Kids MTB training advice wanted (9-10 years)

[moe_7]

Anyone have info on the MTB training and/or events for primary school kids (9-10 years) in Gauteng. I found a few links to the High School (Spur) events, but can't find any for primary school kids. Unfortunately my daughters school has no association or links with cycle training.

 

For context, I have 9 year daughter, who is comfortable with some of the green (basic) trails at local MTB parks. She can do about 10-12KM comfortably, but just not sure what the next steps for development should be for her. 

 

Most of the online info seem to be targeted at high schools. Any advise on where/how to start off that is appropriate for her age. I stay in Midrand, but willing to travel anywhere in Gauteng on weekends.

[Naas Vermaak]

Skills, skills, skills....and please let her ride for fun...serious stuff can come later. Contact your provincial mtb body to find out about their XCO calender.  XCO first, XCM later

[Mousea]

My Daughter is the same age.

We ride for FUN.

The more she rides the better she gets, she will ride some tech stuff that some adults wont ride.

Just get your Daughter out there and let her ride ride ride

[Hennie VR]

Here you go: http://www.spurmtbleague.co.za/ 

The series' not only for high schools but it's a national series.

As for Gauteng you can look at some XCO events http://www.xcosa.biz/races/ but she will need some skills 

 

Also look at the short "Fun" rides at the races. Trailseeker series will be a good start as well as the USN series.

[Jabez]

In adition to the above, Like2Bike offers a range of kids rides from 2 km to 20 km and 10 and 20 km races for the more advanced competitive kids. They offer courses for children as well. The next ride is at Rosemary hill on the 22nd of May.

 

http://www.like2bike.co.za/#/centrum-kids-like2bike-15/4573457524

[ians H2Sport]

Spur Schools series in Gauteng is very strong. 9yrs will race Nipper, 10yrs Sprog. Agree that you should concentrate on skills and XCO first. Train for fitness from around 12yrs to 13yrs. It has to be about fun and skills at first.

 

My 10yr old daughter found XCO very tough at first but now loves it and is riding extremely well. Try to find that fine line between having fun and racing - not easy.

[FC&P2C]

Bring her to BMX. Its the only discipline that caters for kids and the best place to start early development. My daughters aged 9 and 11 now started bmx at 4.5 and 3.5 respectively and they progressed to the other 3 disciplines naturally. However the other 3 (mtb,track, road) doesnt really cater for youngsters and we only do the odd race or nationals champs but hardly train for them as kids dont enjoy long training hours. Their main focus and fun is bmx racing and do the other disciplines for a change of scenery. All disciplines also compliment each other. 

Problem with this approach is you going to need a bigger bike room! 

[FC&P2C]

Spur Schools series in Gauteng is very strong. 9yrs will race Nipper, 10yrs Sprog. Agree that you should concentrate on skills and XCO first. Train for fitness from around 12yrs to 13yrs. It has to be about fun and skills at first.

 

My 10yr old daughter found XCO very tough at first but now loves it and is riding extremely well. Try to find that fine line between having fun and racing - not easy.

I believe that the Spur series in Gauteng doesnt cater for primary schools at all. We going to try out North West as they do have nippers and sprogs.

[Gen]

I believe that the Spur series in Gauteng doesnt cater for primary schools at all. We going to try out North West as they do have nippers and sprogs.

There is one on Saturday in Parys.

[xcd]

Spur Schools series in Gauteng is very strong. 9yrs will race Nipper, 10yrs Sprog. Agree that you should concentrate on skills and XCO first. Train for fitness from around 12yrs to 13yrs. It has to be about fun and skills at first.My 10yr old daughter found XCO very tough at first but now loves it and is riding extremely well. Try to find that fine line between having fun and racing - not easy.

I agree with Ians that XC can be tough for a beginner Having said that I think It's the best place to learn technical skills.

If you decide to do XC make sure you take her to the track a week or a few days before to practice the course. There are always a few surprises on the track which needs practice. ( Even the pro's ride the course first )

Good luck ! Make sure she always enjoys it. And she is not just doing it for you.

[Belgarath]

https://www.facebook.com/cyclefitnessshack/?fref=ts

 

These guys do sprog training.

[Martin PJ]

My advice is keep it short and keep it fun. If they don't feel like riding, then don't force them at all. I think the aim is to create someone who loves riding, and who has the skills to tackle MTB with confidence. The fitness can come later, much later.

[moe_7]

Thank you everyone for the input. I will follow up on some of the links. However, thanks for raising the perspective on having fun first at this age. I will certainly let my daughter decide instead of pushing her too hard at this age. I guess more saddle time has a direct correlation to skill - so the more she enjoys it, the more she will ride as well.