rcwellie

Sammie!!!!!!

gearbox ebikes are a no brainer.

So good she is back - yes for the sport - but first and foremost for her. Kudos to her team as well- sounds like are supporting her really well and will be stoked to have her back on the starting line!

If that border collie is anything like mine it will be thinking of balls, pinecones, sticks, sheep, or biking.....

Good question - and something that pops up quite a bit - especially if there is a family involved and mum/dad are already riding and then the kids get in to it - the other half can feel curious/left out. Best to start by checking they are actually keen - no point flogging a dead horse. And stake it slow. Dont buy them the last v10 and expect them to ltake to it. Base what you do and where you go on what they are capable and interested in. A super fit, athletic outdoor-loving plus one is a different proposition to a nervous, less-fit person who hasnt seen a trail before. Think back to when you started - even simple green trails can be pretty intimidating so start somewhere safe and within their limits - use this to have fun and cover the basics - learn to ride again if needs be and check in on the stuff that will make riding fun and safe - braking, some simple tips on cornering, body position/standing on pedals etc. Then after all this effort, it will eventually turn to shite because they decide that you can't teach them, so hook them up with a fun beginners group and lessons......

Lots of snacks. Stop and play games off the bike when they feel like it. More snacks. Get their friends to come along. More snacks. If/when its a crap day, pull the pin and do something else. Find "secret trails" and "A-lines" and celebrate like its the coolest thing ever. Let them get muddy and help work on their bike (easy, messy stuff goes down really well). Did I mention the snacks?

Stick with it! We had heaps of amazing adventures (eventually) Now the kids are in their late teens and have ditched me (both can ride like beasts but when they do ride they are off with their mates) and now its just me, the wife and the dog. The dog thinks all his dreams have come true when we hit the trails...

@VtVolk: its doesnt quite work like that. A kid on a small bike with small mass, no matter how good they are skill wise, will still be slower on a lot of trails simply due to their weight and their bike. Case in point. My son on his 24 inch ripcord coiuld ride pretty much anytthing but as he weighed bugger all I could run him over easily on flow. Yes, 100% make sure the kids can pull over and know that's what expected of them - just like anyone progressing or riding any trial. And last time i checked their $ is equally valuable as yours so why should the paid/not paid status make any difference? Should expert riders expect everyone else to stay off blacks and double blacks in paid bike parks unless they can absolutely rip them at speed?

@bocomtb: on all trails. but when it is some kids or a newbie, maybe cut them some slack and say something like "great riding, when you get a chance and its safe it would be cool if you could pull over so I can zoom past" - you'll end up with a kid who thinks you are a star and who will continue to have a cool day out.

@bocomtb: kids weight nothing. Small wheels. Even if their skils and talent far exceed yours its likely they will still be slower. You comments could equally be said about any fast rider - they could run you over, smash it up behind you and be a dick. Everyone needs to be courteous and look out for each other. Kids are more often than not the key to trail advocacy, not to mention, the future of riding. Turning them off at a young age by limiting their progression or being a dick doesnt help anyone.....