Matt-H
05-15-2012, 09:23 AM
My oldest son has been into bikes since he was very young. In fact, our first home was a small Cape Cod filled with bikes so it was natural that "bike" was his first word. Since then, we ride, hang out a bit at local bike shops, go to some races, and watch the Spring Classics when we have some time. And although I never push my kids to do anything they don't want to do, if there is an interest, I support them fully. :)
He has been asking me for a year to start racing at our local velodrome. Age 9 is the cut-off, so with a birthday in late January, this season he was finally eligible and he loves it! It was awesome to see him on the first day get on the track and take off, feeling a fixed bike under him for the first time and, after a few laps, grabbing the wall. In no time, he was riding hard and putting in some really impressive efforts before popping, recovering quickly (kids recover fast!) and doing it all over again. But most of all, he is making friends with other kids that love bikes and having a great time.
I have to say, the kids and parents in his racing league are great. Everyone is very supportive and encouraging. The first few weeks one young girl was having a hard time getting used to the bike and track, and fell several times. After some one-on-one time with a coach learning and gaining confidence on the infield, she made her first lap with parents clapping and cheering her on. I always hear some kids cheering for my son, who is one of the smallest in the league.
He may not become the next great track star, but I really don't care. He is riding more than me right now, and I love it. A proud Dad, for sure!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7181982298_e449f33762_z.jpg
He has been asking me for a year to start racing at our local velodrome. Age 9 is the cut-off, so with a birthday in late January, this season he was finally eligible and he loves it! It was awesome to see him on the first day get on the track and take off, feeling a fixed bike under him for the first time and, after a few laps, grabbing the wall. In no time, he was riding hard and putting in some really impressive efforts before popping, recovering quickly (kids recover fast!) and doing it all over again. But most of all, he is making friends with other kids that love bikes and having a great time.
I have to say, the kids and parents in his racing league are great. Everyone is very supportive and encouraging. The first few weeks one young girl was having a hard time getting used to the bike and track, and fell several times. After some one-on-one time with a coach learning and gaining confidence on the infield, she made her first lap with parents clapping and cheering her on. I always hear some kids cheering for my son, who is one of the smallest in the league.
He may not become the next great track star, but I really don't care. He is riding more than me right now, and I love it. A proud Dad, for sure!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7181982298_e449f33762_z.jpg