Mountain biking education programs?

[jodzeee]

I would like to introduce my 11-year-old nephew to mountain biking and, of course, I want to make sure he learns proper trail etiquette...trouble is, he can be a bit of a brat and probably wouldn't listen to much of what I say.

I'm almost afraid to introduce him to the sport because I can see him being the kind of kid that thinks it's fun to ride in the mud and tear up the trails and such.

Are there any area programs to educate kids (or adults, for that matter) on the basics of mountain biking?

Thank you,
Jodi

[manual63]

I don't think there are. But I do skills lessons and should consider adding something like this. Thanks for asking this question. I will work out a plan and present it in the next MORC board meeting. This is an excellent idea, not only teach skills, but teach a little about the trails too.

Another suggestion I have, you and your son can come to a trailwork session. You learn a lot about the trails and once you have done a little work on them, you see why you don't want to ruin them.

[destrago]

Another suggestion I have, you and your son can come to a trailwork session. You learn a lot about the trails and once you have done a little work on them, you see why you don't want to ruin them.

I agree. After 1 trailwork session you see how much work really went into the trail. Even if the trail day is just minor fixes, you get a good concept of how much it took to make the trail. The trail stewards/ dirt bosses can also really drive home exactly why things like mud riding ruins trails and how difficult the damage is to repair.

-Tony

[jodzeee]

Thanks for your responses and for considering education.

I don't know if I could get him to agree to help do anything that involves work...remember this is an 11-year-old with an attitude. :mad: He'd rather be riding a 4-wheeler but I want to try to get him to appreciate a little physical activity...and since he is my nephew, and not my own offspring, I can't "require" him to do it! :)

While I'm here...anyone know of anyone who has an old mt. bike they or their kids grew out of that I could get for him?

Thanks again!
Jodi

[manual63]

I don't know if I could get him to agree to help do anything that involves work...remember this is an 11-year-old with an attitude.

You could still get him out there. We would not put him to work. Most likely, we would try to make him feel important and like he is really helping out. We would work on getting him excited about it, but it's not likely we would throw him a tool and say......start digging.....:)

I think some people here have taken kids to trailwork. I hope some post up.

[Paul Swenson]

Your nephew sounds like a delight.

[bigwheel]

We would not put him to work.

Bring him to Leb and we'll put him to work. The new X rock garden is going to take a lot of physical labor. Then your nephiew can tease all his friends when they fall on "his section".

[Buck]

Have you introduced him to the many types of riding??? He might go for the more adreniline pumping aggresive side of the sport. Just a thought.
Hi Five for wanting to get him riding!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/Buck0250/untitled.jpg
L8Rz
Buck

[Bighit]

Have you introduced him to the many types of riding??? He might go for the more adreniline pumping aggresive side of the sport. Just a thought.
Hi Five for wanting to get him riding!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/Buck0250/untitled.jpg
L8Rz
Buck

I thought it was against the "freerider" code of cool to high five anyone? (it's a dirt roadie thing) Down low bro.:laugh:

[Buck]

I thought it was against the "freerider" code of cool to high five anyone? (it's a dirt roadie thing) Down low bro.:laugh:


Yeah you can break that rule but only if you do it with mad steez...refer to pic below please. :cool:

L8Rz
Buck

[FarmerBEN]

We have had a similar discussion in the redwing forum, regarding the need for beginner trail rides. Maybe a brief speel before the ride stating the basics of trail etiguitte.

Not saying it would be a bad idea to get him out for some work, I am just saying that as program at large it wouldn't work real well. "come work on trails that you may not even enjoy" might not be the best sales pitch.

[Beau]

Have you considered boot camp?

All jokes aside, I think simply taking him out to ride might be your best bet. Explain to him what you know and see if he enjoys it first.

I'd be a little sh!t to if I had to do something my aunt was making me do just cause she thinks it's cool.

Screw trail work right off the bat. That's no way to get anyone into the sport.

[Konaboy]

Have you considered boot camp?

All jokes aside, I think simply taking him out to ride might be your best bet. Explain to him what you know and see if he enjoys it first.

I'd agree with the ride first. Going out and having fun riding is way easier to convince someone to do rather than the other way around.

Plus if he mouths off during the ride you could have Shad derby him.:)

[stoneage]

I'd agree with the ride first. Going out and having fun riding is way easier to convince someone to do rather than the other way around.

Plus if he mouths off during the ride you could have Shad derby him.:)
Aren't you supposed to be working?:confused:

[Konaboy]

Aren't you supposed to be working?:confused:

SSSSSHHHHH!!!!!! ;)