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Kid struggling to learn to ride? Hire a bike coach
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Posted: May 20, 2014 3:43 PM MDT
Updated: May 20, 2014 3:45 PM MDT
By ASHLEY BELLMAN, Fox 5 News Reporter
NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
Taking off the training wheels on that first bike is a child's rite of passage into becoming a big kid. But for 8 year old Max Goldberg, the right to ride did not come easy.
"I kept wiggling and I couldn't balance so I kind of got annoyed," he says.
After two years of falling and frustration, Max's mom hired Howard Roth, a Long Island based bike coach with his own method.
"Max's problem was there was a fear factor," Roth says. He developed his technique to help his twin boys learn to ride two-wheelers 10 years ago. That's when he published the ebook, "Riding Made Easy."
Roth says balance on the bike is the key, and training wheels can hurt a child more than falling down.
"Lower the seat, take off the pedals and work with them to find their balance," he says.
Private lessons start at $90. Roth has clients of all ages and also works with children with disabilities throughout the tri-state area. And he says he isn't the only bike coach out there.
"There's a moment when they ride when they are astounded at themselves, they are amazed at their abilities, and they can't believe they can do it," he says.
"It's really fun and I really like it," Max says.
In the end it's just like riding a bike.
Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on gmailShare on emailShare on printMore Sharing Services
360
Posted: May 20, 2014 3:43 PM MDT
Updated: May 20, 2014 3:45 PM MDT
By ASHLEY BELLMAN, Fox 5 News Reporter
NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
Taking off the training wheels on that first bike is a child's rite of passage into becoming a big kid. But for 8 year old Max Goldberg, the right to ride did not come easy.
"I kept wiggling and I couldn't balance so I kind of got annoyed," he says.
After two years of falling and frustration, Max's mom hired Howard Roth, a Long Island based bike coach with his own method.
"Max's problem was there was a fear factor," Roth says. He developed his technique to help his twin boys learn to ride two-wheelers 10 years ago. That's when he published the ebook, "Riding Made Easy."
Roth says balance on the bike is the key, and training wheels can hurt a child more than falling down.
"Lower the seat, take off the pedals and work with them to find their balance," he says.
Private lessons start at $90. Roth has clients of all ages and also works with children with disabilities throughout the tri-state area. And he says he isn't the only bike coach out there.
"There's a moment when they ride when they are astounded at themselves, they are amazed at their abilities, and they can't believe they can do it," he says.
"It's really fun and I really like it," Max says.
In the end it's just like riding a bike.
I think the kid's problem was an exaggerated fear of dumping the bike coupled with a lack of persistence. I remember spending hours by myself learning to balance. I would try every day because I wanted to ride so much. A helper can provide enthusiasm but actually learning requires muscle memory and you can only learn that through trial and error.
Read more: http://www.myfoxny.com/story/2556930...#ixzz32RrltyoA
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