parents

[freerider4ever]

Yesterday I took a pretty good fall on a drop I have done a bunch of times and have even showed them on video. Its a pretty fair size step down that gives you a real good amount of speed after you land. Anyway I overshot it by a little bit and landed nose heavy and started losing control going roughly 25 mph. I saw a tree infront of me and ditched the bike, so when I landed on my feet I guess I sort of traction rolled into a few flips and fell into a tree. Anyway I landed hard against the tree and figured I broke my collarbone. So I was like eh w/e doesn't hurt TOO much but it stiffened up in about a half hour then I figured it was best to call my parents. So they picked me up and started pretty much yelling at me in the car for getting hurt, keep in mind I have been riding dh for 2 years and have never had a hospital visit. So now they are arguing permanently taking me off the bike at risk of me becoming paralyzed, and my family spending every dime in order to support me or something like that. Any way this is obsurd, my collar bone wasn't even broken just bruised up pretty good. I argued to them with this sport it isnt IF its WHEN, and today (yesterday) was an accident. I have been lucky, that is all. How should I go about this?

[Tom]

how old are you?

[Jay T.]

ont worry about it dude, everytime i fall my parents tell me not bike, when i broke my colar bone and dislocated the same shoulder on a rd gap i came nose heavy on that had done porlly a dozen times before all i got is why didnt you call an ambulance, now i have to stop dinner to take you to the hospital. They get so worries they dont really know what theya re saying

[Smoke]

You need to get hurt more often. My parents got bored of getting upset after a while, and ended up being good good friends with most of the radiology department at Lions Gate.

[Tom]

"Ok mom, I'll stop mountain biking. I'll take up some much safer activities like street racing and smoking crack." That oughtta do the trick.

[inshane]

I know how you feel. I had a bad crash about 2 years ago where I can close to loosing my leg and even my life. My parents had to pretty much take 100% care of me for the next year since I could not even take a shower by myself... It was very stressful on my parents seeing me like this.
Now when ever I even mention the word moutainbike or filming they break down right in front of me. I cant even talk to them about it anymore, they have their mind set about the sport till the end of time... Im kinda in your shoes but a little worse off? hahah
I need help aswell!

[Mr Ripper]

Wait till your 19 and they can't say anything. Or you could always tell them "I may be crazy for mountain biking, but you are crazy not to follow your heart" or some other smelly cheese along those lines.

[NickS]

Just use a ya fine mtbing is to dangerous ill take up football and street racing instead.

[inshane]

peanut butter and crack sandwich

[Rosscofat]

eat a banana and tell your parents to suck it up!

[mattj]

I guess I take for granted how amazing my parents are in every way; I've never even imagined something like this to be possible. Tell your parents that every activity in life has its dangers and when you're doing something you truly love rather than something to pass the time you're more focused and more aware of those dangers therefore you're better equipped to prevent the situations. Also, I can attest to the fact that 1st hospital visit in 2 years is excellent. How old are you though? Because if you're like 13 or something I'm sorry but your parents ROOLZ you and you have to do what they say...


-m

[freerider4ever]

I am into a bunch of other sports also such as skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, w/e. I argued with my dad about me doing 40 ft step downs on skis and he claims it is different or something. So I just had an hour long talk with them and my mom wouldn't stop with the whole me getting paralzyed thing but im grateful they care enough about me. Biking has been a part of me for a long time now my dad brought up some photos of me hitting a 2 footer when I was 10 (Im 17 now) and showed my mom how riding is something that is in me. I am also into the whole "bodybuilding" thing for the past year or so when I cant be skiing in the winter I said to them "ight w/e guys you can take away biking then all I will do is workout and probably experiment with roids, andro, etc..." This has been my first bad fall since I seriously started dh, I was into XC when I was little when my dad use to bike with me. I was showing my dad some videos of guys taking terrible falls before and in some cases how many people were there to watch them. I said to him "I think people were there to admire the skill and dedication it takes to attempt something like that." He made the argument "I think yes mike, that is part of it, but also I think it has to do with them valuing their life more than the person attempting the stunt, thats why they wouldn't attempt it." Idk they are looking out for my well being which is good but....I'm not sure how to get them to understand the rush we get as freeriders from accomplishing new things. A few years ago a 5 ft gap dirt jump gave us all a sense of satisfaction, now a 20 ft gap dirt jump is something that doesn't even get you excited anymore. The size of the stunt in my opinion directly relates to the amount of progression you have made over time, no longer will that same 5 ft gap dirt jump give you a sense of satisfaction. BTW the gap that I went down on consists of a kicker about 10 ft back from the top of a hill, and it sends you about 50 ft down to the landing with a pretty insane run out. My guess is your gapping 30 ft out and dropping a total of 20 ft, so its really not a true "20X30 ft stunt." Problem was I had gone too fast, ditched the bike and slammed a tree, luckily my big hit was fine. I also ride a 243 hardtail for dirt jump stuff I figure maybe I will cool off for a little bit and work on no foot can cans or something.

[corey@nsmb.com]

Talk about sports with them. You could play hockey, and risk broken legs from hitting the boards, dislocated shoulders, blown knees and ankles, etc.

Or soccer. Or baseball.

Etc.

Sports will hurt you sometimes. Living a sedentary lifestyle where you parents are afraid if letting you be active will do more damage than a broken bone here and there.

[freerider4ever]

I should add this is a drop I have done probably around 18 times now without any accidents, and this was the first "screw up" on it. Then my mom brought up the whole me staying in my level of ability I was like wtf I have done it 18 times, that seems comfortable to me.

[Tom]

Like Corey said, sports are dangerous, and there is a chance of injury. You might want to not tell your parents you're doing huge gaps and stuff, give them less to worry about.

Just curious, how exactly would they "take away biking from you"?

[freerider4ever]

My mom actually wanted to take both my 243 and big hit away from me roughly worth like 4500 all together that I paid for. Im kind of pissed I should have said I fell of the back of my bike trying a suicide no handed landing or something.

[fr33k]

I'm a parent and here is my take on this topic. getting hurt playing any sport is something that will happen if you play long enough. This i can understand. but doing something just plain stupid while playing or doing some kinda sport is not something I would put up with. I have been hurt playing sport more than my share, nothing to seriuos but bad enough to keep me from working. since january of this year , injuries have cost me 2 months wages. thats atleast 10 grand out of pocket for me and my family. You have the rest of your life ahead of you to live it up, work or whatever you do with it. dont fuck it up by doing stupid shit thats gonna cost you later on in life.
Sedentary lifestyles suck...................and I push our kids to play sport's and put every effort into playing them as hard as they can . But I would be more than pissed if they came home hurt for some kinda stupid mistake.
So what I am saying is, keep riding. Have fun , but try and keep the stupidity to a minimum

[white ri0t]

You need to get hurt more often. My parents got bored of getting upset after a while, and ended up being good good friends with most of the radiology department at Lions Gate.these days you're good friends with the folks at the STD clinic, eh smoke?

[freerider4ever]

I think a lot of kids are going out now above their ability but I didn't it was a mistake on something I have done many times. I wish I could get my parents to understand I'm a safe rider, I always try to ride within my limits, hence why I haven't been hurt badly since I started dh.

[Viper55]

My parents have always been super supportive of me to try new sprts and get out of the house. I think they know I am happy riding and it's better to die on your feet then live on your knees.

[Tom]

it's better to die on your feet then live on your knees.

From what I hear, dying sucks.

[white ri0t]

From what I hear, dying sucks.
from what I gather it's rather inevitable, eh?

[M@M]

my mom gets really worried each time I go riding, because ive had to get stitched up a few times for really minor injuries, but even those incidents get her worried. What I do is I always call my mom when im finished riding to tell her I havnt hurt myself again. It will help her begin to trust you, in that you appear to be, more often than not, safe, not banged up.

[SkunkworkS]

Show them you can ride safely and "intelligently".

If you know your parents will get worried and are not firm supporters of your mountain biking habits, DON'T tell them "Hey dad, wanna watch me do a 30 foot drop?" and whatnot. It only makes it worse. And you also feel guilty cause they will be overly worried and stressed. It's too bad not every parent is a mountain biker themself. They don't always realize that it's really a minor thing and your life is mountain biking and you can't stop it. Parents only make it a hassle because they love you and care about you.

Keep the mountain biking talk to a minimum when you're in the household. Don't get them worried and keep the riding chill and fun. Also, try to look at it from their standpoint. That always works. Hell, you should be grateful your parents don't want you all fucked up by the time you're 30.

But then again, what do I know, I'm only 14.

[freerider4ever]

My dad use to be really into mountain biking hes the one who got me into it, hes done some 3 foot drops and wheelies in his days and I think he understands it better. I don't think the general public can understand why we do what we do on bikes. After something I do not instant satisfaction I think to myself "alright that was pretty good, now lets see if I can throw a whip off of it," or "alright that felt good but lets see if I can do something a bit bigger." I don't think the general public can always understand pushing ones self to new heights and breaking boundaries that they never thought possible. Whatever Im annoyed at the fact that now they dont trust me in the woods, so I figure I will take it easy for about....a week that way they won't get pissed with another call sometime very soon. My mom is convinced that I really am going to die doing this or become paralyzed, any way to ease this?

[SEKTER13]

My parents used to be like that too, but now they accept that this is what I want to do and realize its no different then any other sport. The problem is mountain biking is lumped into this "extream" sport thing. And like all "extream" sports they are marketed as crazy and extream, so most people think theyre more dangerous then they actually are. In sports, accidents happen, period. I have friends in hocky, rugby, basketball, karate, ect. I personally see way more injuries in those sports yet many of them think im nuts for mountain biking because they think its so dangerous. Your best bet is just explain to them that its really no different then any other sport and its what you really love to do (with extra cheese).

[ShoreIH]

my dad summed it up pretty well. " I dont give a damn what you are doing on your bike, as long as you are having fun, and are out in the fresh air. If you get hurt really badly(ie.paralyzed,dead) Thats life and I will have to deal with it. Now go ride you bike"

[Kevin26]

be a nerd and sit on your couch and play video games and get fat and make your parent embarassed that they let you be such a loser then they won't mind you actually going out and biking

[Moocowsia]

Got a pressure suit or some decent torso/back armour? Might help them a bit with their nerves. I know my parents were getting kinda shakey with my biking so I told them to get me armour and safety gear for christmas instead of a part or two, seems to have done the trick.

[aShogunNamedMarcus]

My mom is convinced that I really am going to die doing this or become paralyzed, any way to ease this?

If you dont have or wear much padding, get them to anti up for the safety jacket and some ridge shorts. You'll still be hurt when bailing just nowhere as bad (usually).

[freerider4ever]

Its funny you mention my parents buying me armor. In times when I was short on money, I had my dad help me out he has bought me derailuer cables, shifter housings, and other small parts. For christmas I got a custom dhx wheel laced to a hope hub, azonic a frame pedals, 4 high roller tires in different durometers, diabolus bars, sdg grand prix seat. Yet, my dad has never paid for a helmet for me, nor chest armor. I bought a 661 assault jacket awhile ago and its got ok protection not too great, and I have a 661 mullet helmet for most things. Now my dad talked to me again, and wants me paying for all safety gear, hes not pitching in at all yet he talks about me being safe and how he wants me safe because he loves me? weird

[Dantes Inferno]

I bit it bad on a drop in Squamish when me and my dad were preriding the BVOD course, he said i should try a drop so i did and he ended up being able to "practise" his first aid on me. Good thing the hospital in Squamish is good with bike crashed, i was out in two hours and in bed. My parents didn't care i got hurt mountainbiking, they just went out and bought me a Ridge Ninja Suit and told me they would take my bike if I didnt wear it, I said deal!

[gearwh0re]

Its funny you mention my parents buying me armor. In times when I was short on money, I had my dad help me out he has bought me derailuer cables, shifter housings, and other small parts. For christmas I got a custom dhx wheel laced to a hope hub, azonic a frame pedals, 4 high roller tires in different durometers, diabolus bars, sdg grand prix seat. Yet, my dad has never paid for a helmet for me, nor chest armor. I bought a 661 assault jacket awhile ago and its got ok protection not too great, and I have a 661 mullet helmet for most things. Now my dad talked to me again, and wants me paying for all safety gear, hes not pitching in at all yet he talks about me being safe and how he wants me safe because he loves me? weird

super lame! your dad wants you to pay for something that is for you! that sucks.

try to hold out though, once you leave the house and get into the real world people start giving you all sorts of things. my armour was bought by a stranger, a guy gave me my bike and i found most my gear.

spending your own money on stuff for you sucks

[freerider4ever]

lol I know what you mean Gearwhore. I was just saying its a bit strange that my dad has helped me buy parts for the bike so that I could make it capable for handling big drops/gaps, yet wont help with protective gear.

[Dantes Inferno]

Just become a depressed EMO kid, that will sure show them.

[Lady Gravity]

super lame! your dad wants you to pay for something that is for you! that sucks.

try to hold out though, once you leave the house and get into the real world people start giving you all sorts of things. my armour was bought by a stranger, a guy gave me my bike and i found most my gear.

spending your own money on stuff for you sucks

e-sarc is alive and well :lol:

[derwood]

http://www.jazzyjefffreshprince.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=3&pos=19

[DaveM]

I see you live in New York. It's easy for us Canadians to say big deal, so what if you get hurt. But from what I've heard, US healthcare is mucho $$$. So if it's going to cost your family lots of money if you get hurt, he does have the right to tell you what to do.

[Danny K]

Tell your parents you could get hurt playing any sport. My parents understand the risks I take when I surf or go ride or whatever, they may not be comftrable with it but they know I'm doing what I love.

My parents DID pay for all my protective gear.

[bunny]

you kids don't "get" parents do you? just give them a hug and tell them you love them. they will get super mushy and happy, let you do anything you want, and probably go buy you a nice gift as well. :)

[Dude]

In every sport there is risk...I've suffered two broken legs (one bad break at 16 that had me hospitalized for two weeks, then under my Mum's care for ~6 months), a few broken bones on the wrist, and numerous concussions playing soccer. I still play. My injury ratio from the game is way higher than my injury ratio on the mountain.

I used to race road as well, and let me tell you...contact with trees or rock faces is nothing compared to kissing a windshield.

My parents have always supported me; they did express concerns, but they never stopped me from pursuing my love of sports.

I guess my point is, they can either support you, and encourage you to progress safely, or they can try and shelter you by limiting your experiences. My experiences through athletic competition has done more to help me succeed in other areas of life than anything else- I'm absolutely convinced of that. I'm a father of two now: I'll never say no to my kids if they ask to participate in any sport. Sports- whether team or individual- will do more for you than being a sheltered and protected kid, sitting at home, playing video games and surfing the net.

Don't let them snuf out your drive.

[Kevin26]

In every sport there is risk...I've suffered two broken legs (one bad break at 16 that had me hospitalized for two weeks, then under my Mum's care for ~6 months), a few broken bones on the wrist, and numerous concussions playing soccer. I still play. My injury ratio from the game is way higher than my injury ratio on the mountain.

I used to race road as well, and let me tell you...contact with trees or rock faces is nothing compared to kissing a windshield.

My parents have always supported me; they did express concerns, but they never stopped me from pursuing my love of sports.

I guess my point is, they can either support you, and encourage you to progress safely, or they can try and shelter you by limiting your experiences. My experiences through athletic competition has done more to help me succeed in other areas of life than anything else- I'm absolutely convinced of that. I'm a father of two now: I'll never say no to my kids if they ask to participate in any sport. Sports- whether team or individual- will do more for you than being a sheltered and protected kid, sitting at home, playing video games and surfing the net.

Don't let them snuf out your drive.
yea I get hurt more playing soccer, but lots of less serious stuff, and biking i've had 2 broken bones, but thats about it. My parent are really good, will give me rides to places if I need it, buy me lots of my gear, sometimes my dad even will ride with me. I couldn't imagine them disapproving of biking, that really sucks to have them wanting you to stop. maybe show them this thread?

[freerider4ever]

The argument they are using is "I COULD die/get paralyzed and they will have to sell the house to be able to afford medical for me and my sister won't go to college because of all the money going towards keeping me alive." Comments on this?

[Chuck D. Railer]

ahhhh....just think....in a couple of more years, none of this will be a problem. paying for rent food gas bills insurance beer weed bike parts etc. etc, will keep you waaaay too busy to risk doing large jumps. taking six or eight weeks off work injured with no pay puts about a two year dent in the riding budget.
ahhahahahahaha

[Smoke]

these days you're good friends with the folks at the STD clinic, eh smoke?

Uhhhh, I think I'll be telling the guys at the Emergency ward to be expecting you soon, as Barb is on her way over to your place to find out just what that means......

[darce_b]

the first time my mom saw me took a spill, she told me to never ride my bike again...and it wasnt even a bad fall. i landed on my feet. my point is, your parents just want to make sure that your safe...and when it comes to sports like biking, they're always going to act like that, because there always is a risk. just keep on riding!

[biking_cam]

"Ok mom, I'll stop mountain biking. I'll take up some much safer activities like street racing and smoking crack." That oughtta do the trick.
HAHA definately...

My parents say stuff like that when i get injured... i normally just say fine but then go bking again once im healed

oh ya, my parents also just yelled at me saying im stupid because im always finding ways to get myself hurt because i told them i was jumping off a buddys dock with my scooter

[aShogunNamedMarcus]

The argument they are using is "I COULD die/get paralyzed and they will have to sell the house to be able to afford medical for me and my sister won't go to college because of all the money going towards keeping me alive." Comments on this?

How do these conversations usually go? Are there frequent conversations regardless of you being injured or mainly only after you sustain an injury? You could argue with them but that will usually acheive nothing in your favour (mention they shouldnt drive or something either then ;). IMO, it also sounds like they're being a little bit paranoid on the extreme of what could happen. It easily could to any of us but we all know that.

I'm not sure how old or mature you are but I'd tend to think if you sat down with them and expressed your genuine concern for what you love to do without raising a voice or having a tantrum, could go along way to help your cause. Even write down what they've argued and then brainstorm some replies to show that you're thinking about this more than just "I wanna ride damn it and you cant stop me". Also, call up your local insurance place and ask about personal injury insurance if they're so worried about having to sell the farm if you wreck yourself. I'd recommend get all that info on your own and when they play that card about not being able to retire and send you two to college, then you can just say the insurance will only cost xxx amount per year. Usually affordable by a part time job even.

I shouldnt say this as karma will kick my ass but when all else fails, lie. You're out in the woods and they dont know if you endo'd from a two foot natural depression in the ground you didnt see or ragdolled off a 20 foot gapper.

[SkunkworkS]

Show your parents this thread.

[SEKTER13]

Yeah show em the thread, lots of good responses in here. Use some statistics, most riders dont get paralyzed or die riding. Yes it can, and yes it does happen. For most of us it works out, theres just always that risk, were willing to take it because its what we love to do. Know your limits, not pushing yourself way too much can do a long way for injuries.

[freerider4ever]

I wrote a 2 1/2 page paper to my parents today regarding this issue. Im not sure if I mentioned my name earlier but I am 17 in 2 weeks. I expressed that as a 16 year old, I am exposed to many things that can get me seriously hurt such as drugs, drunk driving, etc. I said something like "would you rather me break my femur driving while intoxicated, or break it on my bike in an effort to accomplish something I haven't yet done, seeking the satisfaction that comes after stomping a new stunt." My dad I think understands it a bit better now I told him I will NOT wear my chest protector dirt jumping, way too cumbersome. I did say that whenever doing big drops, I WILL bring my chest protector along and make sure to wear it. I expressed my concerns without raising my voice or anything like that, I tried to make him understand why I do what I do. I created a scenario I said to him "dad what if I break my arm dirt jumping working on suicides?" his response was "eh...shit happens I would be ok with it." Then i asked "what if I screwed up on a big huck, but was wearing my protective gear (showing responsibility." once again his response was "shit happens....I would be ok with it. My NEXT scenario was "what if I screwed up on a drop without my chest protector, and maybe the run out wasn't as "safe" as it should have been" his response was "irresponsible, then it would become a problem." I think we have somewhat come to a medium on this. For my birthday I'm going to get a vigor helmet and this new giro one I saw on go-ride thats more protective than the typical skating helmet. I already have lizard skinz shin guards and some gloves so, I am somewhat protected. One thing he said a few days ago that I thought was pretty off "mike your being selfish you could ruin this family JUST so you can get your adrenaline rush." So I then asked whether or not all athletes are endangering their family also, thus being selfish to get their "rush." his response was yes it is. This was the day of my actual accident, as of today I THINK he may have thought it over a bit but w/e. Like, I ride a spec. big hit and a 243 hardtail, what do they think I'm doing jumping off curbs? What other reason would I have for getting a dhx rear rim built custom to a hope hub....

[Nelson]

Batmans dad told him this..

"“Why do we fall? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.”"

[Dude]

That's right...when in doubt, think to yourself, "What would Batman's old man say?"

[SkunkworkS]

Well it is true that your family would probably be shit fucked in the financial side of things if you ever get paralyzed or need hospital treatment. US healthcare = blah

Ask him about personal injury insurance.