What did you convince your parents to do when you were 9 years old?
Whatever it was, it probably can't hold a candle to what Shepherd Colver got his dad to do--with him. (With a name like "Shepherd," what do you expect from such a kid?) The Washington State native managed to influence his father, James, to go on a bike ride with him.
But it wasn't just a ride around the park. You see, Shepherd and James have just completed a tour that culminated with a trip to the Statue of Liberty.
Visiting the Lady of New York Harbor was Shepherd's overriding dream. When they finally arrived--after pedaling 3300 over 18 weeks--in New York City and took the ferry to the island, Shepherd offered this assessment: "It was definitely worth it," he declared. "It's pretty cool."
 |
| Shepherd Colver (r) and his father James look toward the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, New York City (Photo from CBS News) |
A CBS reporter asked whether his legs hurt at the end of a ride. "Not as bad as my dad's do when were done," he said, laughing. James described the trip as "a wonderful bonding experience" and believes "I invested my time as a dad really well here."
That investment didn't include only this year's ride. Two years ago, they started their journey but had to bail when Shepherd, then 7 years old, kept on getting headaches. He was diagnosed with diabetes. This year, though, neither he nor his father would allow it, or anything else to deter them.
 |
| James and Shepherd Colver. Family handout. |
Now he's reunited with his mother, who now has a son who's done something not many other kids his age can claim. That just might be enough to convince her to increase his allowance!
