The Boy Can Ride!

My son Joshua (14) signed up for the Red Shield Ride this morning!

Me and Josh having just conquered Mt Buffalo, VIC

Josh has only been 'road' riding for a matter of months now; not even a year.  As a father I've got to say it is really awesome getting ride with him.

Josh has a good amount of ability when it comes to riding.  Don't get wrong, he's a teenager and it can be really difficult to motivate him to join me sometimes, and even then he can be a challenge to ride with because he'd rather be sitting on his backside doing something lame.  It's actually a careful line to tread as a father; he enjoys cycling and I think he enjoys riding with me - that's certainly something I want to continue for as long as possible.  I don't want to make him ride for fear of turning him off cycling all together, but as his father, there are days when he just needs to get off that backside and get outdoors for a while.

Generally though, once we're out on the road, we have a great time and I love watching him cycle and improve.  His ability to climb is so good to watch!  I don't necessarily make it easy for him, I want Josh to keep improving, but I know it really isn't going to be long before I'm chasing his wheel trying to stay with him up the hills.

His registration though is a serious challenge.  Josh has been recovering from a knee injury (dislocation), the two rides he's signed up for will be his longest rides to date, and while the 100km Hobart Gran Fondo comes before the 80km Huonville to Hobart ride next Wednesday, he's also never backed up one long ride with another as quickly as this before.

I know he'd love to see you supporting, encouraging and sponsoring him, so why not head over to his fundraising page here and send some money and love his way?!