When Claire had her first sleep over a couple of weeks ago, Tom and I spent extra time with James. We ended up taking him to Hang Hau Village and buying his very first bicycle. Since he's over 4.5, it was probably a bit on the late side. Claire had one much earlier.
James took to cycling like a duck to water. He already knew how to pedal from various "Big Wheel" type vehicles at our house in Georgia. Soon he was zooming around the helipad area at the end of the marina car park. Pretty fearless! He'd try to run us over and he grasped the concept of braking very quickly. James went over twice and thought it was funny.
The next day, we took Claire to the same bike shop and she was able to get a small lady's bike. We had training wheels added as she still cannot ride a two wheeler. She and James had a blast racing each other although James won every time. Claire handled losing fairly well, much better than she does when James smokes her in running races.
The Club has unfortunately banned bicycling. Not completely sure why as the helipad is always closed to cars. The only vehicles that are allowed down there are golf carts driven by either Security or marina workers. And when a helicopter does arrive in the Club (which isn't very often), Security is always there beforehand. Perhaps there are people who do not supervise their children or maybe they allow them to ride in the car park where drivers often speed. I'm hoping if we go biking in the afternoon on weekdays when it's not busy, then it will be overlooked.
It's also a bit tricky biking in Georgia as we live on the top of a mountain. I think it may be possible to ride in the local park. Perhaps this will be the year that both James and Claire become proficient bikers.
Closed to bikes? Typical Chinese 'rules' that govern having no fun at any time. Why...those kids should be studying!! Tell ya what, go out there and play street hockey...that'll really get them fired up. heh...
Posted by: GZ Expat | March 24, 2008 at 11:31 AM