The long cold winter here in Rapid City, South Dakota has us riding our bikes inside. We’ve set up a few obstacles in the warehouse here at Strider Sports and my sons and I are having some fun. Check out the versatility of the Strider… from Bode (nearly 6 years old) having fun doing tricks to Jesse (just over 2 years old) increasing his balance, coordination, and gross motor skills… or should I say motorCYCLE skills… Look out Pee Wee Motocross!

This is a fun little video of my son Bode playing on his Strider running bike. This really showcases the fact that our unique, LaunchPad(tm) frame-integrated footrests of the Strider allow a child to learn an entire new set of skills beyond just balancing on two wheels… to ride standing up, to pull wheelies, to fall in love with ALL the fun that two wheels can offer. We are realizing that the more obstacles and tricks that a child can ride on, the more their brains get engaged in the activity and the longer they’ll stay involved. If the activity gets boring, they’ll seek a different activity… video games, TV, etc. With the Strider being so capable of going off-road, riding obstacles, and doing tricks, it keeps kids engaged; learning, developing, exercising!

This video shows the range of rider size. Bode (5 years old) has the handlebars and saddle up near the top of the adjustment range while his little brother Jesse (almost two years old) has them set at their lowest setting. There are a few interesting points in this video. First, the opening scene shows Bode gliding while standing… this is an advanced skill that is really only possible on the Strider design with the integrated footpads located directly below the saddle. Second, you’ll notice that Jesse is standing up while walking the bike and is up close to the handlebars. I have seen this on nearly EVERY really little kid that starts on a balance bike. After they get comfortable walking the bike, they learn to relax and extend their arms… allowing them to settle into the seated position. The key is to not rush kids to sit down… they’ll figure it out on their own and at their own speed/comfort level. Simple encouragement and praise is what they really need when they are this young.

We talk about the Strider running bike being all-terrain but now we can add all-season! While I was busy plowing snow during our recent blizzard here in South Dakota, Bode decided to get his Strider out and play in the snow. Glide down the plowed sidewalk, turn into the heavy, wet snow and flip over the handlebars for the classic endo!