June is International Buy Your Kid a Rake and Shovel month

The other day, I was engaged in a conversation and something came up. Why do kids these days spend so much time inside playing video games and on the internet? I think parents can help us out a little here. What I'm saying is it's International Buy Your Kid a Rake and Shovel Month here on ecmtb.

This is an odd new celebration to propose. I'm proposing it because we are in an age where it's not all about Baseball and Soccer for summertime sports. Mountain Biking and other cycling disciplines are growing so much that many kids, possibly yours or you - will be spending the majority of your summer doing it. A lot of riders are frequenting some of the new dirt jump parks and here are some key things to keep in mind.

Jumps need to be maintained in order to be in the same condition when you leave as when you showed up. The best practice is to own your own rake and shovel and bring it with you on riding days. This is such a great thing to do in all respects. You will get to know the jumps a lot better if you put in time sculpting and helping your friends prep them for riding. When you're done, you leave with a nice cool and a sense that you have not only learned something new, maybe got a new bruise or just got some good pix. You will have a sense that you helped make something better for the next person. That's just plain old good 'mojo'.

This is a much cheaper idea than getting a Playstation or spending countless hours on the internet (unless it’s surfing ecmtb.com). It’s a good hobby, great exercise and a good way to make new friends. It’s a great thing to do on rainy days when you can't go ride the jumps.

Now, head on down to your local supply shop and pick up a rake and shovel. Bring it to the next build day. Who knows, you may make new friends. I know one thing - if all the people who use the local parks brought a shovel and rake, it would make for a lot more good places to ride. It would also likely encourage the municipalities to help us get more of these parks.

NOTE: I am in no way encouraging building new jumps on private land. You should always be sure you are riding on land where you have permission to ride. Ride with a helmet and proper protective gear - even if the cool kids aren't.

Posted by nimzie at June 30, 2005 08:42 AM

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