When you fall, get back up...right away.

Took the kids to the park today. The weather was pleasant at around 85 degrees with mostly overcast. I say pleasant because for Texas, the heat could have been much worse. What did we do at the park, you might ask.

We had recently bought two Specialized bicycles for just $75, a male version and a female version. To me, it seemed like a great deal because almost all second had bicycles on Craigslist were listed for at least $200 each. We mainly bought the bikes for the female version as I already have a bike that I like very much.

My wife wanted to take her new used bike out for a spin. So we stuffed two children's bikes in the back trunk of our Honda Accord and put hers on the bike carrier which hung over the back trunk. We left mine at home because my daughter is still too young to ride on her own.

On second thought, she might not be too young. We just haven't taken her out frequent enough for practice. Our excuse is that the heat here is too unbearable most of the time to be out on the bikes. Now that the weather is cooling down for the Fall, we will be out of the house more.

Kaylee did very well on her bike today with the exception of one minor incident. She was pedaling and riding smoothly on a flat trail. Then the trail started a slight descend which was steep enough to increase her pace fast enough to send a bit of fear in her. Next thing you know she started wobbling from the sudden speed and even the training wheels were not enough to keep the bike upright.

Her instincts, even during shock and fear, were to keep upright as best as she could. I was right behind her but too far out of reach to stabilize her. The bike tipped and somehow she managed to stay standing over the bike.

At this point, I realize I needed her back on the bike before her fear consumes her. I quickly comforted her a bit and encouraged her to hop back on. She whimpered a bit but didn't get enough time to start an all out sob. Success, she's back on the trail strolling along as now I kept my hand slightly on the back of her bike and maintaining a closer distance.

I hope this event, as minor as it may seem, teaches her a lesson to get back up right after a fall and not let fear consume her. In many ways, I am still learning this lesson myself. She learns quicker than I do, though.