Coach Under13 girl

[Kerneels]

What does a cycling coach cost? My daughter is 12 and cycles with me but we would like to get her a coach. (as long as it doesnt cost more than her bike.

[no calves]

you are looking between 400 and 600 per month.

[singletrek]

Don't coach such young children. They should just enjoy riding with no pressure.

[mtbee]

Agree with singletrek if you plan to "burn her out" get her a coach. At 12 let her enjoy the riding and enjoy riding with her while u can still stay with her. I enjoy every km I ride with my 12 year old, if stil has the same passion at 16/17 I'll happily get her a coach.

I've spent money rather on upgrades to her bike and making her as comfortable on the bike as possible.

[TNT1]

you are looking between 400 and 600 per month.

 

F*&k that. She should be doing between 400 and 600km a week on the bike already.

[Cycho]

Where u based?

 

What you need to find is a group of kids that has someone "guiding" them... that way its more social, and if she's riding Mountain Bike, they can help with things like skills etc.

[buckstopper]

Kerneels, these are very treacherous waters and in most cases this approach causes burnout. Many successful cyclists started in their late teens, even into their 20's and even race at top level into their 40's and 50's (Jeanie Longo). The problem is that a structured training program often takes the fun out of bike riding for youngsters and once the learning/improvement curve flattens off boredom is likely to cause a loss of interest. In most cases by the time girls get to Junior level they have dropped out. If your daughter is athletic she could participate in school sport (swimming, athletics, netball etc) and cycle for fun only. When she gets to u16 you can start talking to someone if she is an exceptional talent. Mark vd Merwe has specialised in coaching youngsters for years (at Finish Line in Kempton Park). Have a chat with him. Clint (owner of Finish Line) is also very knowledgeable.

[Yang]

I went to Giba Gorge for the first time today- public holiday so the place was packed. I was astounded by the number of kids palying around on their bikes- on the bmx track, on the grass, riding on the road, all under no pressure, and I said to myself that this was the way to go- those with talent out of these kids will feel the pull and go out and become snakes, all on their own, without daddy and mommy pushing. Fully agree with buckstopper.