What I have learned. . .

So, if you are a mom that is getting thrown into this big dirt pile and don't really know what is going on, I want to say "Welcome!" And you are not alone. I am learning something new everyday. I was telling my neighbor last week that there needs to be an orientation for parents of kids going into middle school. Everything is so different then it was the last 6 years in elementary. I really feel like I was thrown into a lake and now it is time for me to sink or swim. That is also how I sometimes feel about this whole dirt bike thing. "Ummm, yes, can you direct me to the Dirt Bike Mom section of the book store?" Well, sister, if you find one, let me know. Until them, we can just learn from each other. I will just start with what is fresh on my mind and post updates as we go along and learn more. Chime in at any time. What I have learned as a Dirt Bike Mom: 1. Your kids are going to want to look like the guys racing on the Speed Channel, but it is really not necessary. When we got our two oldest their first dirt bikes we got them all the cool gear and the matching everything. I will have to admit, they looked very snazzy. However, my pocket book looked way empty when Christmas was over that year. You can buy a lot of new stuff from the clearance section of your favorite store (mine is Cycle Center of Denton - they know my name in there now!). I always find something for one of the riders in my house on the clearance rack for 40-50% off. My middle guy, he likes to find stuff on Craig's list. Now, you can get good stuff cheap on Craig's list. Some of it is kind of worn, but middle man likes it that way. He doesn't what to look like a newbie out on the track, so faded or torn is ok for him. There is also eBay. You can find some crazy good stuff there, especially on helmets, plastic replacements, and graphics for the bikes. And then you have your other internet stores. Rocky Mountain is one that we have bought a lot from, and they have a "Clearance" tab on their front page. I always make sure my guys have on riding pants, to protect from scratches and burns. A helmet - ALWAYS! And if they are on a bike (vs. a 4 wheeler) some type of neck protection. Anyway - your kid doesn't have to be all matchy-matchy unless they are racing. And at that point, you have already busted out your wallet, so keep passing the cash out! 2. The best training they will get is spending time in that seat just learning their bike. Really, you can get them all types of training and classes when they are starting out, but the best thing for a beginner is just doing it. Starting, stopping, changing gears - it all has to be practiced until it is second nature. And I am finding that consistency in that seat time plays a big part too. The less time they have between practicing, the less they forget.