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  • Phil (ascentale)ascentale
    Jul 25, 2026, 3:02 AM

    @cainmark @bikenite A7. It has been a while since I have taught a kids rodeo (I am a LCI too!)

    I think kids sort of like the games. We have them ride in a straight line activity, where they have to stay within the boundaries of the chalked lines. Some kids are skilled enough to do that really quickly.

    We create a course with chalked intersections, yields, stop signs, etc and ask them to do the course.

    We have some plywood boards with a 2x4 screwed into the bottom that are fun to ride over. The 2x4 in the center is biased to one side so that when a rider approaches, that side is always down.

    Sometimes we do a small neighborhood loop to talk about safety with cars on the road, if it's a small group.

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Replies

  • Phil (ascentale)ascentale
    Jul 25, 2026, 3:06 AM

    @cainmark @bikenite A7 cont'd

    Things to add fun:
    * If kids are too good at straight line drills, let them ride fast a few times, then tell them you want to do something the opposite. Tell them that the last person to cross the finish line without riding outside of their lane wins. The slow race is a good way to test handling skills.
    * Once they do the intersection course then I made up a game where they are in charge of the grown ups. Each instructor/adult has a few kids behind them leading a small "train". The kids behind tell the instructor when to stop or go. It gets especially interesting when there are turns or when multiple trains are at an intersection together. Kids have to talk it out and decide who gets to go.
    * I think it's called the Chaos Box? Kids have to ride in a small designated area without putting their foot down. If anyone puts a foot down or rides outside of the box, then they are out. Box gets smaller until there's a winner.

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  • Phil (ascentale)ascentale
    Jul 25, 2026, 3:07 AM

    @cainmark @bikenite A7 cont'd 3/3

    * Cardboard for skidding: If kids are into it, they can lock up their rear wheels over a piece of cardboard and skid.

    If I remember more, I'll let you know! Have fun and I bet the kids will get a lot out of the opportunity!

    Edit: I remembered more

    * This all assumes you've had the opportunity to do helmet check (eyes, ears, chin), ABC quick check, etc. I like to ask the kids to try to answer the questions for me. "What do you think 'B' stands for? Why is there a 'Q' in the ABCs?!"

    * Some kids think it's funny when I describe a "raw potato" as a tire firmness gauge.

    * Less fun but probably important is getting kids to use the handbrake rather than dragging their feet to stop.

    * If kids are well-skilled at straight line drill/slow race you can test to see if they can take one hand off of the handlebar so they can try signaling. Baby steps, first take one finger off, then entire hand except 1 finger, and so on

    * Pedal power position!

    * Giveaways are great

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