Two-wheeler Dutch girl

When we moved to the "land of bike riding," we were blessed and each given a bike, including the kids, to use during our time in Kampen.  Maddie's bike is purple, has a pink basket on the front and a pink seat = perfection, right?  Almost.  She desires to ride that bike whenever we give her an opportunity (and when the weather is decent), because she has been determined to "ride something like the other kids in Kampen do."  The problem is the bike is too big for her.  We thought adding the training wheels would help with the issue, but they didn't stay in place for very long before slipping and changing positions; never a good thing when one is relying on them to balance!  We also hoped that maybe once she figured out the balancing act a bit more, the training wheels could just come off and we would be set.  (She did have a "balance bike" last summer which she loved, and clearly it helped her confidence.)

This last month, she has become even more determined (and sometimes stubborn) about getting on her bike (that is too big), and riding it as much as possible, in hopes that she will be able to learn how to ride on her own.  We have felt sort of helpless because our time is winding down here, and we didn't necessarily want to drop money on a bike for such a short period.  But, we also have heard the longing in her voice, watched her determination grow each day, and would love to help foster her desire to ride a bike!

A few days ago, after school, we were playing at the park just next to Maddie's school.  The weather was in the upper 60's - beautiful - and so many kids/parents were out enjoying the afternoon together.  Maddie expressed deep concern, once again, that she wanted to "ride something like all the other kids," and didn't understand why she couldn't.  One of her friends graciously handed over his 1-day-old bike to let her ride it.  His bike did not have training wheels, but that did not stop Maddie from getting on.  What I saw was something awesome.  She hopped on that bike, she wobbled around a bit, and then she just started to go.  And I mean, go!  She was biking circles around the park, by herself.  She was weaving in and out of so many kids playing, by herself.  It was so fun to see!!  Maddie was incredibly reluctant to give up the bike after a solid 20 minutes of riding.

Another friend's dad, who knows how short our time is left in Kampen, came over and asked if we would like to borrow a bike for Maddie, and that he could get it to us by Monday.  Yes!  There was no hesitation coming from Maddie's or my mouth!  (She actually had a difficult time grasping the idea that she would have to wait for a few more days to get the bike.)  Skipping over to Saturday morning, there was a knock on our door, and the bike had made an early appearance.  Maddie furiously put her shoes on and raced outside, and we've hardly seen her since! :)

With the exception of meal times, rest times and a few other indoor play times, we have been outside riding bikes!  Maddie has even made a successful trip to the grocery store with Brant, on bike paths next to the canals, over bridges, and up and around her school and back, no problem.  

These pictures were taken on our first bike outing yesterday.  And, no.  She does not have a helmet, yet.

Someone better hurry up and catch up with her - she's fast!

Truly, the smile will not wipe away from her face.  She is so proud of herself!  And she should be!!

Geoffrey is behind her, practicing his biking skills, too. :)

We are SO proud of you, Maddie Mae!!!

Ever was so proud of Maddie, too. :)

I guess we have ourselves a true Dutch girl: she speaks the language, she goes to Dutch school, she rides a two-wheeler all around town like the other kids, she owns wooden shoes, and she even has 1/8 Dutch blood in her!  

And as a treat for reading through my entire post, here is a bonus video of our little bike rider, taken over progression of a few days.  If anything, it's kind of fun to show you what riding a bike in Kampen looks like!