The Window - Video
“Having a kid is terrifying, stressful, and exhausting. The murky waters you have to navigate as a first-time parent are full of uncertainties, self-doubt, and restless nights. I can also say that being a parent is unequivocally the greatest, most fulfilling experience you can ever imagine. The love I felt for my son actually shocked my system when I first met him. Every day has been an adventure since, and watching his charming and hilarious personality develop over the past 15 months has been a gift.
Being a parent also means that the life you knew is gone; which is not a bad thing. In fact, I’d say it’s downright amazing. I’m incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to forge a career based on riding bikes in the woods, but priority number one for any parent is the well being and development of their kid(s). I came up with ‘The Window’ concept to celebrate that, and pay homage to the parents who are doing their best, and enjoy every precious second on the trail when they’re not enjoying every precious second with their children and family. Naptime might not be enough time for a full day of bike park laps, or a 50 mile backcountry jaunt; but it’s more than enough time to go out and feel like a superhero for an hour or two on your local trails.” - Brice Shirbach
Brice rides big wheels with a short shock, in a small state with small hills, and still has a lot of fun.
Putting family first often makes riding in exotic destinations nearly impossible most of the time. That doesn't mean you can't go out and have yourself a hero ride closer to home.
On the gas, as there's always a diaper change waiting when the ride is done.
MENTIONS: @ReynoldsCycling / @briceshirbach / @FiveTen / @Maxxis / @anvlcomponents / @CommunityBikesandBoards
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During my last family vacation I woke up at 5 in th morning to get a 5 hour ride.
Being out on the trail alone and seeing sunrise - simply priceless.
You are a very lucky person for having twins. You gave your kid a sibling to keep them company for the rest of their life and you never need to have another kid. You're done with diapers in 2 years. Both will go to school at the same time, sports at the same time, graduate at the same time. You won't have to repeat stuff. Sounds flipping awesome.
I got a good one.
Great video, really hits home. Iv ridden the same trail about 100x this summer because its right out my front door and driving only cuts into riding time. Had to sell the DH bike too, and do the only reasonable thing, pick up a trail bike!
I also learned a new skill recently after breaking my collarbone requiring surgery; the one armed diaper change. It's not for the faint of heart and only for those father's with superior poop experience.
Yesterday received a blue/pink hardtail (Ghost Powerkid 20") and tomorrow I'll take my oldest daughter on her first mountainbike ride. They always knew how important riding mountainbikes is for me and they just wanted to have a go as well. Unfortunately it turns out to be too big for the youngest. So she's gutted as she loves to ride her bike no matter how tired she is. I might have to get her one too! You may not call it proper mountainbiking if I go on a ride with them, but it is just an extra ride for me so that's great. I'll finally take the time to work on my low speed skills, trackstands and manuals
To all riders (moms and dads) I'd say it is essential to exercise your passion when raising a kid. Teach your kid what moves you and that is essential in life to follow your passion rather than just whatever your boss/teacher/whatever tells you to do. Hopefully you'll raise a kid that happily and confidently picks up an activity instead of a cellphone to stop the boredom. Eventually it doesn't matter if they actually keep riding mountainbikes, prefer skateboards or just keep climbing trees.
I also live on RI/MA line... Diamond Hill, Lincoln Woods, Vietnam, Foxy... they all rock!
That being said, I freakin' LOVE living in a family-sized house with just my lady and dogs, out in the woods, riding whenever the f@$* we want and not giving a shit what happens tomorrow. I wouldn't trade it for all the kids in the world!
Her hangup has been injury-related more than time. I am currently nursing a torn ligament in my thumb that may require surgery so she's up in arms about that stuff. Any tips?
I think ill go tell her how cool she is right now.