| Author | Message | ||
     Jon |
Today was Jack's first taste (literally) of the dirt at Carnegie off road park in Livermore. He had all new gear and the family's CRF100F. I left the Yami at home because Jack just needed to learn the basics today. He learned to turn on the gas, use the choke, and kick start the bike (after making sure the bike was in neutral). Then came releasing the clutch smoothly and just taking it easy in first gear. As Jack took off for the first time, he twisted the throttle with authority and sped off briskly in first gear. This was his first time on a bike so I let him putter along in first. After about an hour, I thought he was ready to try shifting so I signaled for him to ride to me. I then explained how to shift from first to second gear. Now this is all new to him, so he listened intently. He rode off in first, then turned around and was preparing to shift into second. As I watched him from a distance he slowed...suddenly a puff of dust came up from the rear tire and instantly Jack had a monster wheelie going which he rode for about three seconds before he and bike came crashing down. Monster wheelie. 90 degrees. But he hung on. As I walked briskly to him, he was crawling on his hands and knees from the bike. He later told me he thought the bike was going to explode! As I approached, I signaled for him to get up which he did. I drew near and could hear him crying in his helmet. I dusted him off and gave him a hug and many words of encouragement. I also told him that he just pulled the best wheelie I have ever seen! He dried his tears he surveyed the cosmetic damage to the bike and his new duds. I told him that he would never get into trouble with me for such mishaps or any damage while out riding. As he settled down he decided that he needed to take a break. Hw wanted to stop riding. I encouraged him again and explained that these experiences are totally to be expected and that his progress was fine. Encouraged, he obeyed Dad and got back on, kicked the bike over and rode back to the truck. Time for a snack and a Sobe drink! Refreshed, he rode off again, although this time cautiously. About 45 minutes later he was riding back to the truck. The bike was idling high and Jack was trying to brake. The response was slow so he panicked and put his feet down which didn't stop him. I could hear him yelling in fear and quickly moved to grab the bike while I yelled at him to use the brakes! We stopped the bike together. Another lesson learned. By this time he really was pooped and ready to head home. He was a little shaken by the braking fiasco and wanted to walk the bike back to the loading platform, but I told him I wanted him start and ride it there. I wanted him to leave victorious and told him so. As I drove the truck to the platform, I could see Jack tryting to start the bike. A rider who had stopped near our spot began walking toward Jack as if to help. He looked over at me and I waved him off. He stopped back of Jack and watched. Sure enough, Jack started the bike and rode toward me. I waved "thank you" to the good rider and we loaded the bike. I am very proud of Jack and have told him so many times today. He will be even more able the next time. Here's a couple of shots of my Jack:   (Message edited by jon on August 20, 2006) | ||
| Ezblast |
Cool! | ||
| Crashm1 |
Very cool even. | ||
| Ragnagwar |
Go Jack Go !!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Bake |
Reminds me of the times teaching my young (then) son. It only gets better! | ||
| Vegasbueller |
Awesome! The pics make me homesick for the Vegas desert. LOL My son (now almost 21) started racing go karts when he was 6. I remember those days with a great amount of fondness. Great to see that you two enjoy that together. | ||
| Jon |
Thanks guys! Jack is the 2nd of my 3 kids to get in the dirt. Bruce cut his teeth last year and will ride with me next Saturday. My folks never let me near this stuff as a kid. I love this stuff. It's really great. | ||
| Dtx |
Great post! | ||
| Oldog |
thanks for sharing, big grins.......  Jumpin' Jack Flash its a gas! (Message edited by oldog on August 20, 2006) |
