Old enough?

cleric101

I have a 12 (almost 13) year old cousin that is desperate to go to Afan with me on the Saracen below. My question is - is he too young? He's never been MTBing before but has been on a few rides to Castell Coch and done fine on the taff trail (doesn't really compare I know)

Anyone got any experience in this area? I don't have any kids so am not sure!

supersonic

If he's fit, eager, got the right safety gear and the bike fits, can see no reason why not, though its a havy bike to haul around for a kid.

cleric101

yeah, i was worried about that a bit but then i walk up most of the hills :oops: Can see him overtaking me actually!

Father Faff

I have an 8 year old who is happy to have a go at the red route in Dalby Forest and the skills park on a practically suspensionless Ridgeback MX24. Luckily he has had enough falls to take a considered approach so only rarely misjudges his abilities now. I guess what is more dangerous is a kid with a gung-ho attitude who doesn't have the skills to cope. So I would say it depends on his psychology! If he's sensible and gets off and walks if bits look too tough he'll probably be fine.

cleric101

Cool, thanks. He is pretty sensible so I think we'll be off in a weeks time!

P-Jay

I've seen kids riding at Afan. As long as he's got a Helment he sould be OK.

Stick to Penhydd, the least technical trail IMHO.

stuarthop

I've seen a kid riding at Llandegla along the red route, i recon he must of been around the age of 8 on a kids suspension bike, he was going suprisingly well and pretty quickly, with his dad riding behind him calling 'brake...thats it... pedel now....brake....use the berm...'