Just have to share... I Couldn't be more proud...

[callmej]

thanks for sharing.... what a great kid! you should be proud.

[channlluv]

Golly, can you bottle up some of whatever vitamins he's taking and send them to me for my 11-year-old daughter?

You've got a lot to be proud of there.

Roxy

[SpinSpinSugar]

Thank you everyone I feel very lucky to have such a good kid. His first few teenage years have been challenging, but not in a bad way. We've learned as much from him as hopefully he has from us.

We've learned not to ask him "if he wants to go?" lol.. (he's a teenager, of course he doesn't want to do anything) we just tell him... "you're going!" And then tell him all the fun stuff that will happen.. like lots of pie and ice cream stops along the route. "It's really an eating tour with a little biking in between.."

We started bringing him on Hiawatha Cyclery sat. morning group rides this summer and "the guys" have really fostered a team spirit in him. At least when it comes to biking anyway. The acceptance and encouragement he's received from older guys has completely changed his attitude.

A little positive feedback has gone a long long way...

SpinSpinSugar

[Tri Girl]

Wow- you SHOULD be incredibly proud!!!! What a great kiddo!

Just out of curiosity- what ride did you do? Was it a group thing or just a small group. Sounds like a killer ride.

[nolemom]

What a wonderful son - he sounds perfect for my 14 year old DD. In all seriousness, I love to hear about adventurous, thoughtful teenagers. I taught high school before moving to the community college level, and I had the privilege to work with many outstanding young people. I was always surprised that many people in the community had such a distorted view of them. It sounds like your son is not only an amazing athlete, but a first-class person. Hold on to this memory to help balance out the times he forgets to take out the trash, feed the dog, etc.

[Crankin]

My son started riding when he was 13, went on a multi state tour at 14, came home and rode a century with a group of adults from a local club. At 16 he was the #5 junior racer in the US.
Get your son a bike with easier gearing! Doesn't have to be new, but he will enjoy the challenge a lot more. And the above poster is right. Most teens are great people. After 30 years of teaching mostly younger teens and raising 2 kids, I don't why people *expect* that kids are going to be awful at this stage. Mine were normally challenging, but fun. Teenage years much more enjoyable than babies to me...

[andtckrtoo]

How wonderful!! I love hearing stories like that! Thanks for sharing!