Posts
527
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
Edited Date/Time
1/14/2021 11:17am
Wondering how many other Dads out there are wandering around heartbroken because their kids couldn't care less about dirt bikes and riding? I started both of my boys out on 50's with training wheels, with dreams that someday we'd be on the trail or track together enjoying the pastime I've loved and has played such a big part in my life sinice I was 9 or 10. They both like it "ok", but only enough to do it if there's absolutely nothing else going on. They're not interested in working on their bikes and the times I've threatened to sell them have been met with indifference. Reality finally hit home recently when a friend of my 15-year-old was over and asked him what kind of bike he had...my Son shrugged and looked at me for the answer. For someone like me, who grew up scouring the library and book store for the latest "Dirt Bike" magazine so I could study every detail of every bike...over and over...this is hard for me to understand. I was planning on taking my younger Son riding tomorrow (only the 3rd or 4th time this year) and he told me tonight that he doesn't want to "waste" a whole day and would rather stay home and play basketball with his buddies. I love that they're both active and into stick & ball sports and proud that they're generally good and respectful boys with bright futures, but I can see that my dreams of being a moto family are basically kaput. This sport / hobby is too expensive to maintain unless the participants are somewhat passionate, and mine just aren't. I think it's time to sell off all the bikes & gear and get a boat or something that at least my Wife can enjoy. I'll continue to ride on my own and with buddies, just like before I had kids. I just wish they were there.
Is there a support group or something out there for Dads like me?
Is there a support group or something out there for Dads like me?
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I was pretty hot and cold with moto when I was growing up. I wish I would have ridden more though to create more great memories.
By the time my daughter hit six or seven, she wanted no part of it anymore. It was all about soccer. So it was just the boy and l. It was super cool. We'd hit the track a couple times a week, we'd rode together a bunch. Money was tight so racing was minimal. At one point he asked to do Hot Summer nights at Perris so we did. He rode well and seemed to enjoy it but when the series over he never asked to race again. No biggie. We were still riding at least.
Then around 10 or 11 years old l could tell he just wasn't all that into it anymore. I got him a new bike and switched shit up, we did more off roading and desert riding thinking he was maybe just burning out on riding tracks but he confided in me that he still prefered track riding so we went back to professional practice riders.
Then one afternoon coming back from riding when he was 12 he just laid it out. He was done riding and wanted to play guitar. Damn you Guitar Hero!!!! I said "that's cool with me" although l wanted to cry inside. Just a little.
We got him a guitar and kept his bike in the garage just incase but he never rode it again. He became a phenomenal guitar player. He auditioned and got into a perfoming arts school and did well with it. He just graduated from college in a tight four years and murdered the LSAT and will be going to law school after he takes a semester off.
Best part is he's still a huge fan of the sport, A1 and another SX are a for sure father son day and sometimes GH gets thrown in. We still do a little bench racing and he still has a bike, a bigger one now, waiting for him in the garage if ever decides to use it. Fingers crossed.
All l could do was expose him to riding and let him go his own way. I did my job, l'm happy with the way it all worked out.
I absolutely love riding with my young bloke, there’s no better feeling! BUT it comes and goes in cycles. He’s just typical kid. There are times he shows zero interest,other times he’s begging me to go. Not having anywhere decent to ride definitely doesn’t help (2-3 drive for us).Other times he’d rather go fishing than ride! I constantly ask him if he’s still keen ,never forcing him because I’d be interested in getting a enduro bike rather continueing on a mx bike. (Over 40 I’m allowed to)We went this process regarding Mtb riding,he was crazy keen,then the scooter thing happened! Possibly try mixing it up a bit,riding different places & be patient or just support them in whatever they choose.
http://www.mxsafety38.org/past-articles/
Pit Row
Also from what I’ve seen some kids are born fearless, need that adrenaline rush. Those types seem to take to Moto while others more laid back.
I appeal to him with emphasizing the uniqueness of the sport, the skill, fitness, and sense of accomplishment and overcoming fears that is hard to replicate with team sports.
You’ve done your part. Keep the bikes and gear.
i got back into about 2 years ago after 23-24 year break
my girlfriends son will ride maybe 1-2 times a year - he rather be playing video games with his buds or hanging out at a friends house.
Now 23 and trans. with mental issues. I’m going to write an f’ing book.
Kid was in a band for awhile, that was very cool. More out there than cheap dirt bikes now I guess.
Some kids would rather have a new phone than car. I can’t keep up. Brave new world.
Sunday rips with your buddies rock too, leave the family stuff behind. Win/win
"I love that they're both active and into stick & ball sports and proud that they're generally good and respectful boys with bright futures"
Be happy with that , That is EVERYTHING
Go out a play BALL with them
Do whatever they want to do
Then Ride with your friends once a month
Who know the kids might just want to tag along and go riding some time too
I like the Triumph Scrambler out now, but I it has the same hp as my 525.
What up with that.
Anyway, congrats and put it in the living room.
Post a reply to: Your kids disinterested in Moto?