Kids Send Rampage-Sized Hucks in ‘Grompage’ - Video

Nov 16, 2017
by Steven Lloyd  
Grompage
GROMPAGE
The futue of riding
"BOSS MAN" 8-year-old Boston Bryant doing his Andreu Lecondaguy impersonation

Demon Dirt Grompage

by stevelloyd
Views: 25,982    Faves: 59    Comments: 11


Rampage week! The excitement for both kids and adults is off the charts, and Virgin, Utah is the destination. The Demon Dirt crew packed their bags, loaded their bikes and headed out to the freeride mecca of the western United States. Giddy at the thought of watching their MTB heros compete in the biggest event in biking history, these kids were ready!

Grompage
10-year-old Weston Lloyd dropping at the Old Rampage site

Grompage
9-year-old twins Luke and Alex Mallen

Canadian Bacon
10-year-old Fred LaRiviere dropping Canadian Bacon

The excitement is hard to contain for these pre-teens, and Grompage is where it's at. What is Grompage you might ask? Well its an unofficial gathering of Freeriding's brightest and undiscovered talent. Riders; Weston Lloyd, twins Luke and Alex Mallen, Finley Kirchenmann, Fred Lariviere and Boston Bryant met up with the Outlaw Mountain bike team at the Old Rampage site to camp, ride, watch the Rampage contest and then compete in Mountain Ranks Fanpage and whip off. Mountain Ranks (a local active lifestyle clothing company out of Park City, UT) has been putting on a whip off for a few years now, and the kids love it. It gives them a chance to show off their skills and hang out with their buddies. This year was especially cool because a few pro riders like Aaron Chase, Andreu Lacondeguy, and Cody Kelley showed up and jumped with the kids. Prizes were given out for kids who stepped it up and sent it big or small, or just being cute!

Grompage
Andreu Lacondeguy showed up and hit jumps with the kids

Grompage
6-year-old Wyatt Lloyd winning a prize for his one footer

Grompage
9-year-old Alex Mallen boosting the step up

Ice cream was hauled in by Liz Mallen and Tricia Kirschenmann, continuing the tradition started by the worldbikeparks.com crew, to get the party started with "unofficial Grompage" right before. These kids were gathering around the tent in seconds to feast on the cold goodness in the hot desert. This event has the true spirit of Rampage all over it. Just show up, ride with your buddies and have a good time. Life-long friendships were made. It is amazing how the energy flows through the kids. They feed off of each other and step up to stuff they might not hit otherwise.

Grompage
Tricia Kirschenmann and Liz Mallen getting the Kids loaded up with ice cream before the event

Grompage
Getting a bit dusty with all the kids skidding for life

Grompage
Aiden Parish showing off his table

The morning before the whip off some of the groms like Fred LaRiviere stepped up to some of the bigger drops such as Canadian Bacon. I would give it a solid 15 to 20-foot drop, and these kids stomped it like pros. Suicide no handers were being thrown off the main step up, along with some big whips. Keep in mind that most these kids are only 9 and 10 years old. Progression is set at light speed for them, and it is amazing to watch how good they are at such a young age.

Grompage
Bikes of Grompage. Weston Lloyd with his Norco Range

Grompage
Boston Bryant with his spawn

Grompage
Sam Dean with his spawn hard tail

Special thanks to Demon United, Zoic clothing and MTN Ranks for the Grompage swag!

BIkes of Grompage
Alex Mallen

Bikes of Grompage
Luke Mallen

Nico Vink and Adolf Silva signing the boys jerseys. These guys were rad to give the boys some time.
Nico Vink and Adolf Silva signing the boy's jerseys

Session on a step up for Grompage.
West Lloyd showing off his tables

Bostan Bryant boosting the step up.
Boston Bryant going big on the step up

Grompage
Big thanks to Mountain Ranks for doing the whip off

Grompage
6-year-old Clive LaRiviere getting some major style points

Sessioning the old Rampage site at Grompage
West Lloyd warming up to something bigger

Grompage
Alex Parish with a huge whip

Grompage
Fred LaRiviere with a big suicide on the step up

You can follow these little groms on Instagram at:

@lloydboys
@thosemallentwins
@fred_romeo
@finleymtb
@bosman_bikes

www.demonunited.com/

MENTIONS: @demondirt / @stevelloyd


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137 Comments
  • 400 1
 I'd also like to see Grampage.... same concept, but you have to be 65+.
  • 112 2
 So would a 'Heel Clicker' just be a type of arthritis?
  • 33 2
 Also Mompage, sending giant lines witha kiddie carrier and high waist pants.
  • 21 1
 Yeah for sure, I also propose Grumpage for us in the 40+ bracket.
  • 3 1
 @psyickphuk: hey...my husband is 47...he was out there jumping away...come over next year!
oldmanpage lol
  • 7 0
 I wonder how Grampage riders set their sags.
  • 11 0
 I'm a grandpa, I'll see if I can round up some sponsors and send some emails to depends, ensure, meals on wheels, and most importantly, life alert emergency response.
  • 6 0
 Ye and they all have to huck off the brexit cliff drop they dug last year.
  • 4 1
 @ClaytonMarkin: I'm sure Mompage will have some ridable 29'ers
  • 1 0
 @bigwavedave: Help! I've fallen, and I cant get up!
  • 138 1
 When I was 10 my skill set was picking my nose and making myself dizzy. Of course, nothing has changed.
  • 84 9
 wow....a 13 year old with enve wheels. When I was that age, I was riding a cheap ass hardtail that almost fell apart...
  • 114 2
 You were also showing off to your friends that you could ride off of the curb when you were 13
  • 17 2
 @chickennuggetsaregreat: probably also true
  • 19 1
 @chickennuggetsaregreat: I still do that on group rides!
  • 10 51
flag hetfield1 (Nov 16, 2017 at 9:40) (Below Threshold)
 I'm guilty of spoiling my kid. He races BMX and he has a mountain bike, and sweet a*s carbon D3 lid (adult sized). One day when he refused to help me clean his BMX bike I went off. I told him that his fork alone cost more than any other kid's bike in the neighborhood. I try to keep him based in reality. Hard not to spoil kids when you have the means.
  • 33 2
 @hetfield1: Way to boast about something that really didn't have to be brought up.
  • 37 1
 @USMC: apologies. Wasn’t trying to boast but completely understand how it came off that way after re-reading my comment. Just meant to say it’s easy to spoil a kid when he has the same hobbies. Doesn’t make me any better of a dad because I do it.
  • 6 6
 Yeah i guess these kids are good at riding but they’re flat out spoiled with their bikes.
  • 43 0
 @Lloyd-Braun: As the mom of the twins here...um they are not spoiled. these kids all work for their gear, mowing lawns, knitting hats, selling Kool-aid, raking leaves and shoveling snow. Mine also volunteer in the Salt Lake Bike Collective, giving back to the community. We all choose our priorities...no? Years ago, my husband and I made the decision to continue on with this sport. With that we realized that equipment safety was out top priority. My son got hurt when he was 6 on a bike that was way below his ability level, and it literally fell apart under him. We said if we are going to do this, they need the right equipment...just like in any sport.

We choose not to have xboxes, or fancy tv's or video games or new cars, we buy our clothes at thrift shops ...if you add all that up, as well as look at where you can cut costs...hmmm the cost of a new bike? Doing something you love as a family?
So it comes to priorities...think about that the next time you go out to dinner or by you $5 Starbucks coffee.
  • 5 1
 @liztwinbikemom: Right, it's no different thank kids playing hockey, where equipment costs just as much year after year. Or sending kids to expensive baseball/football/basketball camps. I'm stoked for your kids to have such an incredible opportunity so young. Good on ya.

Although, I think it is safe to say they're a bit "spoiled", right? Both things can be true. I mean, lots of parents cut the same corners, and kids do the same chores, and they couldn't afford a bike that expensive for their kids (let alone 2). But hey, that's the reality of life- it's not something to be ashamed of or feel defensive about. Cheers.
  • 7 0
 @phobospwns: ha! yes...totally! It sure is a challenge to find the balance, but I really feel that everyone here ( parents) , do the best with what they have. We teach the boys that there will ALWAYS be someone with a nicer bike, that is better than them, that has all the best of everything...but none of that matters if you are having fun with what you have and enjoying your sport! Who cares??!!...Just ride with your buds Smile Right??!! Cheers!
  • 2 0
 @liztwinbikemom: Well said! That’s exactly the attitude my parents had..
Now my parents are in their late 70s and we all (my sisters n their kids) still all get out on bikes n skis together, all 4 generations happily shredding and loving life!! That’s priceless pay back in my book!!
  • 61 8
 the best thing about the groms are their moms!
  • 8 1
 Thankyou!!!
  • 7 3
 MOGILF
  • 46 1
 Remember kids, football sucks!
  • 16 2
 american especially
  • 4 1
 @curranmtb: agreed 100% My kids think its dumb
  • 3 0
 @liztwinbikemom: There are just as many people that think cycling 'sucks'. I'm not one of them, and this event looks like it was awesome and a lot of fun. I wish I had a 1/10 of those kid's talent on a bike. But I could never understand why some people think proclaiming how much some other main stream activity is so terrible some how elevates what you are doing. It doesn't. It's perfectly fine not to personally like every activity, sport or hobby; everyone has their tastes, but declaring what you don't like as being something that objectively 'sucks' is silly. Some might say as silly as saying these kids are spoiled for having expensive bikes ;-). And believe it or not, there are some people that enjoy a variety of activities. I would say probably most people.
  • 3 2
 @shawndashf1: so the boys ski and play soccer and fish...so I am well versed on diverse hobbies. We live in a state where all of this is very accessible, and inexpensive. They just personally think that playing a sport where you are in roughly 60 car crashes a game is a little off...especially when there are people out there judging us for "allowing" or kids to do a sport that they love , and happen to be pretty ok at.
Any sport is risk management. That is part of teaching, coaching and parenting. My nephew plays football ( American) and I am happy that he loves it...I just hope ( like my brother does about my kids) that they use their best judgement and don't get hurt. There is no elevation, just how we feel about it. Everyone has an opinion and that's ok!
  • 30 3
 Love to see so much support for these young guns. The future is bright. Very bright.
  • 22 2
 Dude, they are so good already.
  • 3 2
 No doubt!
  • 3 2
 Damn son.
  • 23 1
 Well, this makes me feel like a shitty rider.
  • 37 1
 Don't let it. These kids today are coming up watching the stuff that our generation invented. And they're doing it with foam pits, full blown training camps and gear that didn't exist even 5 years ago. When I was that age I was riding a rigid bmx bike that weighed more than the bikes they're on. No helmet. No pads. Etc. Still hucking off the side of buildings and trying to gap dirt roads. You have to look at in context. Look at these little snowboarders and skaters now. There's 8 year olds doing tricks that didn't exist a few years ago. It's gnarly. But no no reason to compare it directly to you.
  • 5 1
 Yeah me too, also makes me feel old and looking at some of their kit I must be quite poor as well.
  • 15 32
flag ctd07 (Nov 16, 2017 at 12:36) (Below Threshold)
 @onemanarmy: so true, I watched rampage with a mate who doesn't ride, he commented that 'every rider was white with a similar hairstyle and looked like a middle class yuppy', id never really seen it before, but hes right. Unfortunately with any major sport, having rich parents is the way in 99% of the time.

All the top guys today probly had parents who had time to spend with them training and supporting them, buying them the best gear (which helps) and building jumps and trails on their acreages...

This whole video is basically a parade of upper middle class rich kids living the dream/being spoilt brats.
  • 34 2
 @ctd07: You couldn't be more wrong. That is such a huge false assumption. Almost all of these kid's bike's are used and required sacrifice to get for the kids. Some of the gear is a result of sponsorship's or work swaps. Not one of these kids has acres of land or parents with unlimited free time. It just comes down to priorities and making time to spend with your kids. Also the vast amount of cheap used 26" parts helps a lot. One of the 8 year old kids mowed lawns for 2 years to buy his own Spawn. This is a result of passion and dedication, not upper class privilege.
  • 39 5
 @ctd07: As a parent of one of the kids in the video (possibly the most costly bike in the vid) it is a big insult to the sacrifice we have made to get our kid a bike and gear. I for sure am not upper class nor yuppy by anyones standards. We have worked hard to get our son the gear he needs at a great cost to us. Priorities are to get the kids out riding as much as possible. I sacrifice my time to let him ride. I sacrifice having a nice car and tv to let him have a nice bike. He works his but off to train and to get social media out so sponsors flow him gear. Your comment might be the most ignorant comment on Pinkbike I have ever seen.
  • 4 2
 totally agree with onemanarmy! These kids have spent time in foam pits, airbags and on resi ramps and trampolines. Thousands of training hours...It was just this year that most of them surpassed the dads in the group. Although, they will never admit it.
  • 28 3
 @ctd07: yeah...no. These kids are lucky to call Utah their home. I moved here because of the access to the outdoors, then met my husband who also loves the same. I am a ski instructor and work in the bike park during the summer, and he is a roofer. So...ya...very little $$ to go around. We are grateful to the community, their sponsors to be able to do this. We have all 2nd hand bikes, and receive hand me downs or buy cheap bike parts at the Bicycle Collective...where they boys volunteer giving back to the community that they love so much. We dont have XC bikes...because they just want to ride dh...so we put all of our $$ into those, making them safe and replacing things as they need to be replaces.

No acreage here...but we have some great skate parks, and access to dirt jumps, thanks to the Salt Lake Valley Trail Society, and Virgin is a quick 3 hr drive. They are easily accessed after work. We all ride, and have a great time doing it. We tell them there will always be some one with a better bike , better stuff and can be better than them. They dont care. They are just riding with their friends and family.

Honestly, I wish I were a rich parent...but till I make my millions...I will just continue figuring out how to make the most out of life for me and my family.
  • 9 1
 @dantheriver: f*ck yeah see? 26 ain't dead!
  • 2 2
 @stevelloyd: word
  • 3 1
 @lightsgetdimmer: Yeah but kids bikes being 26 will sure kill 24.
  • 1 2
 You go Stevelloyd. If I had a kid with a tenth your kids talent I would mortgage my house in a heartbeat to have the best gear unfortunately she doesn’t. Expensive bikes don’t buy talent. I h8 h8ters. @stevelloyd:
  • 1 0
 @stevelloyd: You tell him Steve-O! Dude is an ignoramus and an embarrassment to the proud country he calls home and where I lived two amazing years. This is Harmer, BTW. Been a looooong time since the day we scaled down the back of Lone Peak. Glad to see your work and proud of what you've accomplished.
  • 10 1
 Steve!! Thankyou so much for posting this article and rad pics! It was an amazcing week! These kids work so hard, and love what they do. It helps that they are all buddies, and know and push each other! These kids pour over Instagram and YouTube, watching their heroes like hawks, trying to come up with ways to emulate them. And yes...our hearts are in our throats most of the time! As parents of the twins here...I can say that we would not be able to do this without the support of our sponsors, family and some creative financing. My kids have never had a "new" bike as of yet, for us and them....they are extremely grateful for what they have, All of them are. Currently, Alex is on a 2 time pass down bike ( GT Fury) from Joey Foresta and Julien Markewetz, Luke we found this Specialized Status Grom xs on Pinkbike, one previous owner. They are all really good kids, kind, respectful and have dreams of one day being pro. The pros they look to are all amazing, they take the time to sign or take pics and chat with the kids....because face it...some of them are still kids! . They are all super cool to the kids.The thing about this group, is that all of the parents...yes including us moms, are involved. We help each other out, pass things on and pay it forward. The boys also give back to the community by volunteering at the salt lake bicycle collective, cleaning up and fixing bikes for kids ( and adults) who really need a bike, but cant afford it. We all have our stories, and I can tell you all of these parents LOVE riding and make some serious sacrifices to do so ! Thankyou so much for all of the support! This is an amazing community! We can't wait to meet some of you from around the globe! Now get out and ride!
  • 11 2
 When Ropelato said he felt like a half decent rider at rampage.... I felt bad. But now I just feel useless. I don't know shit about riding a bike! I m gonna switch to poker or something!!!
  • 11 1
 Ok, after this video i should sell my bike and start to play chess. Amazing kids!!! Smile
  • 10 2
 Then you'll show up to a chess tournament and get smoked by a 10 year old, lol. There are prodigies in any field, and these kids represent the 0.01% at the top of their sport for their age group.
  • 9 3
 Thanks for the response. These kids have worked their butts off to become this good and Their parents have even worked harder to provide them the time, opportunities, finances and sacrifices it requires to be this at this level.
  • 9 2
 That kids Norco range wow that's advanced lucky kids.
  • 7 2
 I guess this sets the baseline expectations for wheremy 12 week old should be in 6 years!
  • 12 1
 Dude, it's too late for your 12 week old now. Should have been womb to wheels. Wink
  • 2 1
 @Dropthedebt: you make a good point.
  • 4 0
 That Andreu Lacondeguy kid is going pretty big! I bet he's got a bright future in mtn biking. His parents got him a sweet bike too!
  • 2 1
 Amazing talent in front of the lense, and behind! These kids push themselves and each other, along with the support, (financially, and emotionally) from their parents! Thanks Mountain Ranks, and Steven Lloyd for the great coverage.... and to all who participated in yet another outstanding Grompage!
  • 7 2
 26 WILL NEVER DIE!
  • 5 1
 * cries 34 years old tears
  • 3 1
 So bad ass, Steve! The boys are ripping. This is the future for sure. @stevelloyd
  • 5 2
 ALWAYS creepy with twins. And I've got twins
  • 3 1
 haha! yeah they are always jostling for pole position
  • 4 1
 So much radness and dad shame in this article.
  • 5 1
 6 is the new 17
  • 4 2
 Don't tell Roy Moore that!
  • 3 0
 Must be nice to be made of rubber!
  • 1 0
 Indeed, I wish I was a child, being an adult sucks. Basically consists of a bunch of shitty tasks I don't, and never wanted to do.
  • 5 2
 6 yrs old..........
  • 1 3
 @dro-cfr: Exactly, that's usually balance bike age!
  • 2 0
 @dro-cfr: I don’t know what idiot down voted our comments but they clearly missed the point that as parents teaching our kids to ride we are amazed at the talent displayed here and not slating it in any way...
  • 2 1
 Great job on this......really great to see these kids out there......awesome!
  • 2 1
 Le petit Fred Lariviere will be soon Lefleuve, and Lamer, and Locean in few years.
  • 1 0
 #poete
  • 5 4
 Those kids shred! Some expensive bikes, they must have got really good jobs at a young age.
  • 2 1
 Ah the days of being way too small for your bike... something I do not miss one bit. Healing overnight was nice, though.
  • 3 2
 Shame the Meek boys weren't there...
  • 3 2
 Toby would have won!
  • 3 1
 @Larkey1: We love the Meek Boys! Rode with them in Whistler. They shred!
  • 2 1
 we cant wait to ride with them next year at Crankworx!!
  • 1 1
 @liztwinbikemom: The whole Meek Clan is made of up amazing people.

We rode with them in NZ over Easter. Great times!
  • 2 0
 @Larkey1: sweet! My husband and I have put NZ on out list...Honestly can't wait!
  • 2 1
 Oh man, this is so cool. Can I join son?
  • 3 2
 10 yo doing big drop like that?
Wowww......
*Jaw Dropped
  • 3 2
 way to make me feel inadecuate.
  • 2 1
 Makes being a dad look frigging amazing.
  • 11 1
 Nope; it makes it friggin' terrifying!

People always say "you must love riding with your kids". I respond "you spend the whole time with your heart in your throat. I'm OK getting the call that they broke something, but I don't want to watch it happen"

Must be pay-back for what I put my parents through - Sorry Mom!
  • 5 1
 @plyawn: weirdly, I asked Danny Hart's mum that question in Norway (well, more watching them). she said that he had been riding since he was six , it was what he was good at doing and therefore it was the safest place for him to be
  • 2 1
 Some of those drops were massive!
  • 11 14
 As a parent of three young kids, one of whom won her first XC race this weekend, there are a few things in that video that feel borderline irresponsible for kids that age to be riding. Kids aren't wired to make good risk-based decisions - it's the job of the parent to help provide reasonable boundaries that expand as they grow. 10' drops while in grade school is impressive, no doubt, but those kids don't really understand the risk - and they sure as hell aren't doing this without parent support/encouragement. Yay for fostering talent and pushing boundaries, but it should be done safely.
  • 23 1
 As a parent of one of these kids, Fred, I agree that safety and good judgement are a top priority. These aren't just crazy kids, amped up on RedBull recklessly throwing themselves of cliffs. What you don't see in this video is the many years of riding, training, and building up to this type of riding. We don't just show up and huck off huge jumps ignorantly. Fred has been riding, jumping, and racing BMX since he was 3. Not just a little, but every day, hours and hours for years and years. We've ridden this area on many trips over the last several years. It started off on just really small jumps. Each trip gets a little bigger as they feel more comfortable and confident. He knows his boundaries and abilities, sets his own goals, and knows what he can't/shouldn't do. I have said no a few times, but it's rare that he wants to ride past his ability. From the 1,000s of hours he has spent on his bike, he can look at a jump and judge speed, trajectory, and landings with unbelievable precision. He has had plenty of crashes, so he knows the consequences, but when you are riding within your comfort zone it is a very calculated risk. I have been impressed riding with him to see the good decisions he makes about speed, lines, and when to walk or just say no. He's never had a concussion or any broken bones. We've seen more serious injuries in our family from soccer and gymnastics. We make sure he has the best equipment and protection available, and I know that makes a huge difference. Demon Dirt body armor, top end expensive helmets (6D), and neck braces make the sport much safer. I would feel much more nervous about him doing an XC race with fast descents in lycra and a half shell helmet. Smile There is definitely risk in this sport, but I strongly feel you can mange that risk with safe progression and top notch protection.
  • 2 8
flag oscartheballer (Nov 16, 2017 at 12:32) (Below Threshold)
 I couldn't agree more. Perhaps I am too old, but I recall a time when no one would let an 8 year old risk their femur doing this stuff. I am surprised that Bike parks don't seem to have age limits. We all crash, but unlike skiing, these kids are not closer to the ground when they fall. Adult sized jumps mean adult sized trauma.
  • 3 6
 @dantheriver: That's very true and a reasonable argument Dan but there were too many kids in that vid with no body armour nor even elbow pads. Given the number of times my daughter's knee pads and armour have saved her from serious abrasion or worse and that my son recently didn't wear his shin pads "cos they're uncomfy" only to then put a dent in his shin bone two runs later, I can't condone kids not padding up even though I'm all for them riding this stuff and more.
Anyway, good luck to all of them and it's great to see kids this young enjoying themselves doing what we all love so much.
  • 8 1
 I can promise you this is done safely. These kids are surrounded by an enormous amount of support from parents, coaches and the community. Most of them have been riding since they could walk. For example, my twins have been in the bike park since they were 4 ( there are pics of them in my profile at that age). Always working up in progression. These parents are all responsible. Not all kids are alike, some are more mature and can handle the understanding of the physics of this sport. We were front and center when Paul Bas crashed, and sustained a serious spinal injury at rampage 2 years ago. This is always a topic of discussion in risk vs. reward. These kids all know their limit. And with mine, we have a no pad no ride rule, and they are on big bikes which helps a ton. They are all in top of the line D30 pads, neck braces and FULL FACE helmets. I would be more nervous in a 1/2 shell and lycra racing XC or enduro...I have seen so many serious injuries in those. We travel and ride this area all the time, and spend every day during the summer in the bikepark. They are very precise, with thousands of hours on their bikes...indoor, outside. Also they have amazing air awareness...I am not even going to mention what they do on skis.
  • 2 1
 @dantheriver: could not have said it better.
  • 2 2
 Thanks for the replies, parents. Glad to hear you take safety seriously. I can't personally reconcile what I see in the video with my risk tolerances, but I also haven't eased into it over the course of years. Not sure that I'd ever be okay with it, honestly, but best of luck to your kids!
  • 3 1
 @Layman: I have recently got to the point where my sense of what's safe due to my riding level is starting to hold my sons riding back. He is better than me at jumping and skatepark now. He usually knows to ask me before trying something new, and I'm having to start looking at it more on the basis of his skill set and not what is safe for me. It's a hard balance, I know how I'll be judged as a parent if he gets hurt doing something by people that don't know the slow and steady progression he's gone through. And my kid isn't going nearly as big as some of these other kids. I trust my kid to make rational decisions on his riding as he's not prone to trying something way above his level.
  • 4 0
 These kids are amazingly talented. Talent like this does not come without some kind of inherent risk. No amount of progression comes without some kind of inherent risk, including allowing them to walk to school on their own. This is part of the problem with our current Society Parents are so overprotective about making sure that their children are comfortable and free of harm in all forms that the children grow up weak and incapable of dealing with emotional let alone physical harm. Kids this good don't get this good overnight. They take small risks over time that equate to talent that appears to be a big Risk to the individual who hasn't taken the time to develop those skills. None of the world's best athletes in any discipline ever get there without taking risks. A life without risk in any discipline whether it be work or play, is a life without reward.
  • 3 0
 When I was 13 I wanted to race BMX. For some time my parents wouldn't allow me to do so, regularly stating that the jumps were so big And I'd probably end up breaking a bone. I had to explain to them that there was a kid at school who broke his hand in his locker and his parents didn't stop making him go to school. There wasn't much argument after that. I now have grandkids and I can only hope that my children will even take them Outdoors long enough that they develop a passion for anything other than video games.
  • 3 0
 @bigwavedave: spot on!
  • 1 0
 I disagree entirely based on personal experiences
  • 4 0
 @bigwavedave: Dave, when at church I see like 5 different kids in casts. I ask what from and its stuff like falling in the kitchen or soccer. Im blown away by how many kids get hurt doing nothing. Not that it can't happen but West has never been hurt ever! He is caculated and knows how to take a fall.
  • 6 0
 As a parent of a child who rides at a similar level I can tell you that finding the balance between encouragement and risk avoidance is something I struggle with. I also want to echo what a few others have said in that most of the kids riding at this level spent a lot of time building up to it incrementally. One thing I've been impressed with here locally (and I hope this is going on elsewhere) is the level of support the kids have for one another. They get super amped to see one of their friends clean something for the first time and they are quick to understand and be supportive if someone passes and says they aren't feeling it. Although it happens, it's very rare that I ever see kids pressuring their fiends to try something above their ability or comfort level. If anything my experience has been that it is the opposite. Something else I've been impressed with my son and many of his friends is his ability to look at a feature and know right away if it's in his ability/comfort level and something he can do or something for another day. I've even watched him go through a jump line, looking really smooth to me, but pull out saying it didn't feel right.
Obviously kids this age aren't going to have the same judgement that comes with age but, speaking for us, my son has been injured as well as witnessed his friends and family get injured and I can tell that is taken into account when he's eyeing something up. Still, as a parent it's tough dealing with the mixed feelings of pride and fear. As long as I see what I feel is good judgement on the part of my son I'm willing to let him do his thing within reason. We are exposed to risk everyday of our lives. I also believe that nothing worthwhile in this world comes without risk, fear, and hard work and I think this type of thing helps to show this to these kids.

On a positive note, both my son and I loved the video and the photos. These kids are killing it! Keep it up and be safe!
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 @Locotiki: Great comment man!
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 I was racing BMX at 8 yrs old and was riding some local djs. By 12 I was riding diablo (now mtn creek). I knew when something was sketchy otherwise why wouldn't this event have 100 kids and 99 of them unable to walk away? They can process danger, it's in their genetics.. even babies put their hands out if they fall, it's not like they think they are playing a video game. You literally told everyone you limit the progression of your kids and put limits on what they can ride. My first lap via a lift was down the world Cup track and I survived, just a little beaten up... i wasnt forced to take a green 100x before going onto a blue 100x. I pushed myself within my own limits.

Honestly imo parents make it harder to learn. Being an "adult" to a kid means they have all the answers and are always right so I never learnt much except from my peers.. kids learn from other kids so much better imo because they think so much differently, have way less pressure on themselves, and have to ride so much differently because of their wheel size and their overall weight (I was 80 lbs riding a 50 lb giant faith adult s/m and I couldn't grip enough to brake for shit.)
  • 1 0
 @oscartheballer:

What about trees while skiing? I used to work at a ski resort and most deaths that happened were from impact with a tree or structure not from hitting a jump wrong and we had a world class terrain park with 100' kickers.
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 @bigwavedave: yes. this. Thankyou.
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 @bigwavedave: Absolutely!! I can tell you theat the majority of kids ( I know them all very well) in this vid are not gamers. Their attention span for electronics is about 20 minutes...and even then, they are watching the pros on YouTube or IG. These kids have all found each other because they are wired differently. A lot of them had issues finding themselves in school because they were not into the same things other kids are at their age. The parents , luckily are able to direct their passion in this way- to bikes...because face it, we love to do it as well. We all met each other in the spring of 2016 at the first Utah Gravity Series DH race. These kids all found each other. Not to say there is not a healthy dose of competition, but they all consider themselves good friends. They look out for each other and as parents, it is "a village" mindset. They can go to any one of us, and we all feel good that our kids are being cared for. Maybe it is because we live in Utah...but we are noticing as we have made friends in other states, and countries that it is very similar. We just happen to have a high concentration of kids who love this sport.
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 @Locotiki: Awesome! Yes!
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 @bigwavedave: Exactly!
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 @stevelloyd: that's also an age thing. These kids are so light when they fall from 10 ft it's not nearly as much weight as leverage. Don't get me wrong I starting breaking myself at 12 and years later it's a lot bigger of a deal for the same injury. They don't need to operate on kids nearly as often, they set it and throw it in a cast, and 2 days later they're back on a skateboard with a plaster shield. As you get older it's metal plate here, screw there.. same injuries but different treatments.

Teach em to stretch now so they have the habit for when they're older. I wear less gear now than I did then so maybe over pad them and slowly let a pad here or there go over the years. "Pros only wear a helmet" was a big thing to us as little groms..it is differenthat in dh than skateboarding and other things though.

I'm glad you taught him how to fall properly. I have had to explain that concept to so many people for so many different board sports and biking styles, it's crazy. A skill that can only be learned by practice.. ahah
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 Thanks for the calm, reasonable replies. It's good to hear different perspectives from other parents. Not shock at the downvotes, but it feels like this is a dialogue worth having.
  • 2 1
 Great!!!
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 Hi kids - just shit my pants.
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 great event! kids need this stuff too.
  • 2 1
 so dope
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 In the words of Rob Schnider, "You kids suck, you good at everything."
  • 1 1
 That just blew my mind! Grompage kids are amazing!
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 How cool is this? Awesome article.
  • 1 0
 Lucky
  • 1 0
 Grominators!
  • 1 1
 claps!! to the future
  • 3 1
 No kidding! 6 and making jumps like that? Just imagine when he hits 12...
  • 1 2
 Those kids' balls hang much lower then mine...
  • 1 1
 wow, that was cool....
  • 1 3
 Need find that kid with the Enves. I’m in need of a new wheelset
  • 1 2
 #sellbikebuyps4 :-D
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