Will be teaching my grandson the basics on his new 125 soon and was trying to figure out what the most important things to teach him are. Obviously there are many, but I think one of the most important things is to remember that turning is done best by using foot pressure. How about some input from everybody on the other main things to pass along. Thanks

That you are out there to have a good time and share some time together,

The rest of it is secondary.

I certainly agree with Al. Also, having only ridden a few years, one thing (among others) I still have trouble with is looking ahead.

These are pretty mundane, but perhaps some things to think about in addition to basically going out and having fun and the riding technique end of learning:

I think one thing which I wonder is often overlooked as a tip is to remember to breathe. I notice that sometimes I am holding my breathe as I ride until I complete one-or-more obstacles. It helps keep you loose and flexible.

Also, I think stretching before you ride is a good thing, too.

A parallel thought like Alan's, but especially important to having fun is not putting pressure on the youngster to perform like Dougie. Essentially, avoid the minicycle-dad mentality which sucks the fun out of things.

Mike

Oh, and teach them that bikes can be fixed or replaced, but body parts are a little harder to come by!

On a more serious note, and more along the line of what I believe you are looking for, if you can get them to understand how to stay "balanced" or "centered" on the bike, you will be way ahead.

With Christina, it is almost a Mantra, Knees out, look up.

With Dean here lately it is, owwww, that is going to hurt when he mis-times it!!!!! (the two new logs at the playground at TTC, jumping from the smaller and landing the front wheel on the larger then jumping over, It was ugly when he missed)

Edited March 8, 200422 yr by Alan Bechard

Having raised 7 kids, 4 girls and 3 boys, and having coached them in softball and basketball I can hopefully offer some suggestions. Two of my boys also ride trials with me. They have both attended a Ryan Young trining school. Ryan used to conduct one on one schools, I do not know if he does this anymore, I gave my youngest son a "Day with Ryan" for his 17th birthday and it really improved his riding skills.

1. Always be positive. Praise will accomplish much more than destructive criticism.

2. Consider taking him to a school, sometimes our kids / grandkids can learn much more from others than they can from us.

3. Consider buying him a good training video DVD as a gift. I am partial to the on that Ryan Young has. It starts out with the basics and moves on to the advanced techniques.

4. As said by others keep it FUN, let him determine how long you ride / practice.

Wayne