Friday 31st March I went to a BMX taster session at the Lea Valley Velodrome. I travelled from home with my Nanny Pat to Stratford and met my Dad at Westfields from his work where we had something to eat at Bird in the food court. I had a nice chicken burger and chips which I followed with a lovely doughnut and ice cream sandwich. We then headed off to the Velodrome where we changed into our kit and were given our BMX bikes for the session. The helmets and gloves we used were pretty cool but I found the bike very odd as the seat felt much too low. The instructor told me not to worry about the seat as I would not be sitting down during the session. We practised riding the bikes for a while and then the instructor Johnny showed us how to ride the bumps by pumping your body up and down. This was a bit tricky to do but with a bit or practice we all improved after many attempts. We were then off to practice the course, we started on the smaller bumps towards the end of the course and one by one we each tried the last few bumps. I was a bit nervous as the BMX bike was very different to my normal bike and the bumps seemed a lot bigger up close. I did not think I was going to be able to do this part of the course but after a bit of encouragement from Johnny, my dad and the rest of the group I managed to set off and somehow managed to ride the bumps to the end of the section. I was so relieved to have done this and got a big cheer from everybody. We practised this section a few times and I got more confident. We then moved on to the middle section which had steeper bumps but I managed to do this as well although I was still finding it hard and my heart was pounding as I headed up and down over the bumps. Finally we got to begin from the steep section at the start, I was very afraid to do this bit as it was a very fast start and I was scared I might come off. My dad and Johnny encouraged me to give it a go and I pushed my pedal forward and started down the slope, I went very fast, too fast and worried as I felt a little out of control but managed to ride the first two bumps before I stopped for a well earnt rest and decided to call it a day. I was relieved to finish without coming off the bike and found it much more difficult than it looked, it was thrilling, scary and exciting at the same time. Everyone said that I had been very brave and my legs felt quite wobbly for a long time after. Below are some pictures from my day.
Nathan it was really hard and a bit scary at times but you were very brave and did ever so well. Our burgers were tasty as well, great evening thanks
Brilliant write up Nathan and a lot of bottle. You wouldn’t get me up there
Nathan those bumps look very scary, very proud of you for not giving up and trying your best. You did so well. Burger looked good and I really like the sound of your dessert. Lots of love Denise xx
Well done to both of you,Kevin very retro thing to do, wish i could but with my knees i dont think so…….Nathan well done for being brave enough to have a go……
Wow Nathan that looked like great fun but I can understand why you felt nervous. Hope your legs are feeling less wobbly today. Karen xx
Well done Nathan, I’ve never fancied riding over BMX bumps.
Wow!! That’s crazy! Ur so brave Nathan! Looks like you had an amazing time and I have to say, those donuts look very tasty haha! Xx lovely pictures xxxx Millie xxx
Well done Nathan you were brilliant those bumps looked very scary, very proud of you. Love nan pat xx.
Amazing Nathan, you were very courgoues. You guys had a really good day out. Well done.
You are AMAZING Nathan! I am very proud of all you have achieved. No way could I have the courage to do it!! Natalie xxx
Looks like you had great fun with your dad well done Nathan
Looks so fun Nath! Hope you enjoyed it Xx
Nathan those pictures look amazing!! Glad you had a lovely time and well done for doing so well!! X
That looks brilliant Nathan! Youre very brave for doing it, well done 🙂
Nathan you are SO BRAVE! Not many people have the courage to ride a bike like that. That’s awesome! Ps. That donut/ice cream looks so tempting might buy one today after work haha. Hope you had a lovely Easter break Nathan 🙂
That looks like a hobby for daredevils. Sounds like you were really brave Nathan.
What an amazing adventure you had Nathan you are so brave.l am proud of you love nan Lynn xxx