Last week Danielle and I went on our first mountain bike ride together. We went with several girls from Primary and another mother. Danielle's bike was having some chain and brake problems. Within the first mile of the technical course she had crashed 4 times. The first couple of diggers she could laugh at, but after that it was frustrating to her and scary. The course is steep at parts with switch backs and hidden jumps in sand. On the last hill of the ride Danielle cried the whole way down thinking she would crash if she used her brakes too much. She sped down like a full grown experienced mountain biker. I was so grateful that she did not do any serious damage to her body. She had scrapes and bruises, but I knew the hurt was mostly emotional.
Danielle came home, sobbed in her pillow and told her dad about the traumatic experience. Scott gave her a back rub and told her about his first official date with me mountain biking. I had been really scared to go down the steep hills. It has taken time and experience to learn the skills and build the courage to maneuver a fast bicycle. Now after all these years I clocked in at 39 miles per hour last week on our last ride. (Nothing like Scott going 50 miles per hour) He assured his tough as nails but tender-hearted little girl that she would learn to ride and love it. He promised her a bike ride later in the week despite her protesting that she never wanted to ride on mountain trails again.
Monday evening, Scott and I told Micah, Danielle and Isaac to put on their tennis shoes that we were taking them on a fun outing. James Kyle has been under the weather lately battling pneumonia and opted to stay home. He cuddled Thomas, Gideon and Eliza with blankets and bowls of popcorn so they could watch Thumbelina together.
We gave a quick tune-up to all the mountain bikes and a short lesson on shifting gears in the driveway. Then we were off towards the Velodrome, one mile away. Danielle kept asking where we were going, her anxiety was starting to build. Concern shone through her eyes as we rounded the corner to enter the trail system. Scott told her "When you fall off your horse...you get back on and ride again!" She decided she would give it another go and be tough, trusting her Dad's advice.
Scott and I were so proud of our mountain bikers!!! All of them made it through the whole course without walking the uphill or crashing. Scott was surprised at the difficulty of the ride. He had a better understanding of his daughter's fears and it made him even more proud of her willingness to get back up and try again.
The real test was the final hill with two sharp turns. I rode down to the bottom to take pictures of the children coming down one at a time. 
Isaac was amazing. He and I rode ahead throughout the entire trail. He didn't blink an eye at the steep hills or jumps. He rode to the top of every hill and waited with me for the other riders. I have never met a more naturally athletic little guy...now if we could just get him to be motivated in the chores!
Micah was cautious initially but warmed up to the fun. He tried some of the skills park and even caught some air on a jump.
We gave a quick tune-up to all the mountain bikes and a short lesson on shifting gears in the driveway. Then we were off towards the Velodrome, one mile away. Danielle kept asking where we were going, her anxiety was starting to build. Concern shone through her eyes as we rounded the corner to enter the trail system. Scott told her "When you fall off your horse...you get back on and ride again!" She decided she would give it another go and be tough, trusting her Dad's advice.Scott and I were so proud of our mountain bikers!!! All of them made it through the whole course without walking the uphill or crashing. Scott was surprised at the difficulty of the ride. He had a better understanding of his daughter's fears and it made him even more proud of her willingness to get back up and try again.The real test was the final hill with two sharp turns. I rode down to the bottom to take pictures of the children coming down one at a time. Isaac was amazing. He and I rode ahead throughout the entire trail. He didn't blink an eye at the steep hills or jumps. He rode to the top of every hill and waited with me for the other riders. I have never met a more naturally athletic little guy...now if we could just get him to be motivated in the chores!Micah was cautious initially but warmed up to the fun. He tried some of the skills park and even caught some air on a jump.Here is our brave soldier...Danielle. She did not crash once and by the end was feeling like she wanted to go again. That is really were parenting can be so rewarding. It is so hard to see children fail or be sad, but how exciting to watch as they overcome fear, anxiety and gain confidence in themselves.
Our patient dad and biking instructor bringing up the tail end.
After our hour ride it was time for Dad to have some fun in the skills park.
He is still an adrenaline junkie and can impress his kids. I think he loved every minute of it.
The moving seesaw. I wish I could have got up closer when it fell to the ground.
Check out how high this jump is.
We had a super fun night. We dragged ourselves home just after nine. The little kids movie had just ended and it was a perfect time for FHE. We are so lucky to have outdoor activities at our feet. We really like being so close to the foothills and the greenbelt.
Our patient dad and biking instructor bringing up the tail end.After our hour ride it was time for Dad to have some fun in the skills park.He is still an adrenaline junkie and can impress his kids. I think he loved every minute of it.The moving seesaw. I wish I could have got up closer when it fell to the ground.Check out how high this jump is.We had a super fun night. We dragged ourselves home just after nine. The little kids movie had just ended and it was a perfect time for FHE. We are so lucky to have outdoor activities at our feet. We really like being so close to the foothills and the greenbelt. 
Out with the old in with the new and improved Danielle. 
