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azoomm
03-17-2011, 04:45 PM
Yesterday, we had our first Kid's Motorcycle Clinic. It all started when I got a phone call from a father who's son was racing dirt. The father has always done roadracing, and wanted his son to try a roadcourse. But, at age 8 the option is to put him on a bike and go racing OR get private lessons. For him, private lessons were not out of the question, but he wanted something that had him interacting with other kids as well.

Enter Brandon. Brandon Altmeyer is a 14-year-old racer that I sponsor. He raced Indy last year. He has been racing CMRA, WERA, CCS, TMGP, and others. Well, enough so to have expert plates with those organizations. We had the wild idea that we could take a few kids and put them together with Brandon. After all, they speak the same language...

It was a BLAST. I mean, days like yesterday is why many of us are in this business. To take someone from the start and watch them finish the day on a high note - WOW!!

The students were Calvin - age 13. Calvin's dad bought a few Ninja 250's and put them all together into a running machine. All on a budget of $500 - awesome little race bike. Perfect bike for Calvin as he's tall. Dylan - age 8 - was our other student. Dylan won the Texas Triple Crown Series 2010. 51cc open class.

Pictures: http://elitetrackdays.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Motorcycle-Clinic-for-Kids-at/16232678_APmwB#1219422812_H2gWN

http://elitetrackdays.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Motorcycle-Clinic-for-Kids-at/Motorcycle-Clinic-for-Kids-at/1219426094_VcMmr-L.jpg

http://elitetrackdays.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Motorcycle-Clinic-for-Kids-at/Motorcycle-Clinic-for-Kids-at/1219438514_96fnX-L.jpg

One of my other instructors, Craig Gleason, aided on the assist with instruction. He also shot video of everyone out on the course. We now have two more that the track-bug has bitten :dthumb:
Archren
03-17-2011, 04:54 PM
:dthumb: AWESOME!! I want to introduce my girls to riding... but I think they have a few years before they will really show any interest in it. Both of them are so... GIRLY... :panic:
shmike
03-17-2011, 04:56 PM
Good deal, zoomie!

I think it is awesome that you are able to start them so young! :dthumb:

Is that kid on the TTR wearing his Dad's helmet!? :eek:
azoomm
03-17-2011, 05:04 PM
Is that kid on the TTR wearing his Dad's helmet!? :eek:

:lol: That seems to be the #1 thing people are picking on in the pictures. Trust me, it was safe. It was not my choice in helmets [Fulmar], but it had an XXS insert in it that was fitted to his head. My biggest concern was bobble-head and the helmet moving and obstructing his vision - moreso than an injury sustained from an impact. He was TINY. Helmet looks huge, it actually fit his head.
CasterTroy
03-17-2011, 05:24 PM
This would be PERFECT for Ben!

I've been meaning to buy his bike soem road tires :rockwoot:
skiergirl
03-17-2011, 05:41 PM
Glad it worked out so well for them...:) sorry I wasn't able to help out.....
derf
03-17-2011, 06:28 PM
I would love for my daughter to do this, but she's a girl and thus wont be good at riding bikes, she is however a genetically superior passenger. My son will prolly love it when he comes of age and is ready to learn.


Really though looks like tons of fun, and that helmet looks huge on him
azoomm
03-17-2011, 07:13 PM
I would love for my daughter to do this, but she's a girl and thus wont be good at riding bikes, she is however a genetically superior passenger. My son will prolly love it when he comes of age and is ready to learn.


Really though looks like tons of fun, and that helmet looks huge on him

Silly boy.

My daughter was out playing around on the dirt oval while the boys were in class... then, when they went to open play sessions she went out on the track on my KTM. Poor thing, I'll have to let her know she isn't any good now...
TYEster
03-17-2011, 07:29 PM
There's a dirt oval out there now?!
azoomm
03-17-2011, 07:39 PM
There's a dirt oval out there now?!

On the skid pad... it's a work in progress.

We're working on getting it more than a bit bigger than it is.
azoomm
03-17-2011, 07:43 PM
Video: http://www.facebook.com/v/10150115714742621
Particle Man
03-17-2011, 08:36 PM
My 2 year old has already asked to ride :lol:

We need something like that around here.
derf
03-17-2011, 09:07 PM
Poor thing, I'll have to let her know she isn't any good now...


Good. Put her in her place then....