What makes a dad happy?

[BobO]

A few weeks back my 12 year old son asked how I can ride for so long. I explained how training works and how the effort results in being stronger, faster and healthier. He thought about it for a while, then asked, "do you think I could do it?" There were several other hints over weeks.

Yesterday he asked if he could go ride with me.

There are few things in the world that would make me happier. This afternoon we visited my favorite local bike shop. He walked out proudly with a new Giant Contend 1 in Neon Red. It's not the lightest piece, but it should make for a good starting point.

More than anything I look forward to spending time with my son while he still wants me around. Anyway, today is one of the good days.

[weisan]

Win!

[Roger M]

That's awesome, Dad! My son just turned nine. He started riding a 650c wheeled road bike last fall and we really have a great time together on the local MUPs.

From tonight's short ride

[geordanh]

This is so great.

Can't wait for this stage myself. It's mostly sh*t, tantrums, and diapers at the moment.


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[vqdriver]

Well done.

[CMiller]

Fantastic!

Bonding over cycling brought my dad and I closer together. He rode a Mercian around Berkeley in his 20s and gave it to me, which I proudly rode around the same city in my 20s. I hold that bike more dear to my heart than any other possession.

Find what attracts him to cycling and connect with him on that. If it's the endurance, train together for an event. If it's the mechanics then buy him a useful tool every year. If it's bonding with dad, you're already doing that!

[roadie7]

Congratulations!! My son and I rode and worked in the same bike store throughout middle school, high school and college when he came home. Looking back (he has his own family now) cycling kept us in touch through the teenage years. On the trail we were two friends and in the store we were colleagues. The conversations flowed into many areas that, I believed, would have been off-limits if we were parent and son. It took time but it paid off then and now more than we ever imagined. Starting young is great. It means that you may ride in places you dislike (I was a terrible mountain biker with all the scrapes and bruises to prove it). But the ultimate pay off are enduring stories and a closeness unique and absent between many dads and kids.

[colker]

Originally Posted by weisan

Win!

^this

[shovelhd]

This is great. Keep us posted.

[Cicli]

My kid has a nice bike, not into the ride. Hopefully the other kid will use it.
Congrats to you.

[Tickdoc]

Yesss! So much goodness here. Not even my kid and I'm happy.

[sales guy]

Those who can do this with their kids are incredibly lucky. This, or soccer or whatever, enjoy it. Take lots of pictures. Mention it to them often. You are luckier than you could ever imagine.

[Cicli]

Originally Posted by sales guy

Those who can do this with their kids are incredibly lucky. This, or soccer or whatever, enjoy it. Take lots of pictures. Mention it to them often. You are luckier than you could ever imagine.

No truer words ever said.

My father told me once "take every opportunity, you never know when a moment will become a memeory".

[BobO]

He did great on his first ride.

He's got the legs for it too. I watched him mash up this little hill like Ullrich. We'll work on cadence on his next ride.

[Matthew]

That's awesome!! Just think, in a couple years he will be a member here and will want a new Firefly!