This past weekend I rode a 68-mile bicycle ride known as the Elephant Rock Ride. It’s an annual affair to attend the E-Rock, as it is affectionately known, for residents in and around Denver. This was the 19th anniversary of the ride and it was attended by 7000 riders of all ages.
This year there were a lot of kids riding with parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters. It was so cool to see youngsters riding along with that gleam in their eyes that shouted, “Hey, this is fun, much better than sitting in front of a computer game!”
As with most sponsored rides of this type, families can enjoy a 5, 12, 30, 50, 68, and sometimes, 100 mile distances depending on age, ability and what they have trained for. This year, I rode the 68, finished in 3.5 hours while the air was still somewhat cool and had a ball.
I was amazed at the number of little tykes riding along, talking or singing to themselves, as children will often do when they are happy. Kids love to play and cycling is definitely play (for adults too!).
In an environment like the E-Rock where you have the State Patrol, county sheriffs and local municipality police patrolling regularly to make sure motorists and cyclists alike are behaving, children and parents can safely share an activity that demonstrates to children how many people can share a sport together which is healthy, outdoors and fun.
I realize many parents today involve their kids in so many activities that they are on the run constantly to: soccer, swimming, baseball, football, gymnastics, cheerleading, Scouts, Brownies, etc. Of course, this strategy is an attempt to keep the kids active, out of trouble and away from gangs, drugs and violence. But, in almost all of those sports the parents don’t participate. In cycling they can.
Recently, a new role model emerged, Lance Armstrong, and changed everything. He was the seven-time winner of the Tour de France, and a devoted father. Suddenly, because of Armstrong's notoriety, families everywhere began riding with their kids; which is a very good thing; mom and dad received some much needed exercise, and the kids got fun time with their parents.
I race bicycles through the American Cycling Association in Colorado, and belong to a club called Cobra’s (Colorado Organization of Bicycle Racing Seniors). At the event
the Cobra's put on each year, the Cherry Creek Time Trial Series, we attract numerous squads and clubs who encourage juniors to race. This year, we were very pleased to have a total of 32 junior boys and girls aged from 12 to 16 out of 475 total riders.
During the first two hours before I race, I work a corner as a Safety Marshall and have the opportunity to watch the juniors come through. I always clap, holler encouragement and cheer them on. They look so happy and intense at the same time; the course is 10.5 miles long, ridden in April and May, which can be cold or hot, wet or dry, but these kids are out there, no matter what the weather, having a ball. Of course, just like in skiing, they have to be dressed appropriately.
For the most part, children will take to a sport like cycling quickly because they are in that learning stage where everything is new and exciting. They also experience a freedom they won’t get anywhere else.
Children learn how to be competitive, make new friends and acquire a skill, which equals confidence and discipline, those all-important qualities which constitute a good human being and lead to an enjoyable life with a positive outlook.
Take a bike ride with your child, check out racing at your local bike shop or just ride the sponsored weekday or weekend rides in your area; you’ll spend more time with your child doing something that is good for both of you.
In the end, it’s just one man’s opinion…mine.
Keith E. Renninson is a motivational speaker and co-author of the popular parenting tool and illustrated storybook "Zooch the Pooch, My Best Friend". Through the 1990's with much self-examination, academic study, bicycle racing, and mountain climbing, he discovered a renewed zest of life, which included a love of metaphysics, philosophy, humor, and writing and speaking. As Keith says, "Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue...it's all in what you make of it." You can read more about "Zooch the Pooch" or contact Keith to speak at: http://www.zoochthepooch.com Keith and his co-author Michael Conrad Kelley speak to teens and adults on "The Seven Simple Steps to a More Fulfilling Life." This course focuses on how to build a successful Life Philosophy that works for each individual.
Written By: Keith Renninson
