Mountain biking is fun. If you have not tried it, you are missing out on a fascinating adventure. As an avid mountaineer I have had many good times riding my trusty bike through the hills. Not only has it provided me with countless hours of unadulterated fun, it has also helped in increasing my stamina.

My kids were always running around when they were younger, but as they grew older their focus shifted to gadgets like game consoles and the latest smartphones. Seeing their unhealthy habits, I resolved to introduce them to the wonderful world of mountain biking. As mountain biking requires a person to be cautious and well equipped with the basic knowhow of safe practices, I took it upon myself to educate them. I would like to share my first-hand experience with all the parents who want their children to get off the couch and start hitting the trails.

1. Get the Right Gear

Before your child can start riding on the hilly trails or begin training for the task, it is important that you procure all the important safety gear. Helmets, shin guards, and elbow guards can go a long way in ensuring the safety of your child.

2. Head to a Dirt Trail

Pick a dirt road which is wide enough for your kids to ride their bikes with comfort. Allow them to ride back and forth on the road. Make sure that they get better at riding a bike on a flat surface, so that you can introduce them to the tough challenges ahead.

3. Move to Safe Single Tracks

Introduce your kids to safe single tracks, so that they'll be familiar with riding a bike on the single tracks that are found in hilly areas. A jogger’s park can be a nice place to start single track bike riding. While riding in these track areas, kids will form a habit of riding on narrow roads. You can always ask them to test out the narrow single track and then guide them back onto the paved trail if they are worried.

4. Give them a Challenge

Setting up an obstacle course may be time consuming and require some effort on your part, but it is extremely useful when it comes to acclimatizing your child to the demands of hilly terrain. In lieu of professional equipment for creating obstacles, one can get creative with some household items to build up a course. These obstacles will allow the kids to practice maneuvering in a safe and secure environment.

5. Make use of a BMX Track

Getting your kids attuned to the idea of riding on uneven ground is very important before they can hit the hilly trails. Take your kids to the local BMX track, where they will be able to access such terrains. These short looping trails require a good combination of skills acquired on the previous tracks. BMX tracks have wide sections, narrow sections and a few small hills. Riding on these sections allow the young ones to gain crucial experience that serves them well on the hills.

After honing my child’s skills, I felt confident in their ability to ride on the hills. When we packed our bags and tucked all the bikes in the van, I could sense eagerness in their chirps, and passion in their loud war cries. Finally, they were free from the curse of the technology which had bound them to their rooms.

We had a wonderful experience on our hilly adventure, and came back totally recharged. You can also join in on the fun and make the most of mountain bike riding with your kids.