2. A Ride on Two Wheels: Let’s Go with Pedal Power

Biking was faster than hiking. Helmets are askew and dramatic starts are some of the concerns. Still, these concerns were quickly forgotten when we hit the open road. Biking is an all-in-one workout—it builds muscle, improves joint mobility, and burns calories.

The idea of teaching them to bike pushed me beyond my ability. Imagine me breathlessly running alongside wobbly bikes, one hand steadying a handlebar. At the same time, the other grasps a slipping backpack as I jog along. There were spills and thrills, but they flew down the street, grinning from ear to ear. Our sense of accomplishment and their beaming faces filled us with pride and motivated us to continue our journey.

In the blink of an eye, I can imagine myself darting after them like a frantic guardian of cyclists who have run away. Despite this, watching their confidence grow inspired me to trust them. Our bike rides became a journey of shared independence, reminding us that falling is just part of living. Through this shared independence, we strengthened our bond, which gave us a greater sense of connection.