Kid’s cycling

[pickettt]

Does anyone here have kids that are racing or riding bikes competitively? Any discipline.

[Headshrinker]

I do not, but I can answer some questions you may have since I raced in Europe for many years as a pro.

[Pix]

My oldest road raced a few times, but mostly my 3 did Motocross, started at 3 & 4 yrs old.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

I do not, but I can answer some questions you may have since I raced in Europe for many years as a pro.

Maybe you’re the perfect one to ask then. I raced pro XC MTB for a number of years myself, but I started late. Outside of BMX, there appears to be no competitive bike racing for young kids here in the U.S. We start to see more racing around 8 or 9 years old, but nothing serious until about 12. European cycling culture is different I know, but how young do they get kids started there?

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by pickettt

Maybe you’re the perfect one to ask then. I raced pro XC MTB for a number of years myself, but I started late. Outside of BMX, there appears to be no competitive bike racing for young kids here in the U.S. We start to see more racing around 8 or 9 years old, but nothing serious until about 12. European cycling culture is different I know, but how young do they get kids started there?

Just depends on the area. We have a lot of good kids programs here, but we also have George Hincapie, Christian Vandevelde, and Brent Bookwalter living in the area.

[Headshrinker]

Most of Europe, itself, is far more into cycling; it is more ingrained into their culture. As for the US, it is more concentrated in different areas of the country. I crossed the NJ boarder into Pennsylvania to access the Trexlertown Velodrome. Here in NJ, we have the famous Somerville Criterium. There are various cycling clubs and organizations like the United States Cycling Federation that can steer you in the right direction. I, myself, started around twelve or so, riding around the hills in northwestern NJ. Later, I joined a cycling club from a local bike shop that sponsored several amateur races. After winning many local races, I spent a lot of time in another big racing culture in Colorado where a visiting coach from France was impressed with my unwillingness to quit or give up.
I know I have not answered your question directly, but the sport has never gained a real foot in the USA. California must have local bike shops that can help you out. I have been out of the loope for years now. Best of luck!