Big Kids Get Scared Too! - Letter of the Week - Dirt Rider Magazine | MiniRider.com

Dear Dirt Rider,

I just finished the 2010 GNCC Series. I raced the 65cc 7-9 class and finished 10th place for the season. I was scared at first because the kids were so fast, but by the end of the season I wasn't scared anymore. As a kid, what can I do to make myself faster? And do they make sport drinks and training routines that are safe for kids? Attached is a picture from this year's Unadilla GNCC. I love Dirt Rider!Thank you,**Tyler Silvia

Age 9**Tyler,__Being scared of new things is a way of life. I'm an old guy and I get scared all the time. Usually when I come home late from riding and my wife has made a nice dinner, but that isn't something you will have to worry about for a few years, even living in Ohio. Scared is just another form of being excited and it seems you have faced your fears and conquered them. That is a priceless life lesson that you got to learn on your dirt bike, pretty cool huh?

To get faster, you have to train and practice. Eating healthy is important but don't look for magic in sports drinks or anything like that. Just good square meals of real foods that are not processed or funny colors that you don't see in nature much. As a kid you can really eat almost anything and get away with it, but just by being smart you can get a jump start on a healthy plan that will train you for a better future, food-wise. Stay away from sugary sodas and junk food and you'll be alright. And for the training, the first thing is to practice the basics. Making sure you are the master of the clutch and brakes. You shift at the right time. You are loose on the bike. Watch videos of trials riders and practice the bike control that those guys have and you will transfer that over to being a better (and faster) rider without even realizing it. Time riding on the bike is really the best thing you can do, especially if your grades in school are good because all of your homework is done! And keep reading Dirt Rider (look for Mini Rider on newsstands too!) for the Pro Riding secrets we have and try those out too. Best of luck,JIMMY