Grumpy 13yr old - just me?
Discussion
OK, he has a Bird AM9/Fox36's. He seems to be quite natural at mountain biking but on the few rides he's had so far he's complained that it's all climbing and yesterday said a few times 'is that it' after the descents.
Admittedly it was a natural trail ride yesterday in the peaks where most of the descents were straightish rocky descents.
He liked Gisburn trail centre. Possibly as the climbs are quick, mixed in with interesting parts.
He didn't like Hebden Bridge as the climbs are quite steep..
Next week I'm taking him to the flow trails (my favourite) of the North Downs.
Anyone one through similar? He does like dad/son time and I think he likes riding (he's the one pressing me as I'm doing everything to get out of taking him out as all he does is complain!).
Admittedly it was a natural trail ride yesterday in the peaks where most of the descents were straightish rocky descents.
He liked Gisburn trail centre. Possibly as the climbs are quick, mixed in with interesting parts.
He didn't like Hebden Bridge as the climbs are quite steep..
Next week I'm taking him to the flow trails (my favourite) of the North Downs.
Anyone one through similar? He does like dad/son time and I think he likes riding (he's the one pressing me as I'm doing everything to get out of taking him out as all he does is complain!).
Be grateful! Mine just moan and refuse to put any effort in and one won't use his gears. They walk every hill. And then the one that does try a bit moans because he's bored waiting for the others! 
(Admittedly it's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy as it's such a pain to go out so we don't do it as often so they don't get any fitter.)
On a positive note it means I get to go on my own without the hold ups.
(Admittedly it's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy as it's such a pain to go out so we don't do it as often so they don't get any fitter.)
On a positive note it means I get to go on my own without the hold ups.
andyeds1234 said:
He sounds like a typical teenager, don’t push him too much, as cycling may not be his thing,. It’s hard to tell at that age though.
If he is into it, he will let you know eventually.
I can't tell with him. For years he went to Judo as I went. Eventually one of the trainers remarked he isn't that interested/doesn't put much effort in. Then he found boxing and hes obsessed. If he is into it, he will let you know eventually.
I think cycling is just another conduit to enable him to spend time with me without looking like its the real reason..
Hugo Stiglitz said:
andyeds1234 said:
He sounds like a typical teenager, don’t push him too much, as cycling may not be his thing,. It’s hard to tell at that age though.
If he is into it, he will let you know eventually.
I can't tell with him. For years he went to Judo as I went. Eventually one of the trainers remarked he isn't that interested/doesn't put much effort in. Then he found boxing and hes obsessed. If he is into it, he will let you know eventually.
I think cycling is just another conduit to enable him to spend time with me without looking like its the real reason..
Mine is 14...and exactly the same.
He just wants to session jumps, and being 50, and never having being great at jumps, it's not really my thing.
So we alternate between jumpy stuff and super steep tech - my preference.
I'm getting better at jumping, he enjoys being way better than me at it, and he now wants to do an Enduro as he's starting to enjoy going flat out down rocky rooty steeps. He's also helping me jump better. He can film for example.
Few things that I've found helps.
1) Chatting speed. It's our rule that you can't get off and push, but you need to be slow enough to chat. Him and his mates now do this, and look down at the push up brigade. They do this becuase they know being fit up, means fast down.
2) Encouraging him to watch the likes of Ollie, Bernard, Matt and Jonno, etc cocking about. He now gets that climbing is a part of the MTB scene and necessary to be good - although not helped recently by the gits all getting eebs.
3) Similar to chatting speed. Slow races. Slowest over the next x meters wins. Track strands not allowed. You can make it part of game of bike too.
4) Buy a towhee if you have an eeb. Being 14 is exhausting... If they like the DH, lean into it. Alternate the two sessions.
He just wants to session jumps, and being 50, and never having being great at jumps, it's not really my thing.
So we alternate between jumpy stuff and super steep tech - my preference.
I'm getting better at jumping, he enjoys being way better than me at it, and he now wants to do an Enduro as he's starting to enjoy going flat out down rocky rooty steeps. He's also helping me jump better. He can film for example.
Few things that I've found helps.
1) Chatting speed. It's our rule that you can't get off and push, but you need to be slow enough to chat. Him and his mates now do this, and look down at the push up brigade. They do this becuase they know being fit up, means fast down.
2) Encouraging him to watch the likes of Ollie, Bernard, Matt and Jonno, etc cocking about. He now gets that climbing is a part of the MTB scene and necessary to be good - although not helped recently by the gits all getting eebs.
3) Similar to chatting speed. Slow races. Slowest over the next x meters wins. Track strands not allowed. You can make it part of game of bike too.
4) Buy a towhee if you have an eeb. Being 14 is exhausting... If they like the DH, lean into it. Alternate the two sessions.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
He keeps mentioning Bikepark Wales as he knows I've been there a few times
DO IT!Maybe make it a weekend event by staying somewhere local.
Ironically when I was 13 with my first mountain bike I was keen on cross country racing and riding for miles & miles, now at 40 I'm more like your son, I want the speed buzz, a few jumps & technical areas that go on for a few minutes not a 20 second blast then a slow crawl back to the top.
Yes, sounds like an average 13 year old.
But, I've got an AM9 (with Lyrics), and I wouldn;t consider it an XC bike in any shape or form. It's far more an enduro bike. Climbs will be a slog, and tame DH will feel boring. Mine is far more at home at Nevis Range, or the steeps at Dunkeld.
I'll be out with some mates tonight up the local hill. I'll be on my hardtail because it's more fun.
But, I've got an AM9 (with Lyrics), and I wouldn;t consider it an XC bike in any shape or form. It's far more an enduro bike. Climbs will be a slog, and tame DH will feel boring. Mine is far more at home at Nevis Range, or the steeps at Dunkeld.
I'll be out with some mates tonight up the local hill. I'll be on my hardtail because it's more fun.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
He keeps mentioning Bikepark Wales as he knows I've been there a few times
Do it. Then head for either Fort William or Les Gets on holiday :-)pistol pete said:
Yes, sounds like an average 13 year old.
But, I've got an AM9 (with Lyrics), and I wouldn;t consider it an XC bike in any shape or form. It's far more an enduro bike. Climbs will be a slog, and tame DH will feel boring. Mine is far more at home at Nevis Range, or the steeps at Dunkeld.
I'll be out with some mates tonight up the local hill. I'll be on my hardtail because it's more fun.
You've not ridden my Rise ebike! The AM9 is like a springing fun goat compared! But, I've got an AM9 (with Lyrics), and I wouldn;t consider it an XC bike in any shape or form. It's far more an enduro bike. Climbs will be a slog, and tame DH will feel boring. Mine is far more at home at Nevis Range, or the steeps at Dunkeld.
I'll be out with some mates tonight up the local hill. I'll be on my hardtail because it's more fun.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
He keeps mentioning Bikepark Wales as he knows I've been there a few times
Do it. Then head for either Fort William or Les Gets on holiday :-)Les Gets? It gives me too much anxiety on the current descents. He rode potato alley in the Peak. I don't like it personally but for a fairly new rider I'd say its hard.
He said 'is that it'?
I was really worried he'd OTB and I had visions of A&E constantly
Hugo Stiglitz said:
You've not ridden my Rise ebike! The AM9 is like a springing fun goat compared!
You're riding an ebike while he slogs up on a heavy FS bike? Perhaps you should swap & see who complains.Hugo Stiglitz said:
Les Gets? It gives me too much anxiety on the current descents. He rode potato alley in the Peak. I don't like it personally but for a fairly new rider I'd say its hard.
He said 'is that it'?
I was really worried he'd OTB and I had visions of A&E constantly
Sounds to me like he's either way over-biked for his ability, or way beyond your comfort zone. Does he go to an MTB club to get guidance from qualified, experienced coaches? If-not, why-not?He said 'is that it'?
I was really worried he'd OTB and I had visions of A&E constantly
Edited by pistol pete on Thursday 17th August 16:51
No no.. Youve misunderstood my post 
. No he's ridden all the Ladybower loop including the cheeky off of Win Hill.
Hes not ridden the stuff I'd class as really technical. I'm holding that back but even so I get anxious thinking what if.
On potato alley as it was his first time I told him to ride on the far side in the chicken line but he ignored me making me worry. At the end of the day I have experienced bad injuries. 20yrs ago in a few weeks is the anniversary of when I got a drop in 20ft drop wrong.
The AM9 is fantastic for him to ride. Light enough yet plush. Compared to my Rise ebike it feels like a playful XC bike. I've taken it on descents and maybe out of frustration I've really throw it around. It's like a spring loaded, barely in control bike. A breath of fresh air compared to my ebike.
I'm not a ebike fan.
. No he's ridden all the Ladybower loop including the cheeky off of Win Hill. Hes not ridden the stuff I'd class as really technical. I'm holding that back but even so I get anxious thinking what if.
On potato alley as it was his first time I told him to ride on the far side in the chicken line but he ignored me making me worry. At the end of the day I have experienced bad injuries. 20yrs ago in a few weeks is the anniversary of when I got a drop in 20ft drop wrong.
The AM9 is fantastic for him to ride. Light enough yet plush. Compared to my Rise ebike it feels like a playful XC bike. I've taken it on descents and maybe out of frustration I've really throw it around. It's like a spring loaded, barely in control bike. A breath of fresh air compared to my ebike.
I'm not a ebike fan.
Edited by Hugo Stiglitz on Thursday 17th August 19:51
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