Child trying tricks

[dhighlan]

Well I have to say a few things here; first MAMA go buy the Tao of Travis Pastrana: The Big Jump. Not only a fantastic account of TP's life but a great philosophy of riding life. It was our bedtime story for about 4 days. It taught my 8 yr old and myself a few things. They are going to throw a few tricks here and there and you can't come down on them about doing this or promote it is my feeling. I just explain the consequences to him. Here likes the throw a leg over the seat from time to time and whips over the jumps. He is not getting it back in time on the whips so he was landing a little side ways in 3rd pinned and was getting a little scary. My son wants to win races so it is easy for me. I tell him "hey that is slowing you down" or the whip will be great when you get enough air to bring it back and you need to get it back down quickly and he understands that will slow him down. But we go to ever race asking him "what is the most important thing to do today?" and he always replies "have fun". That is are saying and we stoled this from TP's book. As in life they go through stages and I don't want him getting burnt out so if the little tricks get through once in a while and they are having fun I say stay neutral until it is a serious safety concern. They do listen to advice but not so much to demands. Again mine wants to win and has finished on the podium every race but 2 and wants the #1 every time but that is what he wants and will work on that but, still having fun is the key to long term riding. Hard call but everyone does it for different reasons and I think all are good just have to ride the fine line especially for the little ones.
Buy TP's book you won't be disappointed.

[ossagp]

I like the way the whip was approached. Dhi, it seems like you did that as you would address any other move in racing. Discuss the ramifications if it is making a difference in safety or speed. Just like you would any type of jump, slider, or turn.

Riding the "right" way will develope speed overtime, "speed" doesn't have to be stressed.

[RMudslinger 250]

Well i just want to say kids will be kids and there is not a whole lot we as parents can do about it.And if your son is haveing fun at it let it roll.My son is 9 and austic,and i would give anything to just see him attempt to ride a cycle,i belive one day he will who knows,he loves them but is afraid of it.Doctor says dont ever give up.And Lord knows i havent.So let the boy express him self,if he wasent doing this it would be something else.

[flying flea]

the young tike rides well, i wouldn t be too worried he s not trying heel clickers over the bars ( but im sure it will come).. kids are kids i think if he s in control let him go.. this is a photo of my six year old daughter after going to see the crusty demons.. they made a ramp and it broke as she went off it..
she landed this (i dont know how) she was not scared in the least, actually she complained about the ramp breaking..

[er1c43]

when i first saw u had a vid i was expectin a slow little ride, but hes really gettin on it and he looks young
good luck with him, hes gonna be a great racer