Up North: Balance bikes, bubbles, and bananas provide motor skill work to children
Getting on a bike at an early age can make or break a childs ability to ride later in life.
With the help of Spirit Mountain, balance bikes, bananas, and bubbles were all in the works for young riders looking to get their feet under them.
“We love to pass on the excitement and the joy of biking at the earliest age,” said Jon Regenold, Director of Resort Services. “Once we’ve got some that are just getting good on their feet, that are coming out to get good on a bicycle, it’s so exciting.”
Going over bridges, riding through blow up bowling pins and obstacles were on the docket for the day.
For Superior’s Allie Smith, it’s a great way to limit technology use for her daughter in a world full of it today.
“We try not to do a lot of screen time in our house,” said Smith. “So it’s always either biking or swinging. She gravitates a lot towards the bike. She has a place that she can really bike versus just our driveway or the road. She really enjoys the pump track with all the hills.”
More than just getting out of the house though, balance bikes themselves have become a huge factor in early child development.
“These balance bikes have been revolutionary in the world of just children on bicycles, starting at that age of two years old or younger, families start younger, and just getting that intuitive balance to become a part of their life, it’s so cool,” said Regenold. “I mean, it opens the door and just releases them to additional movement, outdoor play, and just adventure.”
“Oh, I absolutely love it,” said Smith. “It’s very nice to see kids away from screens in the nature and enjoying bikes and other friends.”