MartinYorkshire
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Hi all,
Just been out and decided to do a longer route than normal on spec. The max distance my lad had done previously since starting riding properly in March was around 10km. Todays route, it turned out, was 16.5km, which is quite a step up. It was offroad riding, part made, part unmade, with some rooty singletrack, not much in terms of elevation (about 150m) but a few short steep switchbacks offered a challenge.
He's only 6 (in Jan), so I don't want to push him too far, too fast. We averaged out at about 14km/h today, which is pretty gentle, but then he's a lot smaller than me.
He's riding a proper MTB with 24" wheels, which he just about fits, sort of. Steep hills he struggles sometimes, but most of the time he's alright with no complaints. He seems to have got the hang of the gears too which helps.
I wondered if any parents might volunteer opinion as to how to progress his riding without over stressing his little muscles and joints? I was thinking a mixed programme, varying the ride distance over similar terrain, maybe riding 4 times a week at 8 or 10km, then one longer ride of 15+
I know kids are all entirely different, but perhaps some of you could offer some insight to me as a first time parent?
I'd also be interested in whether or not people thought it might be worth shelling out for a lighter wheelset, as the OEM wheelset is quite heavy. I've already changed the tyres to some lightweight folders which saved an almost unbelievable 1kg in rotating weight.
Thanks all.
M
Just been out and decided to do a longer route than normal on spec. The max distance my lad had done previously since starting riding properly in March was around 10km. Todays route, it turned out, was 16.5km, which is quite a step up. It was offroad riding, part made, part unmade, with some rooty singletrack, not much in terms of elevation (about 150m) but a few short steep switchbacks offered a challenge.
He's only 6 (in Jan), so I don't want to push him too far, too fast. We averaged out at about 14km/h today, which is pretty gentle, but then he's a lot smaller than me.
He's riding a proper MTB with 24" wheels, which he just about fits, sort of. Steep hills he struggles sometimes, but most of the time he's alright with no complaints. He seems to have got the hang of the gears too which helps.
I wondered if any parents might volunteer opinion as to how to progress his riding without over stressing his little muscles and joints? I was thinking a mixed programme, varying the ride distance over similar terrain, maybe riding 4 times a week at 8 or 10km, then one longer ride of 15+
I know kids are all entirely different, but perhaps some of you could offer some insight to me as a first time parent?
I'd also be interested in whether or not people thought it might be worth shelling out for a lighter wheelset, as the OEM wheelset is quite heavy. I've already changed the tyres to some lightweight folders which saved an almost unbelievable 1kg in rotating weight.
Thanks all.
M
