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.
