RR: Rails to Trails - and Stephen

[CC]

Ok this is more about the fact that I got my son out on his bike, than the actual trail. As some of you know, it's been really difficult to get my kids involved in bike riding. Long story.

I have been trying to encourage my son to get out and ride, he is a very routined individual and usually we have to let he know in advance that were doing something different. I remember one time he even cried all the way to Disneyland because it was a spur of the moment decision to go. (ok - he's not quite that bad anymore).

Anyway yesterday he was so enthusiastic about improving his time in the mile that when I asked, as I usually do, if he wanted to go for a bike ride, he said YES! That was so cool. Now I needed to get home and get things going before he changed his mind. Which BTW wouldn't be the first time.

So were off on the new trails they put in behind our house. The rail trails are flat and perfect for him because he doesn't ride much. He was really having fun out there, pushing down on his front fork to pop up the front tire and weaving in and out of an imaginary line. I was just really happy that he was having fun with it. We did about 8-10 miles total, but most of all we talked.....About lots of things, and also about how I've had a hard time trying to figure out what motivates him. I think we figured out its money. So I am going to pay him a $1 for every miles he runs and $1 for every 3 mile he rides. Hey whatever it takes!

Here's a pic of him:
Stephen on the bike 3-18.JPG

Thanks for listening.

[mtnbikej]

he bike looks a bit small for him......

[Letyrides]

Congrats on getting him out. If someone paid me per mile I'd be out doing centuries every day! LOL

[faded1004]

i think you may start to get adoption requests...

sounds good that he started... hope he enjoys is like all of us!

[theclayster]

Originally Posted by Letyrides

Congrats on getting him out. If someone paid me per mile I'd be out doing centuries every day! LOL

I agree, i would be running and riding like it was my job.

hope he continues to ride

[CC]

Well my son likes to sit and watch tv or play video games, so if it takes money to motivate him, it will be worth it. I don't see him doing any marathons or centuries in the next few months. And it's going to be short term, until he can see some results and be a little more self motivated. So it's all good.

[Letyrides]

half the battle is finding motivation right?
I was one of those kids that liked to do things on my own and the minute someone tried to help me or give me attention I didn't want to do that anymore?! I've always been backwards!

[guero]

very cool CC. thanks for sharing the story with us.

[Hanzo]

Nice story!!! Congrats on getting him out there on the bike! You think he might want to join you on the newbie ride?

[CalEpic]

Originally Posted by CC

Well my son likes to sit and watch tv or play video games, so if it takes money to motivate him, it will be worth it. I don't see him doing any marathons or centuries in the next few months. And it's going to be short term, until he can see some results and be a little more self motivated. So it's all good.

Great job Cathy. My kids are the same way. They do have fun once they're riding though.

I limit their computer/video games to 1 hour per day max.

C

[CC]

Originally Posted by Hanzo

Nice story!!! Congrats on getting him out there on the bike! You think he might want to join you on the newbie ride?

I mentioned it to him yesterday, but he's wasn't interested. Which probably is good thing, for the Marshal Cyn ride, because he's not ready for Mt. Marshal Cyn. LOL - I will also be sweeping the ride and when I do get him on the trail, I want to be able to just focus on him and not other riders.

Baby steps...

[RidetheRAAM4]

Originally Posted by CalEpic

Great job Cathy. My kids are the same way. They do have fun once they're riding though.

I limit their computer/video games to 1 hour per day max.

C

You should write a book about that! I guess 99% of parents don't know that they need to limit computer/video game time for their kids.

[sheclimbs]

Congratulations on getting him out there. I know you've been trying to get him out there for a long time.
Like you said baby steps.

[HUGH]

Great stuff!! Nice to see him on the bicycle.
I might have to start charging you when we ride together now that I read this

HUGH

[un-kola]

Congradulations! Who knows,you someday may have to pay him to let you keep up with him! - Lloyd

[stinkyrider]

Originally Posted by CalEpic

Great job Cathy. My kids are the same way. They do have fun once they're riding though.

I limit their computer/video games to 1 hour per day max.

C

It would be funny as hell to tell them they can watch all the TV they want then lock out every single channel except C-Span.

[dstepper]

Hey that hemet looks familar! Good stuff when do we hit the dirt................

[CC]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Hey that hemet looks familar! Good stuff when do we hit the dirt................

It should look familiar, you won it as a raffle prize. It's a little big though, but his other one was getting smaller (lol, it's shrinking). I need to take it slow with this grasshopper...if you push too hard he will just get frustrated and stop. I know if I put a dog in a basket in front of him he'll keep pedaling (sort of like a carrot on a stick) Stephen loves dogs...and when he wants to visit any of my friends I always say, oh you mean you want to play with their dog. Funny kid, good heart. LOL

I'm hoping to get him out camping and riding trails this summer. But he needs a lot of practice before he can climb or come down anything that looks like a hill.

[Fired Yo Momma]

DO you talk with him about the chicks? If you want I can help you out their