mini ridazz
Thread started by
mixtemotions at 05.26.08 - 10:34 am
hey guise!
I've been thinking about the possibility of starting a daycare/ bike camp that is basically like a mini version of ridazz! FOR KIDS!! This idea began w/ a conversation Marcus and I had on the way to SD about what age we think is old enough for kids to go on these social rides.... I personally think all ages can have a blast on the rides, but there's the issue of safety. Anyway... I love what we do and I love kids, I think this could be great in an area like Highland Park or Echo Park, where there are families in these neighborhoods who already take advantage of the parks and public space the way it was intended! In my dream world, this day camp would have a home base... maybe out of one of the bike kitchen/appliances... or possibly a new space depending on how things go! Anyway, I'd love to hear some thoughts about this. ALSO... sorry this is so rambly, it's been a looong long weekend, but also we have so many awesome people in our community of ridazz that I just think it's our responsibility to the world to share our talents and gifts w/ ridazz of the future!! I think there is a huge opportunity to teach kids about bike safty, about their neighborhoods(mini ride arc!!) about art, even legislation, and mechanics, physics.... ALL THAT STUFF!! ALSO I am super excited becasue if this dream becomes reality then I and whomever else is involved will essentialy be doing ridazz stuff, like every second of the day which is all anyone could ever ask for! EXCITED!!
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YEAAA!!!! That is amazing! I wanna help.
shadylane05.26.08 - 10:43 am
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that's actually a pretty interesting concept, sort of like surf camp, except on bicycles.
some ideas... introduce kids to different types of riding; bmx, track, road, mountain. teach safety skills. overnight camping with bikes. simple mechanics and repair. bike dressup and mini parade. family participation ride.
anyway. good luck. make it happen.
indigis05.26.08 - 10:55 am
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I too have noticed an increasing amount of youngsters on alot of the rides, most notably, the Valley-rides.
With all this talk of after-school programs, this would definitely be an excellent way to spearhead one.
bentstrider05.26.08 - 11:03 am
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get certified, are you certifiable? JK
there are several grants available from the City, State and Gov to start such endeavors, you may not have to pay out of pocket,
similar idea:
city of long beach parks and rec have a program where they bring the park to a local city block, with skate ramps, toys, bikes and stuff, its really great, its based out of a large UPS type truck, they do this for the inner city kids that are afraid to go to the parks due to gang activity, and the whole block is closed to traffic,
dannyzuko05.26.08 - 11:11 am
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@indigis
I am looking at roxy and quicksilver's surf camp for ideas. A friend/ former client of mine opperates a gymnastics camp too, so I'm talking to him to see if either of those would be in any way similar to what the mini ridazz thing could be!
@ bentstrider
afterschool program is another avenue worth considering. I'm kinda surprised how many different ways this can happen!!
i am smiling right now imaging kids dring up plans for thier freak bikes!!
mixtemotions05.26.08 - 11:16 am
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whoa! Danny! that is rad, do you have a link to that?
yes I am certifiable!! ;)
mixtemotions05.26.08 - 11:18 am
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i wanna see more young fuzzbeasts.
HANDBONE05.26.08 - 11:40 am
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mini-marcuses ?
tiny-flies ?
LOL
HANDBONE05.26.08 - 11:41 am
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long beach parks:
http://www.longbeach.gov/park/recreation/youth_n_teen_programs/mobile_recreation.asp
dannyzuko05.26.08 - 12:04 pm
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In the summers elementary schools are closed and parents are dying to find ways to get rid of their kids. Even stay at home parents need some time alone plus kids get bored. That's why most summer camps sell out months in advance.
I have no idea about the legalities of setting such a camp and/or using a public park for such a purpose but I love kids and I would volunteer 2-3 days a week.
marino05.26.08 - 1:52 pm
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I say call it "Kid-night Ridazz" and they get to drink OJ instead of road sodas.
Leetard05.26.08 - 2:04 pm
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you missed the URBAN bike expo, that CICLE and City of Pasadena had last weekend. They had the street closed off, and had a bicycle rodeo for kids, to teach them how to ride in traffic, and what safety concern they should be aware of when riding in the city. Maybe the City of Pasadena, could show you what they did. You might get some good ideas from what they are doing already.
sexy05.26.08 - 2:27 pm
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WE MOM RIDAZ HAVE BEEN THINKING OF THE SAME SORT OF THING.... AND.... WERE BASED IN HIGHLAND PARK AND ECHO PARK. IF YOU NEED ANY HELP HIT US UP!!! or if you like we can get together and talk more about it.
drooby420lovesjomomma@yahoo.com
MOM_RIDAZ42005.26.08 - 7:24 pm
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One way to try out the idea would be to do it within an existing summer camp. You make the proposal and they add you to their list of themed camps they have. Often they are just a week long. Then they take care of licensing, permits, insurance, marketing etc You try the program and experiment on the kids. :-) Often what sounds like a great thing to do with kids lasts only an hour before they get bored and want to do something else.
At least that's what I thinking yesterday. Then I saw the mom ridazz offer and realized that there is a group of parents and kids right here in the MR community that could start a child care co-op or just get together a couple of times and see where it goes.
For teenagers there are programs like this:
http://www.aave.com/trips/bikeamsterdam.php
http://www.aave.com/trips/coloradodiscovery.php
and yes they cost big bucks.
My son went to the Amsterdam-Paris trip last year.
marino05.27.08 - 8:14 am
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MOM! I'm emailing ya!
Marino, I'm with you on the adding it to an existing program/camp idea. Not only would that be the fastest way to get something going... but also, as I was reminded yesterday, I have 2 jobs already. This will take a lot of time and work work work to have it the way I envision. Until I know for sure it is something that is worth dumping all my energy into you are right I should also see if kids are even into it.... but srsly.... they totally will be!!! I KNOW IT! They will effing love it! Just like we do!!
@JOSEPH! if you read this =)
Would bike oven be willing to host a kids day once a week? or just once to see if something like that would work there if we did a stand-alone program, rather than piggybacking onto a summer/daycamp? e-mail me nicolearneson at gmail dot com
mixtemotions05.27.08 - 8:53 am
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Nicole,
I think its a wonderful idea! I sometimes take my nephew and niece riding ( i make them my ride choppers, haha) and they love it.
Please make this happen, it might be your true calling!
speedybrian200005.28.08 - 12:19 am
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