My older boys are in 6th and 7th grade. Mavrick, is 11 and weighs about 85 lbs soaking wet, and is about 4' 10". He has been riding continually on two wheels for three years now. He has in just the last few months felt comfortable enough to move from a 65 to an 85. We purchased the 85 for him in the spring. To be honest, he just wasn't ready for it. His legs weren't long enough to keep the bike upright. The strength in his legs weren't strong enough to start the bike. And mentally, it was a lot more bike then the 65. It really wasn't until about the first of August that he was able to "fit" on the 85, and now he loves it.
I say all this because when you have a kid that doesn't start riding a 50 at the age of four or five, it can be difficult as a parent to put them on the right bike. AND just because it fits does not mean that your kid is ready for what he CAN ride. He may have the desire to ride a bigger bike, just make sure he has the ability. It's kind of like being at the water park during the summer, "just because you CAN wear it does not me that you SHOULD wear it."
My boys have a friend from school that wants to start riding with his dad. This kid is probably about 115 lbs and about 5' 2". He was telling my boys that he and his dad were going to get 250's. Now Michael, my cautious one, said to his dad "Mr Cash, Johnny is gonna kill himself on a 250." Johnny is almost 13 and never been on a dirt bike. He may fit on a 250, but he is in no way prepared for the power he could get out of a 250. While I don't expect Johnny to kill himself, a broken arm wouldn't be surprising. Then there is also the chance that he won't be able to handle it - the weight of it, the power, starting it, shifting it or riding it. What happens is Johnny gets frustrated and just decides that it is not for him and Mr Cash has two 250's sitting in the garage till he puts them on Craig's list.
I guess what I am trying to tell you is don't let egos get in your way of the right starter bike for you or your kid. Just about anyone can ride an 85. Find someone who has one and take it for a spin. Then move up until you find the bike that fits your body and your ability. I promise your experience will be much better!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Wear your boots!
Yesterday, my oldest son, Michael, went with Mark and Mavrick to ride their bikes. Michael rides a quad now, that is, when he rides. We found out in the spring of 2011 that Michael has Juvenile Arthritis in his feet and legs. He was on an 85 then, and I think it kind of scared him, not only because the bike was bigger (he had just come off of a smaller bike), but also that it is more difficult for his body to heal if he does get hurt. Michael has always been extremely cautious, so he decided that he would be more comfortable on a quad.
Michael doesn't have a passion for it like Mavrick does. Or even his dad for that matter. They both enjoy the speed and the opportunity to cheat an accident. Michael's cautious side prevents him for getting too crazy. More often then not he will decline the invitation to go riding with them.
But yesterday he went. They offered him the opportunity to video some of the riding, and his creative side won out. Now Michael has all the gear that the others have, but for some reason doesn't think he needs to wear it. Even his boots. He always wears pant, never shorts, but usually his jeans and not his riding pants. So yesterday he wore a new pair of jeans and the tennis shoes I bought him month ago for school. They had a great time. Everyone was glad that he went and he is even excited about going with them again soon!
However, when Michael woke up this morning his feet were in real pain. It had been months since he had been on his quad, and he was on it for several hours yesterday. Between the standing and gear shifting, he really had irritated the arthritis in his feet.
Keep in mind, on a quad the foot pegs are quite a bit larger then the foot pegs on a bike. It is so important to use the proper gear, on a bike or a quad. There is a reason the boots have the soles and are stiff and go up to your knees. Whatever you are riding, wear your boots! It is just not cool to go to work with your feet hurting on Monday morning because you decided you didn't need to wear the $300 pair of boots in your gear bag. And it's really not cool when you have a burn scar on the inside of your leg because you burnt it while your boots were in your closet at home. Just wear your boots!
Michael doesn't have a passion for it like Mavrick does. Or even his dad for that matter. They both enjoy the speed and the opportunity to cheat an accident. Michael's cautious side prevents him for getting too crazy. More often then not he will decline the invitation to go riding with them.
But yesterday he went. They offered him the opportunity to video some of the riding, and his creative side won out. Now Michael has all the gear that the others have, but for some reason doesn't think he needs to wear it. Even his boots. He always wears pant, never shorts, but usually his jeans and not his riding pants. So yesterday he wore a new pair of jeans and the tennis shoes I bought him month ago for school. They had a great time. Everyone was glad that he went and he is even excited about going with them again soon!
However, when Michael woke up this morning his feet were in real pain. It had been months since he had been on his quad, and he was on it for several hours yesterday. Between the standing and gear shifting, he really had irritated the arthritis in his feet.
Keep in mind, on a quad the foot pegs are quite a bit larger then the foot pegs on a bike. It is so important to use the proper gear, on a bike or a quad. There is a reason the boots have the soles and are stiff and go up to your knees. Whatever you are riding, wear your boots! It is just not cool to go to work with your feet hurting on Monday morning because you decided you didn't need to wear the $300 pair of boots in your gear bag. And it's really not cool when you have a burn scar on the inside of your leg because you burnt it while your boots were in your closet at home. Just wear your boots!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Website!
I forgot to mention that my website is finally up! WooHoo! It is not complete, but it is up! You can access this blog there, and we are working on a page for reviews on everything from bikes to braces to the Go Pro Mark bought yesterday. There is a page called "mom's wisdom" that we wanted to make kind of as a forum to share all kinds of information and have our readers share there too. And finally a page called "goodies for mom." This page will have t-shirts, bags, hats, and all kinds of other stuff to purchase.
I am really excited, mainly because I have finally got something up! The address has had a "coming soon" sign on it since March of 2011! Dang! Anyway, go check it out, and keep coming back to see the changes. We would love to hear what you think, what be helpful and what we should add. We went into this sport totally blind and would love to help make it easier for other parents new to the sport.
I am really excited, mainly because I have finally got something up! The address has had a "coming soon" sign on it since March of 2011! Dang! Anyway, go check it out, and keep coming back to see the changes. We would love to hear what you think, what be helpful and what we should add. We went into this sport totally blind and would love to help make it easier for other parents new to the sport.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Training - The best teacher
Today, Mark and Mavrick went out to run an errand while I ran a few with everyone else. When they got home, they brought with them a Go Pro high def helmet cam. Ouch! Didn't have that in the budget. Anyway, of course they had to go ride and try it out.
I haven't been able to go watch Mav ride since the beginning of the summer. So, when they got home with their video in hand, I was excited to watch it. And I have to say, he has improved a lot since just June. He has moved up officially from his 65 to his 85. He had gone back and forth between them for several months, but rides the 85 all the time now. He is really picking up some air on the jumps. And in the video you could hear him getting to the power band at just the right moment.
We have done several classes, and even sent him to a 3 day camp this summer, but riding, having his behind in that seat, really has been the best training for him. I had read that very thing several times over the last 2-and-1/2 years and still wanted to find more training for him. But seat time really is the best teacher.
All you moms and dads who have unpacked your pockets to get your kids a bike and gear that they aren't comfortable on yet, just keep them riding... if they say they want to that is. Mav didn't want to give up, but it was obvious that he was not at all comfortable with his skill level for a long time. Just keep them riding. They will either get it all clicking before long, or it just really won't be their sport. It won't take long before you are able to tell. I ended up with one of both :)
I haven't been able to go watch Mav ride since the beginning of the summer. So, when they got home with their video in hand, I was excited to watch it. And I have to say, he has improved a lot since just June. He has moved up officially from his 65 to his 85. He had gone back and forth between them for several months, but rides the 85 all the time now. He is really picking up some air on the jumps. And in the video you could hear him getting to the power band at just the right moment.
We have done several classes, and even sent him to a 3 day camp this summer, but riding, having his behind in that seat, really has been the best training for him. I had read that very thing several times over the last 2-and-1/2 years and still wanted to find more training for him. But seat time really is the best teacher.
All you moms and dads who have unpacked your pockets to get your kids a bike and gear that they aren't comfortable on yet, just keep them riding... if they say they want to that is. Mav didn't want to give up, but it was obvious that he was not at all comfortable with his skill level for a long time. Just keep them riding. They will either get it all clicking before long, or it just really won't be their sport. It won't take long before you are able to tell. I ended up with one of both :)
Friday, September 21, 2012
Monster Energy Supercross
Last night, Mavrick, my 6th grader, had to write a paper about his road map. The road map was an illustration of important events in his life. The event he chose to write about was his trip to see the Monster Energy Supercross at Cowboy Stadium in the spring of 2011. I had to type the paper for him, and I was very impressed at the impact it had made on him.
He remembered who took the "hole shot" in the 450's. He remembered who won that night (Villapoto). He even remembered that James Stewart crashed into Ryan Dunge - and that it was right after Stewart had been arrested for impersonating an officer so fans were really talking a lot of smack.
In the paper, he said that was the night that his life changed forever because it made him want to be a professional supercross rider. He wants to hear the crowd cheering him on and yelling his name. It was really a great paper, and I was so proud of him for remembering so much about the event. We will definitely take him again when they travel this way. Thanks Monster Energy!
He remembered who took the "hole shot" in the 450's. He remembered who won that night (Villapoto). He even remembered that James Stewart crashed into Ryan Dunge - and that it was right after Stewart had been arrested for impersonating an officer so fans were really talking a lot of smack.
In the paper, he said that was the night that his life changed forever because it made him want to be a professional supercross rider. He wants to hear the crowd cheering him on and yelling his name. It was really a great paper, and I was so proud of him for remembering so much about the event. We will definitely take him again when they travel this way. Thanks Monster Energy!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Return of the Helmet
With prices like that, there really is not a good reason to not just purchase a new helmet when you need one and not worry about where it's been and what it has been through! BUT, the matte finish that Mark thought he was ordering came as a kind of painted on rubber type finish. In shipment, it got rubbed at the peak of the helmet and the rubber matte coating came off revealing a shinny finish. Iron Pony Motorsports has given me an RMA and I will return it and get something else. But, learn from my mistakes, order early and check your merchandise as soon as it comes in. This helmet is for Mav's birthday on Monday, so while he won't have it on his birthday, at least we can get one on it's way - AGAIN!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Safety Gear - From the Top
**Disclaimer: I still consider our family pretty new to motocross/dirt biking. My two older boys got their first bikes two Christmas's ago in 2009. So, I am obviously still learning the ropes. We are not professionals in any way, shape or form. But if you are a parent, and want an honest opinion, you will get that from me.
With that, lets discuss Motocross Safety Gear. Take this with a grain of salt as my kids don't race. . . yet, anyway. We will start with the helmet. It is a MUST! Period. I know that some states don't require street riders to wear them, and to me, that is just stupid. But I am talking about my kids. Your kids. If something happened to them, some freak accident, would it be worth it? No. It would not. We ride on our family's private property most of the time. My mom has not posted rules on her front door, but most of you will be riding on tracks and will be required to wear helmets and sign a liability release saying you will. I am huge believer in parents setting an example, so put your helmet on too, even if you are just riding a short distance.
An important thing to look for is the DOT rating. Most helmets you find will be DOT approved. A newer rating system is Snell. I don't know much about this system other than it is above and beyond the DOT approval. Helmets can cost anywhere from $30 to $700 and beyond. You will probably pay a little bit more for a helmet that is both DOT and Snell approved. We have somehow acquired about 10 helmets over the past 2 1/2 years, which is funny because we only have 3 1/2 riders in our house. If you are buying used, or even have one shipped to you, you need to make sure that there are no cracks in it anywhere. Skid marks or deep scratches really are not a good indication either, as you don't want to take any chances with the structure of the helmet being compromised. You want to make sure that there are plenty of vents in the helmet because those things get HOT! You don't want to give them an excuse to not wear it. And you need to make sure that the pads on the inside are not worn out. They need to be plenty "paddy" and ideally, the pads should be Velcroed or snap in and out so you can wash them.
We bought one helmet with a bike once, we got a little bitty one at a garage sale, we were given one from Family Powersports in Weatherford, we have got a couple on ebay, and a couple from big retailers like Rocky Mountain or Motocross Giant. One of the reasons we have so many is because our boys are growing so fast. You want them to have a snug fit, but not too tight. If it is too lose and they have an accident it can fall off and be of no use at all. It is very difficult for to pay out a chunk of change for something we know we will have to replace before the end of a year. So, if you are buying from one of the big retailers, check their closeout page online. You can find great deals on just about everything! Finally, for a good fit, get out the tape measure and measure the kid's head. Most manufactures have a size chart online.
Interesting fact: You can not sale a helmet in the US unless it is DOT rated. The cheap ones are sold on eBay as "replica" helmets.
With that, lets discuss Motocross Safety Gear. Take this with a grain of salt as my kids don't race. . . yet, anyway. We will start with the helmet. It is a MUST! Period. I know that some states don't require street riders to wear them, and to me, that is just stupid. But I am talking about my kids. Your kids. If something happened to them, some freak accident, would it be worth it? No. It would not. We ride on our family's private property most of the time. My mom has not posted rules on her front door, but most of you will be riding on tracks and will be required to wear helmets and sign a liability release saying you will. I am huge believer in parents setting an example, so put your helmet on too, even if you are just riding a short distance.
An important thing to look for is the DOT rating. Most helmets you find will be DOT approved. A newer rating system is Snell. I don't know much about this system other than it is above and beyond the DOT approval. Helmets can cost anywhere from $30 to $700 and beyond. You will probably pay a little bit more for a helmet that is both DOT and Snell approved. We have somehow acquired about 10 helmets over the past 2 1/2 years, which is funny because we only have 3 1/2 riders in our house. If you are buying used, or even have one shipped to you, you need to make sure that there are no cracks in it anywhere. Skid marks or deep scratches really are not a good indication either, as you don't want to take any chances with the structure of the helmet being compromised. You want to make sure that there are plenty of vents in the helmet because those things get HOT! You don't want to give them an excuse to not wear it. And you need to make sure that the pads on the inside are not worn out. They need to be plenty "paddy" and ideally, the pads should be Velcroed or snap in and out so you can wash them.
We bought one helmet with a bike once, we got a little bitty one at a garage sale, we were given one from Family Powersports in Weatherford, we have got a couple on ebay, and a couple from big retailers like Rocky Mountain or Motocross Giant. One of the reasons we have so many is because our boys are growing so fast. You want them to have a snug fit, but not too tight. If it is too lose and they have an accident it can fall off and be of no use at all. It is very difficult for to pay out a chunk of change for something we know we will have to replace before the end of a year. So, if you are buying from one of the big retailers, check their closeout page online. You can find great deals on just about everything! Finally, for a good fit, get out the tape measure and measure the kid's head. Most manufactures have a size chart online.
Interesting fact: You can not sale a helmet in the US unless it is DOT rated. The cheap ones are sold on eBay as "replica" helmets.
Monday, March 5, 2012
What Happened?
You may be asking yourself, "What happened to this Dirt Bike Mom thing?" Well, I ask myself that question several times a week. When I start thinking about it, I get so excited again and just want to jump in and go for it. Then something happens and I get thrown off track. Last year about this time it was Michael and his arthritis, then summer and the kids were home, then school starting, then my hysterectomy, then Christmas. Now, here we are, a year later. More excuses then desire I guess. But as the weather gets warmer and we ease into riding season, I am finding myself pondering possibilities.
I am going on a trip for 10 days with my mom and my sister. We will spend a bit of time on planes and trains, so I hope to be able to do some reading. I hope I can get my head in the game and come back ready to make a plan that I can move forward with... this is my hope, anyway!
I am going on a trip for 10 days with my mom and my sister. We will spend a bit of time on planes and trains, so I hope to be able to do some reading. I hope I can get my head in the game and come back ready to make a plan that I can move forward with... this is my hope, anyway!
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