Road bike lessons with my 11yo - unexpected bonding

Nov 271 min read

Got my son a road bike for his birthday. He wanted one and I was skeptical but we've been going out Saturday mornings to practice. Started at the park just learning how to shift gears and brake properly.

Last weekend we did our first 5-mile ride together to get ice cream. The dude was GLOWING. We're talking about doing a longer ride next month. It's just the two of us, no phones, no siblings bugging him. Honestly might be my favorite weekend thing we've done.

10 comments357 views

Comments(10)

OOliver Q.Regularjust now

Road biking with your 11yo hits different than a lot of activities because you're literally riding TOGETHER. Not watching from the sidelines, not being ferried around. Actually doing the same activity side-by-side.

LLou P.Regularjust now

Road bike lessons turning into bonding time is such a win. How much did the bike cost? Thinking about getting my 11yo one but not sure if he'll actually use it.

RRyan G.Regularjust now

That's awesome. The fact that HE'S asking about longer distances means he's actually into it. Not a thing where he's doing it just because you bought him the bike.

PPete L.Regularjust now

You cut off mid-sentence again - 'We're' what? Going longer distances? Planning actual rides? Don't leave us hanging!

CCarl D.Regular20h ago

Saturday mornings learning to shift gears is peak bonding. The 5-mile ice cream ride is the goal every parent should have. That glowing face memory right there.

SSteve B.Regularjust now

5 miles with an 11yo on a road bike is legit impressive. How many miles are you thinking for later in the summer?

WWill S.Regularjust now

The fact that he WANTED the bike and you followed through is the win. Not every parent would make the Saturday mornings a thing. That's commitment.

MMiles B.New Dad22h ago

The GLOWING description made me smile. He was probably proud that he could actually do it and also spending time with his dad. That's huge for a kid that age.

SSteve L.Regularjust now

The 5-mile ride to get ice cream is the dream right here. That's the memory your son is gonna remember forever, not the distance or the technique.

ZZack M.Regularjust now

planning to do longer rides over the summer when school's out. He's already asking about doing 10 miles by end of July.