Ridecamp: [RC] Very young riders in AERC rides

In a message dated 10/24/2002 8:24:51 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
FancyNite@xxxxxxx writes:

<< Say (for example) a junior rider has to have at least 100 miles of LDs to 
be eligible to enter a 50 mile ride? (and) A junior rider has to have at least 
400 miles to be eligible to enter a 100 mile ride?  100s take stamina, 
strength, guts, ambition... the list is endless.  Things that MOST (not all) 
children just haven't mastered yet. >>

<<This is a logical, sensible, well thought out approach.  This, I could go 
along with.  It may be a logistical and record keeping nightmare, but would 
be well worth the effort and show, liability-wise, a sensible approach to 
this perceived problem.  Anybody have a problem with this idea?>>

So what is wrong with this idea??????

<<I don't think of a 5-year old as a toddler.  Methinks you are underestimating what a 5-year old can think and do.  Children who have challenging early childhood experiences grow up to be mature and extremely capable adults.>>

My mommy is pretty proud of how I turned out.<G>  And you know what, there was a few times where I wanted to quit.  Would she let me? Heck no she told me to quit my damn whining.  Does that mean she abused me?  I don't think so.. I know of few times I should have been.. <bg>  Most of you seem to be forgetting this is a FAMILY SPORT.  And I am more than grateful to have grown up with it!

Are you going to tell Maggie Price she can't take her grandkids on rides anymore?  I didn't think so.  When I seen her little grandaughter ride a 25 miler (I think she was 6) I was SOOO proud of her, she made me feel like a kid again.  

Jinnifer