Kids maximum riding distance

[ChrisF]

Maritz did the 12km loop of the Hermanus trails age 5 ... a week before turning 6.  That said, we stopped often, and had a decent break at the Plaaskombuis, at the halfway point.  Though his idea of "rest" was to run around and play on the equipment outside.

 

 

I have since learnt that he has good days and not so good days.  Sometime he would do 10 to 15km no problem, other days he only does 5km stints but after a good break he wants to ride again .....  He does suffer from growth pains in his legs from time to time.  So we provide him the opportunity, but we dont force him.  Keeping it FUN he is the one pushing the distances, or rather the time on the bike.  He can spend hours on the pump track at Bloemendal .....

[Vetplant]

When I was a kid, I went with my old man who running Comrades etc at the time to one of SA's top running doctors. His advice was nothing over 20km under 16-18 years old.

In hind sight, many friends who did run further, and those who were in special units in the army doing far longer distances, are really battling with their knees post 40.

Makes sense for running, wonder if the same holds true for cycling which should have less impact on the joints.

[ChrisF]

Makes sense for running, wonder if the same holds true for cycling which should have less impact on the joints.

 

On of the top cycling coaches in the Western Cape was speaking at their year end function.  He explained to the parents that "the trend" is to teach younger kids "skills only", and to let them "ride".  As apposed to coaching older kids (think he was hinting at 12 years and older), to "race".  This coaching (for the older kids) would include high intensity work outs ....  Should add, some parents were pushing for such coaching for smaller kids ....

[FC&P2C]

I’m looking for junior cassettes for my kids.

Eldest daughter is 13 going 14 and would like for to race competitive from next year when she’s 14.

She has a current set/up of 11-32 and 50/34 chainrings. Although gears are blocked but according to CSA they need jnr gearing.

What cassette ratio would work with current chainring setup and where do one find jnr cassettes

The 10 yr old daughter I will wait till she’s 13 to race competitively, although she currently rides and uses a 11-32 8spd and 50/34 chainrings.

you are already sorted with the 13 yo. remove the 50 blade and her 34/11 is perfect u15 ratio.

the 10yo needs a 35/12. or just change her cluster to a 12-23 and use the 34 front then she will be only 2,5" short of the 78" limit

 

u13 restriction is 78" and u15 restriction is 83"

Easy way to work out is:

front blade / back cog x 26,6 (most 700c road wheels are +- 26,6" diameter and not 27")

[Kranswurm]

I did my first argus way back in the day when I was 11...

Cool

My son tried his first at 10,we were stopped on Ou Kaapse Weg because of the heat and the race was stopped.

He completed it the following year at 11

[Riamich]

Thanks for the response

 

 

you are already sorted with the 13 yo. remove the 50 blade and her 34/11 is perfect u15 ratio.

the 10yo needs a 35/12. or just change her cluster to a 12-23 and use the 34 front then she will be only 2,5" short of the 78" limit

 

u13 restriction is 78" and u15 restriction is 83"

Easy way to work out is:

front blade / back cog x 26,6 (most 700c road wheels are +- 26,6" diameter and not 27")

[Long Wheel Base]

Did my 1st Argus at 6. First 4 were on a tandem, then went solo. I am 35 now. No knee problems. Been racing non stop for 29 years. In fact if I don't ride for a few weeks then things start to hurt, get back onto the bike and my body works like a swiss watch. Played a lot of sport at school. Played a lot of squash for a few years after school but stopped about 6 years ago. Have also done a fair amount of gym work. I can still fit into my school tracksuit and wedding suit. My back does get a bit stiff and sore if I sit or stand for a while but as for joints in the lower body, they fine. I definitely can feel that I am not as agile as I was 10 years ago but I am still able to climb into the roof or jump over a wall.  I will report back in 5 years time..............

[ChrisF]

Maybe worth noting the trend at MTB events ....

 

18km distance - full podium of primary school kids .... adults trailing by some distance ....

 

30km distance - always a couple of high school kids on the podium.  At the recent Napier event the 30km distance was won by a sub 15 year old (sadly the timing for this event only shows the age category, not the exact age, so he may even be younger ) .... beating out his dad by 5 minutes ....