'I am limitless'

COEUR d’ALENE — For the first time in his life, Jace McHenry, this week, rode a bicycle.

Oh, he crashed a few times along the way, but the 11-year-old got back on every time.

“I don’t quit,” he said Friday morning.

And, he added, riding a bike was better than he imagined.

“It’s amazing,” he said.

Jace was one of five special-needs youth who got free bike-riding lessons from Adventure for All, a nonprofit based in Sarasota, Fla.

Three instructors began working with boys ages 9 and up Wednesday morning at G.O. Phippeny Park and will wrap up their five-day stay Sunday.

Founder Chase Pettey said they’re close to the end of a three-month nationwide tour with stops in eight communities, including Coeur d’Alene.

He said they use activities like kayaking and biking to help kids develop independent skills and overcome doubt.

He said less than 10% of kids with Down syndrome or autism ever learn to ride a bike, mostly because they are told it’s not for them. They "can’t do it," is a common message.

“They can ride a bike, just like everyone else,” Pettey said.

Not only do they discover what they can do on their own, but they're changing society’s perception that they are limited as individuals, Pettey said.

That’s why Adventure for One emphasizes mantras like “I’ve got this,” “I am brave and strong,” and “I am limitless,” and has the kids repeat them out loud.

Pettey said kids learn biking basics like balance, braking and pedaling before being set free on two wheels.

“Little steps lead to confidence,” he said. “By the time we get to learning on the bike, their confidence skyrockets.”

And it’s not just about learning to ride a bike, Pettey said. It’s about moments that help them understand life is a journey of growth and goals — it’s developing their love for challenges and pushing themselves — and realizing “they can.”

"Opportunity begins with believing in themselves," Pettey said.

The kids were believing Friday.

Josiah Robertson grinned as he rode on his own.

“Josiah just got it,” Pettey shouted. “Yeah Josiah. Way to go, man.”

A few minutes later, Pettey stood next to Skyler Andersen as he straddled a bike and started ahead, not quite sure about this.

“Deep breath,” he told the 16-year-old. “What are we going to do when we start going?”

“Pedal,” Skyler answered.

He paused and asked, “How far?”

“How about to that tree?” Pettey said. “Does that work?”

Skyler nodded. He could do this.

And he did, arriving at the tree on his own.

“That was great,” Pettey said.

The kids were taking the lessons to heart, too.

“You’re the one who’s going to determine what you can and can’t do in life,” Pettey said.

Shaylia McHenry’s son, Jace McHenry, was also beaming as he cycled without any help.

She said he never showed interest in riding a bike, until now.

“He loves it,” she said.

Her son doesn’t have a bike at home, but will soon.

“Grandpa and grandma are buying him a bike and a helmet,” Shaylia McHenry said, laughing.

Alli Williams, a coach with Adventure for All, said she sees big changes in the kids in the short time they spend with them.

“To see the transformation from day one to day five is always mind-blowing,” she said. “Really it just takes one person to build that self-trust and belief. When that happens, it’s life-changing. It can take them anywhere.”