64
|
SUMMER
2015
Whenkids are just beginning
, there is nobetter place
to ride than theGeorgian Trail. Its flat, wide and smooth, so
kidscan focusonpedalingandbalancewithouthaving to turn
or worry about hittinganything. Tip: Insteadof pushing them
along runningbehind, trypullingbackabit as youhold them
by thebackof the saddle so they canpedal against some re-
sistance. Learning tobalanceonabike is all about pedaling
and this isagoodway to teach that;whereas the running tech-
nique seems to encourage gliding over pedaling. Once up
and riding, theGeorgianTrail isalsoperfect for kids tobegin
building strength, enduranceand technique. Rides for popsi-
cles seemed toworkwell.
Once10kmor soon theGeorgianTrail ismastered, its time to
get thekidson some real dirt.Generally, youwant themonat
least a20 inchwheel (24 isbetter) so theycan roll over small
roots and rocks. The smaller thewheel the bigger any bump
feels. The LoreeForest and the trailsnear theClendenandam
inClarksburgareperfect for the first forayonto realdirt.At first
itwill bechallenging, but theseareasare relativelycontained
so that with you close by they could venture out with some
friendsand figure it out on theirown;monkey seemonkeydo.
Developingsomespeed,aggressionand fortitude is important
at this stagebecause thenext jumpup is substantial.
ESCARPMENT
®
PLAY|
kids riding trail
KATJA - AGE9 -RIDINGLOREEFOREST
NEKO - AGE4 -RIDINGCLENDENAN
