Eli’s Story

Left out.

That’s how Eli felt watching his neighborhood friends—some of them younger than he was—zooming up and down the street on their bikes.

All Eli needed to get up on a two-wheeler was a little extra help…and he found it at Bike First!

During this week-long bicycle clinic, held annually in Portland, Ore., Eli and dozens of other youngsters quickly developed the coordination and confidence they need, in a safe and positive environment. (In fact, Eli was up and riding in just two days.)

Two months after “Lose the Training Wheels,” Eli and his mother took part in the annual Providence Bridge Pedal, a 14-mile, six-bridge tour of downtown Portland. Here is our proud pedaler at the top of the Marquam Bridge.

“Learning to ride gave Eli a very big dose of self-esteem,” said his mom. “We’re very grateful to the Lose the Training Wheels clinic.”