AWESOME Biking grin

**Tank** · 3rd March 2008, 08:12

My youngest (10) needs to be picked up from school by me on Thursdays (mum will be working) and since I chose to drop a car (wife has one - I dont) - he has to pillion on the bike.

So we borrowed a helmet and jacket and went off to practice - and he LOVES it.

We pulled into the garage. He jumps off and said "Dad, now Im a biker - I need a nickname) - Thus he became "TJ" (Tank Jnr.) He has been grinning for days, insist on being called TJ, and spent an afternoon at Cycletreads with my buying gear of his own.

We (because he looks at bike stuff with me now) got online and ordered up a sissy bar, luggage rack and tour bag - because he wants us to go do some touring together.

Its one of those "its really cool to be a dad" times.

Biking rocks - but sharing it with your kid rocks even more!

**ManDownUnder** · 3rd March 2008, 08:16

Originally Posted by Tank

We pulled into the garage. He jumps off and said "Dad, now Im a biker - I need a nickname) - Thus he became "TJ" (Tank Jnr.) He has been grinning for days, insist on being called TJ, and spent an afternoon at Cycletreads with my buying gear of his own.

Oh mate... as the father of an 8 year old that rides pillion every now and then I hear you. It's awesome isn't it?

Originally Posted by Tank

Its one of those "its really cool to be a dad" times.

Biking rocks - but sharing it with your kid rocks even more!

Yeah man - two for two!

LOL thanks for this... it really made my day (because I relate to everything you just said!)

**turtleman** · 3rd March 2008, 08:21

Absolutely agree with all the above.
And now one of the kids wants a bike license and bike of his own. He has a car license and a car of his own. He recently asked me "If I get a bike, will I be able to come on rides with you?" the reply was...
"Shit Yeah!"

**YellowDog** · 3rd March 2008, 08:24

Great story.

Let's hope his Mum doesn't hate you getting him hooked on biking at such a young age.

**babyB** · 3rd March 2008, 08:28

it be an awesome feeling ah. kids rock

**BIHB@0610** · 3rd March 2008, 08:31

Originally Posted by YellowDog

Great story.

Let's hope his Mum doesn't hate you getting him hooked on biking at such a young age.

hehe .... as a Mum of boys let me think about that .... the weekend arrives, along with a quiet, empty, peaceful house, a bit more room in the garage, and limited cellphone contact from the troops ........

**Tank** · 3rd March 2008, 08:37

Originally Posted by YellowDog

Great story.

Let's hope his Mum doesn't hate you getting him hooked on biking at such a young age.

Mum doesn't mind at all - she thinks its great.

She pulled the pin when I took him to boxing lessons when he turned 5 - so I know when she's unhappy.

**Maverick** · 3rd March 2008, 08:42

Awesome dude, I have a lot of fond memories of growing up visiting my uncles farm and riding with my dad on the dirt bike and the quad.

**Oakie** · 3rd March 2008, 09:13

My 16 month old grandaughter loves our bikes and can recognise mine if it's parked somewhere. She has learned to say Honda (which comes out as "onda") and can say "key". If I give her my key wallet she'll open it up and select the bike key which she then holds up and says "onda". This results in her leading me out to the garage where I'm required to sit her on the bike's tank so she can hold the handlebars and we run the bike for a minute or so. She understands how twisting the throttle makes the bike get louder but doesn't quite have the strength to do it herself yet.
Alternatively she'll toddle out to the kitchen and look at us saying "onda" and then point to where Mrs Oakie's bike key hangs up and say "key". The result is another trip to the garage although on Mrs Oakie's bike I'll quite often take her up and down the drive while she sits on the tank holding the handlebars which she loves. (Quite safe as she's surrounded by my legs and arms if she lost her grip).

**sugilite:Me** · 3rd March 2008, 09:19

All 4 of my kids love going for rides on the back. I used to take the older 2 to kindy/kohaunga and school often. I'd always offer them the choice of 2 ways home, the normal way (past the dairy and good chance soft touch dad will shout some lollies lol) or.....'The motorbike' way, loads more corners, they always chose the 'motorbike way'

**Mikkel** · 3rd March 2008, 09:19

Awesome!

Originally Posted by Tank

She pulled the pin when I took him to boxing lessons when he turned 5 - so I know when she's unhappy.

Priceless - that had me laughing. Good thing you didn't go for Muay Thai

And Oakie - get some earmuffs for your granddaughter would be my suggestion...

**Tank** · 3rd March 2008, 10:00

Originally Posted by Mikkel

Awesome!

Priceless - that had me laughing. Good thing you didn't go for Muay Thai

I wanted to (I used to fight for Terry Hill - and absolutely love the sport) - The Boss decided that wasnt much of a go-er either. I never even got him to the gym for that one.

**007XX** · 3rd March 2008, 10:13

Excellent Mr Tank!!!

Same thing happened with my son and his stepdad (007XY) on his 9th birthday.
The little man has been hooked ever since (a year and a bit) , and is really focused on being a really good pillion.

Hopefully when he'll be about 15, he'll want to come along to rallies with us, as I strongly believe it's important to have hobbies in common with teenagers to keep them close and yet let them be individuals.