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The trails at Rocky Knob are not easy. Rocks, roots, leaves, more rocks, climbs, and downhills are some of the challenges riders face. And that’s just on the first trail. Most regulars at Rocky Knob will attest that riding here will make you a better rider. Imagine growing up riding at two wheels at Rocky Knob? What kind of talent might emerge? One of the visions of Rocky Knob Park is to create a place where riders could progress their skills (what ever their skill level) on authentic challenges. International events like yesterday’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day remind us that going big starts small.
Rocky Knob joined countless other trail systems across the world in playing host to over 13,000 kids riding bikes on trails. Some of the skills we worked on yesterday with our young rippers were patience and decision making, along with braking and shifting. Getting more kids at younger ages on bikes has many beneficial ripple effects: riders develop a sense of fitness and health, they make connections between people and our natural environment, and as IMBA believes, “Today’s riders are tomorrow’s land managers.” So when you get a chance, take a kid mountain biking.
Special thanks to Eric Marland, Jay Womack, Ryan Puckett, John Goldbaum, DeFeet Socks, IMBA, Specialized, Magic Cycles, Boone Bike and Touring, and the Boone Area Cyclists for making this event come together.