Originally Posted by
Machka
You said ...
So ... just start riding as often as possible. . . Get your family used to the idea of you being out doing long rides.
Involve them in your cycling ..... invite them to meet you at that park 50 miles away ... they can drive there (or cycle with you) ... Invite them to camp with you out there ... again you can ride out there, and they can meet you, and the next day you can cycle back home.
Really show them that cycling is something you're serious about ... and something you'd like to include them in if possible.
If your family does camp as a family activity, this would be a good approach.
I rode my bike a lot in high school. End of sophomore year, did a short (60 mile round trip) overnight with a few friends and some college-age tutors from math class -- deemed safe by parents who were teachers. After that, planned some longer trips, culminating that summer with an 8-day, 600 or so mile trip with three friends. Planned all out, showed parents what we were doing, etc. The next June, rode across, and back, state of Oregon. Skipped HS graduation and repeated the eastbound trip in 1972; 3 130+ mile days.
My parents tolerated ? my riding; perhaps took a remote pleasure in the sense of accomplishment.
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So, in less than 6 weeks you'll be graduating from high school. You have a job, and a bike. And a family. [As a parent -- my son is nearing the end of his junior year in high school -- I can tell you that we really are not trained for this job (probably the most important one we'll ever do), and especially not trained for letting go. Mothers especially, with regard to the last part, I suspect. ] IF you'd been putting your earnings into a car, what would your mother think about you taking off for a weekend of camping? Is it being away from the family, or the "hazards" of being on the road on a bike, which makes them worried?
I'd say, from a practical matter, work your way up to the long trip. "Shakedown" trips to develop abilities are a good idea. You'll find ways to simplify your travelling, and enjoy it more. By the end of the summer, maybe some of the family constraints will be a bit looser, and that would be the time for the long trip.
In the mean time -- enjoy riding that bike.
You're