What is to young to race road bikes???

[discgolfdude]

Vancouver motorcycle racer killed in crash at Indy | The Columbian

I don't know the answer?

 

[Kazza]

I know what you mean. It's a tragic thing that happened.

Unfortunately, there are many young riders who die or get seriously injured on the dirt as well.

Very hard to judge looking from the outside.

I know, if I had kids, I would encourage them to ride motorbikes, as both Mike and I are obsessed with them. But as a parent, I know I'd feel differently watching them go around a dirt/tarmac track.

Very sad situation.

 

[discgolfdude]

My son started riding before I did. It is hard to look at these kids as kids, they are young adults really, but should they be racing at such speeds as these bikes are capable to go?

 

[Dunno]

These kids love their bikes just as much as, if not more than we do :rockon:

The young fella who who passed away was Peter Lenz. This kid could ride rings around all of us! He was a very special talent & he was involved in an accident. Accidents happen at home, on the street & on the race track.
Its a real tragedy that his life was cut short & I have the greatest sympathy for his folks, friends & the poor kid who hit him

Too young to race? No way. He is probably safer out there on the tar than the millions of kids who race motoX every weekend.

Here he is at 10 years of age. Thats right 10.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU6xrs7SOCc]YouTube - Follow 10yr roadracer Peter Lenz at the Streets of Willow[/ame]

At 12. Nursing a few injuries.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZiH8UT6hHA]YouTube - 125GP motorcycle road racer Peter Lenz talks about racing after his season ending crash[/ame]

He was just trying to make his dreams come true.

Rest In Peace little fella

 

[Andz]

There is a similar discussion going on here at the moment, a 14 year old was seriously injured recently in a crash in the 150 Cup. When it was reported in the online newspapers it provoked the expected storm of controversy and "outrage" that someone so young is racing, all of it coming from non-bikers of course.

 

[wolfe1down]

A great rider, and rising star. I agree with an earlier post, he was probably safer at the track that on the dirt, or trying to ride on the street. It's an unfortunate accident for both involved riders. RIP Peter Lenz...

 

[oldfast007]

Hard call either way, but as much as it would kill me to loose my son, (althought I couldn't even imagine that concept) I would rather he went doing something he was devoted to and very skilled at. I'm sure he and his folks knew the risk going into it. Just plain heartbreak all the way around...

 

[mxgolf]

Motorcycling is a great family sport. My dad took us riding when I was a kid and I have been riding ever since. I started about 13 or so. Always on the dirt until I was old enough to drive. Then I got my motorcycle endorcement at 16 and have never looked back. I did race motocross for a while until I got my cycle stolen but have alway riden motorcycles. We go camping and have any size bike for any age kid. It's great family sport. He did what he loved and that's all anyone can ask for. DO WHAT YOU LOVE. I have prayed for him and his family. Amen.

 

[wolfc70]

This is a tough one. Yes this is a dangerous sport, then so is carting. Shifter carts are just as fast, and cater to the same age group. I started riding around the age of 9 when I got my first mini bike. I loved it, and after a few crashes, I was very aware of the risks involved. So to say these talented young adults are not aware of the risks is naive. I say let them ride.

The non motorcycling crowd does not understand the passion this sport has on those involved. Therefore they only see the danger involved. In reality, they are much safer on a track than any rider out on the street. A closed environment with equally skilled riders is actually pretty safe.

 

[Pauly_V]

Hundreds of children die all the time doing various activities.. some of which include just sitting in the passenger seat of mom's minivan. The only difference between Peter's tradgedy and that of other children is the fact that it was witnessed by thousands of spectators. Peter was statistically safer on that bike than my son is in the passenger seat of my Subaru.

It's a shame that this happened to such a brilliant boy, but these things happen. As a father I feel for his parents, but I don't make the mistake of feeling sorry for young Peter. He lived more in his 13 years than most will live in their lifetime. He's an inspiration to me and to my 11 year old son. If I had the financial ability to provide the joy of racing to my son I wouldn't hesitate for one second.

RIP little man. The racing world won't be the same without you.

 

[oldfast007]

Hundreds of children die all the time doing various activities.. some of which include just sitting in the passenger seat of mom's minivan. The only difference between Peter's tradgedy and that of other children is the fact that it was witnessed by thousands of spectators. Peter was statistically safer on that bike than my son is in the passenger seat of my Subaru.

It's a shame that this happened to such a brilliant boy, but these things happen. As a father I feel for his parents, but I don't make the mistake of feeling sorry for young Peter. He lived more in his 13 years than most will live in their lifetime. He's an inspiration to me and to my 11 year old son. If I had the financial ability to provide the joy of racing to my son I wouldn't hesitate for one second.

RIP little man. The racing world won't be the same without you.

Couldn't be said better....:thumbup:

 

[VEGASRIDER]

Yup, Pauly V is right, there are more activities besides racing motorcycles in which children have gotten killed. Whichever orgainzed sport anyone under the age of 18 (in USA) decides to participate in, the parents must sign a waiver form.