Biking Weekend

Just a quick note--I took the girls out on a "bike ride" this weekend.

We've done this before, but this is the first time I've taken both kids out 1) where both kids were interested in pedaling a bike and 2) Elena's feet were NOT strapped to the pedals.  At PT, she's been working a bit (using the bike in this video) trying to put her feet down and back onto the pedals.  Theresa has also tipped the bike to try to encourage Elena to put her foot down to stop a fall.  E does it, but slowly--still this is all very good progress.

Today was the first time ever E's been on a bike outdoors without her feet strapped in, and the first time doing any kind of incline.  This one is very slight, but for Elena, it's definitely a challenge and I'm so very proud of her!

I also notice how Elena encourages Vivian--what a great big sis!  Up until this video, I couldn't get Vivian interested in actually pedaling a bike!

It's obvious to me that Elena needs a bigger bike frame.  Our PT says that kids with CP like Elena feel more comfortable on a bike where their legs stay more bent--but I think E's grown so much that this size bike is just too tiny.  She has been on larger bikes (just sitting on them, stationary) and I have to admit the fall from one of those bikes seems a bit daunting.  Elena has already fallen while riding a bike (twice, I believe), with her feet strapped in--and got right back up each time (with assistance).  It's our hope that with enough practice, E will learn when to keep her feet on the pedals and when to take them off to prevent a fall.  So far we are off to a slow--but very promising start!

Bike at PT

We've tried lots of different bikes/trikes.

Theresa asked us to bring the upright bike we borrowed--the frame is a little small for Elena. That last time we tried this bike, E had a hard time steering while concentrating on her foot movement. She also got easily frustrated when she would accidentally brake (wheels going backwards) when she was trying to pedal.

Today, she got it! Pretty smooth steering around the therapy center, and just a little accidental braking!



The video is shaky b/c I was running around the center opening doors so E could bike in one big circle. She never ran into any walls, and only hit the handlebar on a door opening once. She knows how to use the brake, but sometimes forgets. (I meant to bring a helmet, but today I forgot). E was really proud of herself! She said her legs "felt like jelly" afterwards.

She'll hopefully go on the bike tomorrow in the neighborhood! (There is one flat cul-de-sac, she'll try that!).

Upright Bike

Our PT Theresa let us borrow her daughter's bike with training wheels. We've tried it a few times at therapy--it was a little challenging at first.

But--after raising the seat, and adding a few velcro straps to the pedals--VOILA!





SHE LOVED IT!! The bike frame is a little too small for her. No matter--E was very proud of herself, biking solo through the puddles (we've had tons of rain lately) and up "hills' and over "cracks", and over a bridge (this trail is pretty flat overall). She still gets frustrated if she gets stuck; she sometimes forgets the mantra of "up and around" with the pedaling motion, and once she almost tipped over, despite the stability the training wheels provide. We tend to guard her closely, to give her a teeny push if needed--to ensure a successful ride. We'll definitely be doing this again!