Mentors WANTED: Father & Son Dirt Bike Adventures

[troy]

"Do you realize that for a lot of boys in Johnson County, their greatest memory with dad is going to the movies?"

Sitting there enjoying my Panera breakfast, those words pierced my heart and have stuck with me for the last 5 years. My pastor friend went on to share with me how he had grown up in Canada near a public lake with motorcycle trails. There was a group of men in his church that purposely kept extra bikes around so they could share their dirt bike passion with fathers & sons in their community--especially fathers & sons who were perhaps struggling to connect with each other. My friend spoke of the great memories he had riding dirt bikes on those trails and the life-long impact these men had on his life.

As he learned about my dirt bike passion, he asked if there was a way to start something like that in the KC area. I was quick to say, "not really". I explained that there simply was not anywhere public to ride within easy distance of the metro, and even the ones that are 2+ hours away are rough, rutted, rocky riding areas not fit for beginners and children. However, I put the thought in the back of my mind.

Fast-forward several years--the growth of the RideForum.NET community and making a lot of great friends who share the riding passion. Along comes birdman. "I've built some motorcycle trails on my farm. I don't know if anyone would like them, but you can come down and check them out." So I did...and loved them! Birdman (Larry) had created a few miles of easy, soft dirt trails with opportunities to jump in and out of the mostly dry creek when you want to kick it up a notch. After a few trial runs, Larry hosted a couple of open invitational rides. A lot of folks showed up and really enjoyed the trails. (Not to mention Dena's fantastic soup and desserts!)

It was the 2nd of these invitationals where, as I unloaded my bike, I looked around and saw no less than 4 father/son combos unloading their bikes. All of a sudden it hit me--THIS IS EXACTLY what my friend was talking about all those years ago! We are doing it right now!

I shared this vision with Larry, who, as it turned out, has the same vision and passion, and had been putting it into practice for years. So we met to discuss the vision (coincidentally over lunch at a Panera). We've put some feelers out and have several fathers & sons ready to take us up on the offer.

So where are we at? Well we have settled on Honda CRFs because they are reliable, relatively inexpensive, and have relatively low seat heights. That is, great bikes--especially for beginners. We have a couple of CRF 230s for the dads and older teenagers. We have a CRF 50 for little kids. We have a CRF 100 for the gap between the 50 and 230. We figure the 8 to 14 year old range will have the greatest need for the experience we are offering. So we are looking for one more CRF 100 with the goal of being able to host a couple of father/son pairs at a time.

We are also looking for youth-appropriate protective gear. Some of you have already donated your kid's old gear. THANK YOU! (I have a way you can donate and get a tax-deduction if you prefer that.)

While the initial vision is for fathers & sons (or daughters of course), there are a lot of fatherless boys who could use this kind of adventure. We have connections to organizations that can refer boys for a day of dirt biking, so we'll see where God leads things.

Do you share this vision? We welcome folks who are willing to come help new riders get comfortable on the bikes and trails. Do you have kids who ride? Bring them so they can encourage the other kids. If you have a willingness to help and want to be part of the invite list for these occasional events, post, PM, or email me.

Troy Wolf

[ajayhawkfan]

Troy count me in.

I have a 230 in my barn in the country. I would also be willing to buy a 50 and/or 100 for people to borrow. If anyone has one for sale or sees one let me know.

[kendall_smith]

You mentioned needing youth gear, but I will have that adult gear that I texted you about at the TARKC ride if you still want it. I figure some of the dads and possibly some of the older sons that don't have any background with dirt bikes could use it. Alissa has some adult women's gear as well that she doesn't really use anymore that we'd be happy to give you as well.

As for mentoring and helping out, Alissa and I will be in the KC area for several days to possibly a couple of weeks in mid-May, so if there is an opportunity at that time, I would love to help out if you need me.

This is an awesome idea and a great way to introduce people to motorcycles that might not otherwise be exposed to them.

[troy]

Troy count me in.

I have a 230 in my barn in the country. I would also be willing to buy a 50 and/or 100 for people to borrow. If anyone has one for sale or sees one let me know.

You are a good man, Eddie. For newbies, it comes down to feeling comfortable sitting on the bike, and that means seat height. Honda made/makes a lot of different CRF models and you can't assume larger displacements have taller seats.


Based on 2013 or 14 models: CC | Seat Height | Transmission ------+--------------+-------------- 50 | 21.6" | Three-speed with automatic clutch 70 | 26.1" | Three-speed with automatic clutch 80 | 28.9" | Five-speed 100 | 30.9" | Five-speed 110 | 26.3" | Four-speed with automatic clutch 125 | 28.9" | Four-speed 125BW| 30.9" | Four-speed 150 | 32.8" | Five-speed 230 | 34.1" | Six-speed

So really, a great step up from the 50cc minibike is the 110. The 80 is actually more than 2" taller than the 110! Rusty Jug Todd has a 2013 110 for his daughter, and explained that it has 3 screws you can use to stop the throttle from going past 25%, 50%, or 75% as your kid is learning. So you can lock it down to 25% which means the little bike will never launch away with power. It has e-start, too.

Given the seat heights, I think for our purposes described in the first post, another 100cc and/or either a 70, 80, or 110 would fit some gaps in our lineup to perfectly fit those who might show up to ride.

What I like about the 100 is even an adult can ride it while first learning to ride.

[troy]

You mentioned needing youth gear, but I will have that adult gear that I texted you about at the TARKC ride if you still want it. I figure some of the dads and possibly some of the older sons that don't have any background with dirt bikes could use it. Alissa has some adult women's gear as well that she doesn't really use anymore that we'd be happy to give you as well.

As for mentoring and helping out, Alissa and I will be in the KC area for several days to possibly a couple of weeks in mid-May, so if there is an opportunity at that time, I would love to help out if you need me.

This is an awesome idea and a great way to introduce people to motorcycles that might not otherwise be exposed to them.

This is great, Kendall! Yeah, I should have mentioned we need adult gear, too. We probably have enough to get us buy for a couple dads who would come at a time. We can use more gear, though--especially boots and helmets so we have an array of sizes. I think the biggest gear need right now is youth dirt helmets.

I'll take what you are willing to give when I see you at the TARKC Spring ride, Kendall. Thanks!

[Jeff K]

Well done Troy and Larry!
We've had a similar situation. My high school aged sons have helped some missionaries get their motorcycle licenses. The main transport in many countries is by moto, unless you want to stick with a Donkey. We supplied the TW200 for them to use and ride along with us on farm ground. After they were good enough (often just a few hours) we setup a course to simulate the DMV test course. Finally we'd provide that same bike for them to go and test on.
In Kansas a moto learners permit can be had at 14 years old.
Maybe this just adds more complexity than benefit for a father & son day.
Maybe my sons would volunteer to simulate the DMV course on one of your father & son days.
Consider it!
Jeff

[gagnaou]

Troy and Larry, this is pretty cool and I'l try to help as much as I can

[Savage]

Awesome! Excellent idea! I'm game. I was at a friends last evening and he has an 80 and 100. There's only an inch or two difference, just bigger tires. My sons 70 will pull me right up steep hills at the trails with no problem. The auto clutch is fun too.

How are you guys thinking about getting the word out to people?

[troy]

How are you guys thinking about getting the word out to people?

Getting the word out is not the problem. Finding weekend days in the schedule to host the events is the hard part. We already have a short waiting list. We also have contacts who are ready to refer people as we have capacity.

So no advertising, and it's really a very casual thing anyway with few resources to throw at it in the way of time or money. We just hope to provide a positive, meaningful experience for those we can.

[ChrisCrash]

Me and Jack would lend or share our bikes anytime. Sam may need some encouragement

[Savage]

How are you guys thinking about getting the word out to people?

Getting the word out is not the problem. Finding weekend days in the schedule to host the events is the hard part. We already have a short waiting list. We also have contacts who are ready to refer people as we have capacity.

So no advertising, and it's really a very casual thing anyway with few resources to throw at it in the way of time or money. We just hope to provide a positive, meaningful experience for those we can.

Good deal

[bird man]

Yesterday May 10 we hosted our first father/son/daughter ride. A good group showed up and some real quality outdoor riding experiences took place. It was interesting to watch the feelings of apprehension turn to "this is really fun". Most importantly family's had the opportunity to spend quality time together.
Hopefully those who took pictures will be able to share them here.
Thanks to everyone who helped with all it took to make this positive experience happen.

[troy]

Father, son, & daughter. It was a very good day. It was the son's 2nd time on a dirt bike, and the 8 year old daughter's first time....she rode that 50 on the trails like a pro.

[gagnaou]

This is great! Congratulation to all that contributed to make it happen!

[troy]

It was interesting to watch the feelings of apprehension turn to "this is really fun".

Ditto. One boy started out kind of negative about even trying. After his first few awkward laps on the little 110, he took a break and mentioned that he wanted to go home. However, after another 30 minutes on the bike, he exclaimed "I want a dirt bike for Christmas!" He wanted us to hurry at lunch so he could ride some more! It was really cool.

Thank you, bird man.

[allkidd]

"Do you realize that for a lot of boys in Johnson County, their greatest memory with dad is going to the movies?"

Somehow, I've missed this thread and I'm just now reading it for the first time.

Many kids don't even have the movie memory of their dad as too many kids don't have a dad in their lives! Are you thinking this is for dads and their biological sons/daughters, or, are you also thinking kids that maybe don't have a father? Are you thinking of something ongoing where we would have regular rides?

I would be willing to look for and purchase a used, kids motorcycle and participate in any activities. Kramer would also love to be involved.

[bird man]

I would be willing to look for and purchase a used, kids motorcycle and participate in any activities. Kramer would also love to be involved.

Yes, we are planning to do this on a semi regular basis, meaning whenever we can, suiting schedules of all involved.
I think we are now set pretty good with cycles. I feel having experienced riders present for coaching and support is very important. This will likely be one of our greatest needs in the future. We appreciate your offer and hope you get the opportunity to participate in this rewarding project soon.
At this time we don't have another event scheduled , but will be talking about the next one soon.

[rycomm]

Troy, a guy at work bought an atv for his kids, and got some boots in the deal. He asked me if I knew what to do with them, and I thought of this. So, I have a pair of size 10 mx boots for you. Let me know a way to get them to you.

Ryan

[troy]

Troy, a guy at work bought an atv for his kids, and got some boots in the deal. He asked me if I knew what to do with them, and I thought of this. So, I have a pair of size 10 mx boots for you. Let me know a way to get them to you.

Ryan

Can you just fly low over the house and drop them with a parachute? Maybe send one of your cool remote airplanes to do your dirty work? Or maybe I'll have Amazon send a drone over there to get them. Send the GPS coords.

Thank you very much for thinking of us! While I personally wear size 10, and if those boots are in great condition, I might want them for myself, the truth is, we don't need the boots for the program. I already have 2 old pairs of size 10 boots that folks donated. I thought I wanted to try to get kids sizes, but the reality is when you teach a kid to ride the first time, putting them in motocross boots is intimidating and awkward. Remember the first time you put motocross or ski boots on? Yikes! You could not find the rear brake or the shifter.

[rycomm]

I sometimes still feel that way. But I'm glad I had them in Arkansas. If you can use them, you can still have them. I think they are Fox, but don't know the series.

Ryan