Hi tech way for kids to learn riding... and more

Gyrowheel attachment for kids to learn cycling  -- Photo credit Gyrobike-Europe

http://www.gyrobike-europe.com/   << in case u want to learn more
And surprise!! u can get it in Singapore too! https://www.facebook.com/thelittlebikeshop/posts/176045819168582

This is First Rider and momo "got the balance" from this bike!

Found this online which is a Gyro wheel that supposely makes it easier for children to learn cycling. You can even modulate the gyro forces so that the child can slowly "wean" off the aid.... hmmm
Well I think it just might work! But frankly it is more than the products that will make ur child cycle...
Equipment aside, the most important element is love and patience. I know as Daddies, we like to get the little one as quickly up to speed to cycle as possible.  So much so that we sometimes give so much advice and pressure... it can put them off.  I was guilty of that too :)
But kids will always be kids and they learn in their own way. That's thru play and if u make every ride fun... they will come back for more.  A little trick I do with momo, I get on my Carry me and we play "Catch" that is to ride around, near to their speed and "chase each" other... sounds stupid but she loves it.. esp if she is the leader and she will bring me around the blocks and pillars.
Enjoy the moment, even if the learning process is abit slow. And when the magical moment happens... you will be super happy!  Happy cycling!

Getting SPD-ed

This is my first SPD pedal, PD A520  

Nicely shaped wide support with MTB style spd 

I finally relented after the hopeless chasing after Encik George Lim and uncle KC. They are lung less and it is just impressive seeing them spin away. Encik recommended that I try SPD so that I can better spin and be more effective on my cranking. It was a nerve racking experience and so many choices. Luckily I have many experienced friend who accompanied to Rodalink to try out the SPD and shoe. I chose a MTB style shoe as I still wanted to be able to walk to the kopi tiam and not look like a King Penguin.

Shimano M077 MTB SPD Shoes. Look abit too fierce for me but it fits well. 

Recess cleat and nice chunky rubber sole = no King Penguin look

I listened to George. Went home remove the screw and grease lightly the cleat screw. Apparently this makes it easier to adjust later

Darren gave me a SPD regime which I stuck to. That is to practise clip on and off on one pedal and switch to the other pedal - Stationary mode. I also back off the spring tension to make it easier to unclip. After half and hour of stationary practise, I excited went to a quiet carpark to do a slow run. Clip in and pedal awhile and stop. Unclip. Heng ah.. never fall. Shared with my LCSG friends at FB and 80% commented that to be really proficient in the clipless pedal, you have to fall at least once. Oh gosh... is there another way? One tip they all tell me is to unclip (at least one pedal) before u reach traffic junction or u feel that u might need to stop. Oh also lean more to the unclipped pedal direction. :)
I did another morning run today on my BF pocket rocket.... and it did felt alot better. But still the engine dept needs more work lah. How to add "turbo" haha.

Learnings from RedKiteprayer.com

Read this writing today while browsing thru the internet. He had brought up a very good point - EGO.  It is about an accident which all cyclists will face sometime in while they ride. I love his writing style which is personal and not just concentrating on the technical aspect of the matter.
When you have been cycling long enough, u would think that your skills become so good and fast that you are "unbeatable". In singapore context - it is called "yaya papaya".. thats when accidents happen.  Good read and reflect on our behaviours on the road. Ride safe and have fun cycling!

Excerpts of the article.. " After a month or two of two-wheeled rage, I had an epiphany. I was afraid. Everywhere I went I anticipated being crushed and killed, and rather than weeping and cowering, I was going on the offensive. If I wasn’t overtly courting conflict, I was having protracted arguments, in my head, with errant motorists. I was, I think, trying to make sense of a new landscape, one in which I could be doing everything correctly, and still be killed. This was no way to go about riding a bicycle. I ride a bike, because I like it, not to drive myself into irrational rages. I had to change, not only my attitude, but also the way I ride. I had to be more forgiving, more patient. This took time......"