Summer Fun (Part 1)

Some of the most common questions that I hear from fellow parents at the bike shop are about cycling programs for kids. The questions range from teaching kids how to ride bikes to bike programs for kids. Sometimes it’s the parents that want to get their kids involved in the sport, other times parents are asking on behalf of their interested kids but the questions come frequently. We offer ideas and solutions for getting more kids involved including sponsoring and running a kids mountain bike team.

As a parent of a budding cyclist, I was looking to progress my son Noah’s skills this summer. He has been asking for more time and an environment to practice one of his riding disciplines which is downhill mountain biking, so I started to look into options for him. Fortunately, I came across a great program in Northfield, New Hampshire at Highland Mountain Bike Park which offers mountain biking programs for kids ages 6-16. Highland’s camp offers everything from weekend day camps for kids to a 3-day Summer Ride program and a 5-day AYR academy for advanced-level riders. It’s a 4.5-hour drive from Tenafly so we decided to sign Noah up for the Summer Ride program to get his feet wet. Highland’s Summer Ride program offers instruction for kids from 8-13 at multiple different skill levels and offers daily drop-off and overnight options. The staff groups the kids into age and skill level so Noah was riding with kids his age who he had a lot in common with and they were able to challenge each other safely. He had a fantastic time and learned a bunch from a great instructor during the day while the two of us hung out in the evenings and explored the Lake Winnipesaukee area. Many of the drop-off parents spent time at the bike park, worked remotely using the camps wifi or headed to the lake for some aquatic activities. I, myself had a mini vacation and rode the park in the afternoons and worked during the day between laps. In the late afternoon, I sampled some of the Highland Pub’s IPAs while I waited for Noah to finish his lessons. Highland’s staff also offers lessons for adults so if you’re looking to learn to be a better rider or even learn how to mountain bike for the first time, take advantage of this great opportunity while your kids are in camp. They also offer bike and equipment rentals so all the parents have to do is sign up and show up.

If you’re looking for an amazing summer activity for you and your kids, check out the program at Highland. While you’re at it, get some park laps or lessons in for yourself, enjoy this summer, and get out and ride more.