avery has been riding his bike to school all of his school life. he started in kindergarten with me by his side, either running or riding my bike. he learned many riding rules and how to share the road with all vehicles and pedestrians.
when middle school began, .5 miles in the other direction than elementary had been, he was ready to roll to school by bike, but of course.
i had planned on running as he rode to school that first day. he loaded up his pack, buckled his helmet, and was gearing up to go when i heard a knock at the door. when i opened the door, there stood his friend, brennan, asking..."is avery here and ready to go?" it was suddenly clear that i was no longer going to be accompanying avery to school anymore.
soon after that first day, a posse of 6th grade bike riding boys from the neighborhood formed. these 4-6 boys usually meet in our driveway about 30 minutes before school starts. it only takes them 10 min. or so to get to school, but i think they take their time, relishing their freedom.
i did run on over to his school that first day, after the school bell rang, just to be sure his bike was locked up and that he indeed did get there. everything was fine. the bike rack was full of all kind of bikes.
avery talks of the different routes they take and the names they have given each.
i have only driven him twice. once he had a cross country meet that he was being bused to and i was driving him back from and the other time it was sleeting and the streets were slick. they ride rain or shine, most mornings.
during the warmer, longer days, they would meet at the park after snacks and homework, played games, bought blue skys at the earth grocery, and just enjoyed being boys.
his bike has been a dear friend for as long as he can remember.
4 comments:
what wonderful exercise and companionship for him! I road my bike everywhere when I was in university - I loved it!
I remember back in Duncan riding my bike to Plato Elementary from waaaay out in the country (5+ miles?). I doubt I was even 10 years old. Oh, the fun I used to have! Thanks for sharing this great story.
That story makes we sad in a way b/c I just can't envision Ryder taking those milestones of independence.
riding to school...or anywhere is such good exercise. and, yes, the fun he must have by himself is very important, and yes...it is sad to see something so, at one time and still yet, so needy of me spread his wings and take off! when avery was little...even 9, i flinched at the thought of him not wanting me, not needing me to see him from point a to b. luckily, melissa, they, at least boys, seem to coax you into the transition, it hasn't been very abrupt and i am very thankful for that! you have many years before you see your boy ride away from you, you not with him. savor every moment!
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