It’s summer time and you know what that means! Pedalheads Summer Bike Camp ensues! We like to take these next couple months to really hone into Little Mama’s biking and safety skills, now that school is on break. Last year, we had the world’s toughest time teaching her to ride a two wheeler. It was deflating, frustrating, and a big pain in the back (among other things). That was the reason behind us jumping at the opportunity to work with Pedalheads last summer. Within one day at Pedalheads Summer Bike Camp, our little girl gained an immeasurable amount of confidence to bike on a two wheeler.
ONE DAY.
I am still reeling.
I’m also convinced the instructors are actual miracle workers.
Miracle workers, because there was about as much hope to get this girl on a two wheeler as it was to get ME on one… while pregnant.
Miracle workers, because they actually brought fun back into the idea of bike riding as far as Little Mama was concerned.
Miracle Workers, because they essentially saved my husband’s back. That, and a whole lotta prayer and chiropractic treatments.
But in truth, we have been so focused on a gazillion other things between other activities, learning at school, raising a baby, sleeping, not sleeping, etc etc, that practicing on her bike was just not top priority.
Unfortunately… it showed. Come July, with summer camps in full swing, we noticed that our little one was just too exhausted and lacked the motivation to get back on her bike and strut her stuff.
Enter Pedalheads Summer Bike Camp Round two:
Luckily, what they say is true about riding bikes. You may be rusty, but you never forget. So we banked on that when Little Mama stepped on to her bike for this year’s Pedalheads Summer Bike Camp. At first, we were ambitious and put her into Level 3 “Pedalheads” where they learned:
- Improved bike control and riding in a group
- Shoulder checking while riding
- Hand signals while riding
- Riding beside a curb & navigating mock intersections
The first day…. my tired little girl was still on “omg I just survived 10 months of grade 2 and need a break” mode and it was practically like pulling teeth to get her out of bed.
But with a group of high energy instructors leading the camp, an organized and clear itinerary, and awesome games to play (and that was just the first 10 minutes, and no bike in sight), Little Mama was having a blast in no time.
Can someone please say… #bosspedalhead?
Warm up was even fun for Little Man who quite literally, stood in the sidelines cheering his big sister on.
After the preliminary warm up, they got right into observing the kids’ skills as they made their way through set courses. In other words… they meant business.
Skills were a little rusty at first. Enter… Miracle Workers:
Little Mama went from, <insert flabbergasted emoji, what did I get myself into?> to, “wait, I can do this”. With just a little push and support from her instructor, she was back where she left off last summer.
By the end of day two, we were able to determine that it would probably make more sense to place her in Level 2 “Advanced Newbies“. Here, she is less focused on trying to keep up with the more complicated course, and more focused on strengthening her skills with starting, pedalling, and steering. Some of the skills developed in Level 2 are:
- Learn to start independently
- Improve pedalling, stopping, and steering
- Improve maneuvering and controlled riding
- Introduction to shoulder checks and more complex skills
- Bike safety and parts of the bike
- Helmet safety
Best decision we made. Keep in mind, this wasn’t a race for Little Mama to advance to the next level as quickly as possible. It was about continuing to build her confidence from the skills she has already learned last year and practiced throughout the year, and tightening up her skills so that she could begin learning about road safety and other basic but necessary skills.
As always, Pedalheads Summer Bike Camp ended on a fun and memorable note – a theme day to end the week.
Much to Little Mama‘s delight – it was Western day!
Baby brother, Little Mama‘s biggest fan decided to join in on the fun (as one’s baby brother does…)
Within 5 days of Pedalheads Summer Bike Camp, we got ourselves an enthusiastic, self-proclaimed two wheel riding expert, and a new Pedalheads shirt! Bonus!
The best part is that as always, Pedalheads held a last day parade to showcase all the kids’ going through a fun obstacle course. There really is nothing more adorable than seeing a group of bandana wearing “cow-kids” riding their bikes with balloons tied to their helmets as they feverishly anticipate their turn to go through the course.
And even cuter was seeing Little Mama showing off her Western dancing skills with her favourite dance partner. Now does this look like your everyday bike camp?
We are HUGE fans of Pedalheads Summer Bike Camp as it has really brought a new level of confidence when it comes to staying active in general. I love seeing kids gain such confidence while having a grand ol’ time. Now that’s summer to me!
We are especially thrilled that Pedalheads Summer Bike Camp is now available in Little Mama‘s hometown (Los Angeles: West Hollywood, West LA, and Manhattan Beach!!), so her original peeps in SoCal can enjoy a week of Pedalheads.
So excited, that we collaborated with our friends from Pedalheads to offer one lucky reader from any of the above areas where Pedalheads Summer Bike Camp is available. (See locations here). It’s….
:: GIVEAWAY TIME ::
You know, just as much as we love to share our experiences of remarkable experiences that have helped our family (especially our kids), we love giving opportunities to our friends to enjoy it themselves. ONE FREE WEEK OF PEDALHEADS SUMMER CAMP, VALUED AT $245.00. Simply fill out the form below. For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Contest closes Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 – at 11:59PM PST! The winner will be revealed Wednesday, July 24th, 2019!
Do you and your family ride bikes as an activity during the summer?
Get out and get pedalling!
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Be sure to follow our friends at Pedalheads on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to register your little one in Pedalheads summer bike camp and camp throughout the year!
DISCLOSURE: SASS & SMALLS WAS PROVIDED WITH ONE WEEK OF PEDALHEADS SUMMER BIKE CAMP AS A GIFT AND FOR REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS ARE OUR OWN.
thanks for the chance to win!!
Right now it’s just at the camp ground which is better than nothing😄