CYCLING
Get your kids
mountain biking…if
just for the lingo!
BY DAVE BROWN
“Man, I was doing a grinder on a half-track vegetable tunnel when a bear trap
gave me a shark bite. So I superman to a soil sample, my sneakers potato chip, and
bam! it’s a yard sale everywhere. It was awesome!”
[translation] “Friend, I was riding a difficult and long uphill climb on an a very
narrow dirt track through some heavily overgrown foliage when my foot slipped off,
caused the pedal to crack into my shin, and chain grease to leave a mark on my calf. I
then flew over the handlebars of my bicycle, did a face plant into the dirt, and my tire
got severely bent causing my gear to be scattered everywhere. It was awesome!”
Mountain biking. This is a sport all right . . . and most certainly one just perfect for
your kids.
Get them that mountain bike they’ve always wanted, hit the trails around the
region, and encouraging them to start practising their mtb lingo.
Yes, the world of cycling has evolved over the years from the neighbourhood
streets we rode for hours on end to today’s numerous dirt trails. Mountain biking is
a hugely popular sport with a great community feeling. Here are some tips to ease
your children into it and get them hooked for life:
STARTING OUT
Let’s assume your child has experience riding around the neighbourhood and is
now keen to take it up a notch. As a responsible parent, the right equipment and the
right approach go hand in hand. This means you’ll want to get your child involved in
the entire process from picking the bike to the gear.
For off-roading, get the biggest wheels they can handle and ensure the frame is
properly sized. Next, depending on your budget, get quality components such as
quick-release skewers, shifters and brakes. By visiting any of the specialty bike stores
in the region they’ll ensure they’re properly geared-up.
Generally though, if the kids are under the age of 10 keep them out of clipless
pedals, it’s too scary. Instead, focus on investing in a good lightweight bike either
new or second-hand.
C y cle Freel y
PEDAL EASY
Our bikes “lure” you into cycling more…
all the health benefits and pure joy of
cycling, with none of the drudgery of steep hills and headwinds.
Want to cycle with a partner but have trouble keeping up? No problem,
even if your partner is an Olympic athlete. RIDE THE RIVER
VOGUEZ EN VILLE
How is this possible? Our bikes combine an
ultra-light-weight power system with a light-weight touring frame and
high-end bicycle components.
They are power-assisted, but
in feel and appearance they are
first and foremost a bicycle. Family parade and picnic!
Sunday, September 10 th 2017
Try-to-buy! We manufacture
these bikes right here in
Ottawa. Contact us and we
will bring a bike over for you to
try…or call to visit our shop.
www.PedalEasy.ca
[email protected]
T. (613) 808 .8393
06 | OTTAWAOUTDOORSMONTHLY
Parade with us downtown on the Ottawa River.
Boat or no boat, we’ll have space for everyone!
All watercrafts welcome!
Bring your costumes, smiles, friends and family.
Hosted by
Organisé par
www.RiverParade.ca