, and the boys have lost all interest and are now racing each other on neighboring treadmills before Youngest throws something at Oldest and then... game on. I soon finished up my conversation and headed off to retrieve my hooligans from the various departments that they have chased each other though.
Me: "I can't believe that you didn't want to listen to that man. He was explaining all the gears and how they work."
Youngest: "What gears?"
Me: "The gears on the handlebars that make it easier to go up hills."
Youngest: "Oh! That's what those are for!!"
But what can I expect, really? When I was a kid, a good bike had two fully inflated tires and a chain that stayed on. Sure, I eventually moved up to the ten speed, but I had no idea how to actually use those gears. To get up the hill we just lifted our butt off the seat and powered through.
And I had to teach this kid how to ride a bike.
pftfffttt.
Anyhoo, the boy needs to earn his cycling badge for Boy Scouts because he's refusing to take swimming. (eye roll) This Eagle required badge involves bike maintenance, safety, and 5 rides. Two ten milers, two 25 milers, two 15 milers, and one 50 mile ride. And being the supportive mum that I am, I have decided that I will do them with him. I am even planning the logistics for the 50 mile trip for the troop in April.
So we've been riding our bikes a lot. Like, 15 and 10 miles 2-3 times a week. Tony bought a bike for himself this weekend, and Youngest will be upgrading his bike tomorrow. Because I can't expect him to do a 50 mile ride if he's never ridden in traffic. Or even a distance of more than 2 miles constantly.
And also because I signed us up for a Parkinson's bike ride that is 30 miles long.
In. Three. Weeks.
Let's hope he can figure out those gears soon.
Sounds like a fun adventure with the bike riding and the badge! Somehow I think I would go with bicycling over swimming for the badge. Don't they have to save someone to get the swimming qualifications? Might be safer on a bike in traffic for 50 miles.
ReplyDeletebetty
All I know about the swimming badge is that they can complete the whole thing at summer camp, which is why nearly all the kids opt to take it. The cycling would be fine except every "official" ride needs to be offered to the entire troop and therefore we are subject to availability... so it takes years to earn. I believe at the end of this year he will have only a ten mile left to do.... and he's been working on it for 2 years.
DeleteGood for you! I love riding my bike. Or did, until someone stole it. I'm currently in the market for another one too, although the price point makes me cringe. Glad to hear you're having fun!
ReplyDeleteWell that's a bummer. Youngest just got an inexpensive one, nice, but not too pricey. Course, we are coming out of season right now so the deals are fantastic. We are changing out the seat, the pedals, and adding a light (we often get caught riding at night) and a water bottle holder for him. But the bottom line for him is that it's the right size for him. :)
DeleteGet comfortable seats...
ReplyDeleteWe do. They have gel cushion in them. :) Thankfully, it's a ride, not a race, so we're expecting to be there a large portion of the day.
DeleteAs a child I had a bike with gears but did I know how to use the gears nope didn't have a clue
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you darlin'.
DeleteInvest in Gold Bond Powder
ReplyDeleteAnd lots and lots of glide. :)
DeleteCycling is required for Eagle? I don't recall that it was when I was a Scout in dinosaur days. Is that in lieu of something like Swimming? In any case, I think that's fantastic. Good luck keeping those saddlesores down.
ReplyDeleteYes. Eagle required is Swimming, Cycling, OR Hiking. He'll be working on hiking as well, but after this years scheduled rides he'll only have 2 left to do, a ten and a 25 which are easy peasy to do locally.
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