Calling all moms...to race BMX.

I see a lot of really great families at the various races we travel to.  Most parents are supporting their kids with food, shade, water, encouragement, and advice.  These kids are really blessed to have parents who provide the opportunity to race BMX.  It's not an easy sport, and every day is different for each individual.  There's a tremendous amount of cheering, photos, nail-biting, and the like at the sidelines of each race.  Occasionally I hear the negative side from some parents toward their kids.  Threats, insults, pressure of various sorts applied verbally.  I'm not so sure it works.  But this isn't the venue for a dissertation on coaching technique or the contrast of positive vs negative reinforcement.  

I have a great idea, though.  How about YOU race too?  The excuses can be long, and some of them are very legitimate.  I completely respect the fact that it may be out of the question.  But seriously, I encourage YOU the parent - mom or dad - to ride BMX.  Get out there and practice the track with your kids.  Get over your apprehension of the starting gate by becoming familiar with it.  Find ways to pedal more and more of the track.  Ride, laugh, and race with your kids.  I did, and for a few months I was always LAST.  Even in big important/expensive races I paid the entry fee and raced.  

Somehow in the midst of it all, I may have earned a few points.  But the best part was, I could truly understand what my kids were experiencing out there on the track.  And when I finally placed in a main event at our local track, my kids were really happy for me.  It's been a great journey and I hope to have more company along the way from other moms and dads.  Even if you do not consider yourself to be fast.  You may surprise yourself in the end.  Either way, you won't regret the time you spend out there on the track with your kids.