So as per our ritual The Little Boy and I rode down the the local starbucks this morning and got our usual's. I'm always surprise to see how many people smile at us, and wave to him. Its a great thing that seeing him riding is so nostalgic for so many people besides myself. In November the Little Boy will be riding for a year. Riding with him I've learned more than I think he's learned from me.

One thing I've learned is lead by example, the do as I say not as I do thing doesn't work. You have to ride as you tell them to. For example in California, children under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet by law. However adults are not required to do so. I always wear a helmet when I ride, even if I'm not riding with the Little Boy. If I come home and he sees me riding without a helmet. I've nulled all of the time I spend telling him he has to wear a helmet. So today we are riding home from starbucks and he sees a guy riding his bike, and says too me "That guy isn't wearing the seatbelt for his head!', I agree with him and say, you are right, he's not wearing a helmet." He says, if he falls he can hurt is head.", I of course again agree.  Inside, I'm thinking "Yes!!!! he gets it!, wooohooo!".

Another thing I've learned is, you want to be a good bike handler, it's amazing how quickly they zig and zag. They will keep you on your toes. I can't tell you how many times the Little Boy has jumped all the way across the street and back on our little side street, and cut me off. Crossing a main street at the crosswalk, with cars speeding it two directions, you learn how to do a trackstand, while putting yourself between the Little Boy and Angry motorist, without pulling you feet out of the toeclips, you've learned to handle the bike better than you ever thought you could.