5 Tips for Mountain Biking with Kids
Are you preparing to take your kid mountain biking for the first time? Here are some of our top tips for making mountain biking fun for the whole family.
1. Make it fun!
Make sure your kids are enjoying it and having fun – don’t force them! They may need some encouragement to get into it at first, but you’ll quickly be able to tell whether they’re enjoying themselves or not. Start out by practicing bike handling skills at home, at the park or even on the way too and from school. Once they are a bit more comfortable riding their bike, you can even take them to the pump track or bike park to continue developing their bike skills even further. Keep it lighthearted - don’t make it TOO serious and badger them all the time. Your kid’s skills will develop naturally over time, so the most important lesson you can teach them is how to have fun!
2. Bring their friends along for the ride!
See if some of your kid’s friends want to go on a mountain biking playdate. Everything is more fun with friends, and mountain biking is no exception. Who knows - they could even become lifelong riding buddies!
3. Choose a bike that fits properly.
A bike that is too big can make your kid lose confidence, especially if they’re struggling to reach the floor or pedals. Resist the temptation to size up to a bike that they’ll grow into. Instead, you’ll want to make sure their bike fits them comfortably at the height they’re at. You’ll also want to make sure that the gearing and brake systems are appropriate for their age and skill level. A bike that is too complicated to use can be discouraging to young ones.
4. Don’t make it too hard.
Start on mellow trails that are challenging yet not too tough. Keep in mind that a smaller bike with smaller wheels means that your kid will have a tougher time matching pace with you. Don’t be afraid to take it slow and stop for rest breaks when needed! You’ll also want to go for shorter rides, especially when starting out with younger kids, so as not to tire them out too much. Use a tow rope, such as the Shotgun Tow Rope, to help them tackle tough hills. Don’t forget to untie the tow rope once you get to the top to avoid a nasty crash!
5. Always carry bribery snacks!
Snacks are easy way to reward your kid during your biking adventures. If your kid is starting to feel run-down and hungry after a tiring bike ride, a tasty treat is an easy, fun way to get them to perk back up!