Riding with kids is fun....but can be tough

[davenay67]

Took my kids on their first trip to an off-road park yesterday. Aside from a 1 day MSF course last year, and a quick training recap in the yard last week, this was their first real trip of riding.

They did really great, and for the most part, the only problems they had were my fault; accidentally going down too difficult a trail, or too muddy of a trail. They both managed to drop their bikes a dozen or so times, but I am hoping each drop was a learning exercise in terms of how and why it happened. The TTR-90 was electric start and not too big of a deal, but the TTR-125 was a kick start and my older son was struggling more and more as the day drew on, so plenty of exercise for dad huffing back and starting it for him, followed by huffing back and kick-starting my own bike. Good exercise..!!

In addition to the trails, there was a kid's moto-x track that they both loved. Very interesting to watch new riders catching air over jumps, drifting the rear tire on occasion, plus the odd accidental wheelie. They both had a blast and can't wait to go again.

I do have to have words with my youngest, however, and explain what I mean when I say "avoid big mud holes and big puddles"..!!

[Sport-Touring]

[mxvet57]

Where did you go?

[davenay67]

Where did you go?

Fox Valley Off Road in Ottawa, IL.

[mxvet57]

Fox Valley Off Road in Ottawa, IL.

Did you say hi to Gerhard and Patty for me?

[davenay67]

Did you say hi to Gerhard and Patty for me?

I think it was their kids on the gate when we checked in. I did speak to Wardy via email before the trip, and I think it was Patty who I said "Bye" to when we were leaving.

It's a nice park with something for all skill levels, and I look forward to many more trips with my boys and seeing their skills grow. I am considering the skills class on the 5th, to get some better knowledge about woods riding. 3 decades on the road and 3 hours on the dirt..!!

Do you get down there often..??

[mxvet57]

Haven't been there this year but i'm sure  i'll fit a weekend in there some time.

[1KPerDay]

VERY cool. I have wanted to do this with my kids for a long time. Can't seem to pull the money together.

[davenay67]

VERY cool. I have wanted to do this with my kids for a long time. Can't seem to pull the money together.

I used to think the same. But you can do it on a smallish budget if you're patient.

I got both of the kids bikes last year in non-running condition; both just needed a carb clean which only cost time and $5 for a can of carb cleaner. I got all 3 bikes (TTR-90, TTR-125 ansd my KDX200) for $2600, all in separate transactions. The trailer is a HF special which cost me $270, plus the cost of the bike chocks all bought with a 50% off coupon.

My gear and their gear was all bough from an online moto x outlet store; their pants and jerseys were $34 for the set. Their boots were bought on special and the helmets are Bilt from CycleGear.

I would guess I'm all in for about $3500, which includes bikes, trailer, their gear and my gear (which includes a guilty purchase of A* Tech 7 boots). Less than the cost of a bike upgrade for me, which I happily forego to see them have fun and get outdoors and get muddy instead of staring at Xbox. I just bought the various items over time when prices were right and when bikes came up on CL that I liked.

Go for it..!!

[ZED]

That's awesome  
We always like seeing people out with there kids. Starting them young is the way. Much better than hitting the dirt first when you're older.

[Tyrroneous]

This picture is AWESOME!!  

I've gone a similar route as the OP.  Purchased well used and non-running bikes that I could fix up, used trailer, used or close-out riding gear.  4 dirt bikes, gear and enclosed trailer for under 5k all bought over time.  I'm still looking for one more bike for my middle child.  

When we go riding, which isn't often enough, I spend more time picking kids up out of the dirt and what not than I do actual riding, but thats okay.  I'm there for the kids and the family.  It is so cool to see everyone from my wife down to my 5 yo decked out and ready to tear up the trails.  Now, if I just had some actual dirt skills....

[marc11]

Its to the point with my 13 year old that he is waiting for me to pick my bike up more than me waiting on him!!!!  He started riding a kdx50 when he was 3 and was on he trails by 5 years old. Lots of fun times.

My bike is kick his is electric so every time I need to rescue him its double work for me having to hoof it back and then kick my bike. It usually starts on one or two kicks but man in some of those rutted and muddy trails its hard to get good footing on a tall bike being a shorter guy.

This was last Saturday.

[seancoy]

I used to think the same. But you can do it on a smallish budget if you're patient.

I got both of the kids bikes last year in non-running condition; both just needed a carb clean which only cost time and $5 for a can of carb cleaner. I got all 3 bikes (TTR-90, TTR-125 ansd my KDX200) for $2600, also check this fat burning phenq review for flat tummy. all in separate transactions. The trailer is a HF special which cost me $270, plus the cost of the bike chocks all bought with a 50% off coupon.

My gear and their gear was all bough from an online moto x outlet store; their pants and jerseys were $34 for the set. Their boots were bought on special and the helmets are Bilt from CycleGear.

I would guess I'm all in for about $3500, which includes bikes, trailer, their gear and my gear (which includes a guilty purchase of A* Tech 7 boots). Less than the cost of a bike upgrade for me, which I happily forego to see them have fun and get outdoors and get muddy instead of staring at Xbox. I just bought the various items over time when prices were right and when bikes came up on CL that I liked.

Go for it..!!

amazing setup! this is the cost I am looking for. You worked really hard for kids for these things. This is right age for them to start new adventures, kudos to you! Pictures are looking good and they surely looks like having fun.