The concept behind the Strider is that little ones gain balance by using their feet to propel a bicycle without pedals. So far, it really seems to work! Saul's balancing skills improve daily! Rather than walking, or striding, he's now getting up speed and lifting up his feet to balance over the distance his speed allows. Or, he strides quickly to get some speed and then lifts his feet up onto the balance bars, placed approximately where the pedals would normally start from.
Saul loves the independence he's gaining and I love watching him challenge himself. He's now allowed to ride down to the corner by himself if I'm standing at about the mid-block point. As he's coming back he gets his adorable, big, semi-embarrassed grin and says, "Mamma." It's his way of being excited, embarrassed and proud of himself all at the same time.
Over the last weekend, we've had to work on appropriate places to pick up speed and how to be polite and cautious around people standing and talking on the sidewalk. These are hard skills for a speedy boy. It's been funny to watch Claire and neighbor Sara play hide and seek with Uncle Jeff while Saul half-plays and half-strides. He just can't get off his strider, but he wants to be part of the play. So he strides back and forth along the sidewalk and then joins the search party looking for Uncle Jeff or hides with the girls intermittently.
All in all, I suspect that by Christmas 2011, Saul will be nearly ready for a bicycle! I still have my very first red Schwinn with the banana seat. I think we'll get it fixed up for him to ride!
My typical view of Saul on his Strider
Heading out for a Striding adventure
Showing me how he can "just fall on the grass"
Picking up speed!
Taking a little break.
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