If you are an avid mountain biker and a parent, you might be eager to get your tots on the trails with you.This isn’t something that will just happen and will require a fair amount of effort, time, and patience to get them to the point that they are racing down hills and braving rocky terrain with you. Taking the time to make it fun for your kids and teach them the necessary skills will set a solid foundation for a lifelong love of mountain biking and a new riding partner for you. We have some tips to help get your kids on some trails and fall in love with riding in no time

1. Start them on a balance bike

You can start your child on a balance bike as young as 18 months. It is an excellent way to teach balance, how to lean, and when to put your feet down if needed. Balance bikes don’t have training wheels and are lightweight, so your child can lift them and move them around. As they progress and become more skilled on a balance bike, you can purchase one with breaks so they can get a feel for breaking before you take them for their first mountain biking trek. Get them out often so they can become familiar with their bikes and be comfortable riding them. Take your time. They won’t be having any fun if they have to try and keep up with you. Instead, slow down to their pace so they don’t feel rushed.

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2. Have the right gear for them

After getting your kid the right bike, it’s time to find all the right gear for them. A helmet is a must. Helmets have changed so much over the years. Taking your kids with you to buy a helmet is smart. Let them try helmets on and find one that feels comfortable and fits well. Make sure to pack a first aid kit that is kid-friendly. It’s almost guaranteed that someone will end up with a scraped knee or elbow. Some other items to consider are sunscreen, bug spray, children’s Tylenol or aspirin, hand sanitizer, and lots of water to stay hydrated.

3. Don’t let them get hungry

You know when you’re riding and hit the wall, so to speak. That also happens to kids, usually a lot quicker than you think. Have lots of snacks packed, especially if it’s a long or tough ride, and as soon as your kid starts whining, it’s time for a snack, or you are headed for a full-blown meltdown. Some great snacks to take for your kids are fruit, fresh and dried, trail mix, sandwiches, granola bars, and maybe some treats to sweeten up the experience. If you are planning a long ride, it might be a nice idea to find a spot for a picnic so they can rest and refuel without feeling rushed.

4. Find some trails they like

If you are a mountain biking beginner or unsure how to time a trail for your kid. Try riding on a shorter trail and see how they do. If your kid is still up for riding longer, you can keep repeating the trail until they have had enough. Letting them get used to trails will help build their confidence and prepare them to take on more challenging trails in the future. You may not want to start on trials with many hills or areas that require you to carry your bike. This might be difficult for your child and boring. They want to ride, not fight to get up a hill. Finding a trail with a destination to go to is fun for kids, like a waterfall or a beautiful view. If you don’t have anything available like that with the trails around you, packing a picnic and stopping halfway is an idea, or circling a trail back to your car for a fun treat is also good motivation to get through a ride and keep it interesting.

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5. Give them lots of praise

Giving your kids lots of praise while mountain biking is a great way to keep them encouraged and engaged. Don’t give them run-of-the-mill compliments, like “good job” They are generic, and while they feel good, sometimes hearing more specific praise is much more beneficial. Saying things like “I saw you get over that big rock,” “You are riding faster than ever today,” or “I saw how hard you pushed yourself to get up that hill.” This praise lets your kids know they are doing a good job, their efforts are being noticed, and you are genuinely paying attention to them.

6. Enjoy the time spent with your kids

It will be in a blink of an eye before your kids are bigger, faster, and taking on more challenging trails than you, so don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the time you have with them. Stop to smell the flowers, literally. When you stop for a rest, don’t be eager to get back on your bikes if your kids want to explore or just hang out a little longer and chat. These moments are not only precious but fleeting. They are making memories with you that will last a lifetime and may even encourage them to get their kids into mountain biking so they can connect with them the same way you connected with them.

Conclusion

Taking the time and getting the right gear is an excellent way to get your kids interested in mountain biking. This sport will allow you to create a strong connection with your kids and set them up for a love of moving their bodies as they go through life.

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