Quality time

**buggsubique** · 14th July 2007, 20:46

Well, my oldest boy turns 6 tomorrow so I figured it was time for a bit of "big boy" time on dad's new bike and shooting goats. Took him out on the DR-Z 400 on a 40 odd km cross country this afternoon. Late start at 1430, hence there are a couple of shots of the setting sun below...

The ride was wicked, clay was slippery as hell from the recent rain, and I dropped the bike twice, both going uphill (400m vertical climb up a rutted clay track). I have a new respect for anyone riding offroad 2-up. I found it hellish just with the boy, let alone a full grown adult! He rode up front to start with but that soon changed so I could keep the front end down and use my weight to keep the bike upright

All in all a primo afternoon, great bonding time etc etc. Didn't fire a shot in the end though, he decided he wasn't up for it...next time maybe.

**young1** · 15th July 2007, 16:51

Nice one, time with your kids like that in invaluable, some of the best times with my son was when he got his first bike (a DS80) and we started exploring places together

**janno** · 15th July 2007, 17:01

Good idea! Get 'em hooked when they're young.

Bet heaps of kids at school wish their Dad was a cool as you . . .

**ali** · 15th July 2007, 17:11

I seldom take my 9 year old out on the bike, because I'm so paranoid about dropping the bike or getting hit by some idiot.

I do get a buzz from picking him up from school, as it seems to give him more " cool factor " with the other kids.

Pity it doesn't work for me !!

**buggsubique** · 15th July 2007, 19:18

Ah, he loves it. I often have to tell him to close his mouth cos he's laughing so hard over all the bumps. We were coming back down said hill and I had him on the back. The hill was so steep I had to tell him to take his feet off mine - he was standing on the back of my boots and I couldn't get to the brake or shift lever! Crazy fun. I do need to get him a proper helmet though...

**NordieBoy** · 15th July 2007, 20:10

Got completely sideways today with my 3.5 year old nephew on the front.
Stopped and asked if he wanted to go back to the pits or do some more laps.
He never stopped making bruuuuummmmm noises as he nodded for more laps

**buggsubique** · 15th July 2007, 20:15

It's funny how they never admit to being cold either - despite the frantic shivering and red nose and ears, haha.

**young1** · 15th July 2007, 21:37

I learnt that one thing u can not skimp on is safety gear especially for kids, one bad experience could put them off biking for life, or worse hurt them for life.