While in need of something to do on a Sunday, WAGS (minus S because he was working) took Gavin to The Jones Center - Runway Bike Park. Gavin has wanted to start mountain biking, but the last time we took him, he was a little uncertain about riding down a mountain with the uncertainties that were to come. So, we figured we would start him off a little slower with some skills course time before dad took him back out.
When we got there, there weren't too many people. He rode the easier (green), shorter skills track (pictures from the entire day are linked here) a couple times before begging dad to do the middle (blue) course with him...they ended up riding the difficult (black) course by the end of the day. He rocked it and was having fun, but decided that he wanted to try the pump track.
Off he went, dad following in tow. He crashed a few times, but got right back up, excited to continue. This was by far his favorite thing and ended up spending almost an hour riding, learning, and having fun on this portion. Luckily, there weren't many people there while we were there (when it started picking up is about the time we decided to head home) so he could take his time and learn. A new (to Gavin) bike is in the works (thanks to my brother and his childhood love of BMX/pump-track style bikes) and we've been spending a few afternoons/evenings a week up here. One evening while we were there, we met a family from the Branson area who enjoys doing the same thing, and spends their free time down here. Their youngest and Gavin hit it off and spent time riding...Gavin was bummed to leave after 1.5+ hours of riding. Luckily, it's about a 10-15 minute drive from our house.
As soon as mom's bike is fixed, we are planning a longer bike ride (without kids)...we'll be sure to post about that and our favorite parts of the trail!
~Amanda
***Gavin is currently riding the Guardian 24" bike. CLICK HERE for a free bell and FREE shipping on any of their bikes. They come almost fully set-up, you just have a few steps to complete (it took Weston maybe 5 minutes to set Gavin's up).
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