Intro_racing_for_kids

[JohnT]

At first I was a little disappointed that young kids weren't invited to the Speedway series, but I am over that (I realize now it wouldn't have been best) and am writing to tell those of you with young bike enthusiasts about Victoria BMX. Andrew (8 yrs old) raced on Tuesday for the first time (not including a tour around Bastion Square in the TimBits Challenge when he was six). It was great fun. He's hooked.

A full face helmet is required. Andrew has a Norco Glide (somewhat lightweight, but with gears and other stuff you don't see on real BMX bikes). Something like that will do. They want kids in full-fingered gloves, long sleeves and long pants. There are practice evenings and race evenings. We went to the practice today (6pm - 8pm). Jon Waters was there too with his boys Owen and Daniel. Something else to consider is that it is a "stones throw" from the velodrome. It would be possible to bring the kids for BMX and ride the track at the same time - I think the track will be open everyday soon. Side note - there's a velodrome race tomorrow (Fri) evening.

I think there are single race options (for BMX), but we jumped in with both feet and bought a $55 annual membership.

JT

[Lister Farrar]

+1 The BMX track is inherently interesting for kids. In their heads they see themsleves doing big air, but really they are learning fundamental skills for all cycling (don't tell 'em, it'll spoil the fun.)

For interested adults, BMX teaches kids acceleration out of the saddle, bike body separation (because seats are low, but this separation is important in road and mtb cycling for standing acceleration, obstacles, emergency braking, cornering, jumping potholes), + riding alongside others and occasional contact without panicking.

Plus the rides and races are short, so kids work on skills and speed, which is what is recommended for kids until their growth spurt starts. (Vs the normal parent tendency to take them for a long straight ride on the goose until they're bored out of their minds...

Our kids started going when the youngest was on training wheels. Margaret Jenkins School club goes there as soon as the kids can manage the basics at the school yard, and before going to Hartland. Even preschool siblings on run-bikes had fun on the lower stretches of the track.