Every once in a while we get insights or previews into the type of character that our children are developing.
My boys spent the other day with friends riding the Down Hill race course and other trails near Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast in BC. They have both watched many Costal Crew videos and read stories about the trail building and the possibility of a lift operated bike park being build in the area so they had relatively high expectations for the area and their experience. When I asked both boys how their day was they both said they had a great time and enjoyed the riding. The also relayed their humorous crash stories and talked about the highlights of the day.
When I asked them what they thought of the Sunshine Coast as a riding destination, their responses revealed a level of maturity that made me proud. Levi stated that his expectations for the area were too high and that other than going back for the race next month and perhaps checking out the bike park runs he probably wouldn’t spend the time and money going back. Despite his expectations not being met, he was very glad that he went and had a chance to see the race course and is working on a strategy to prepare for the race. In general he thinks the Sunshine Cost area is a fun place to ride but it really wasn’t steep, technical and challenging enough.
Similarly, Caleb’s expectations for the area were also much higher but he also had a good day of riding. He commented on the old growth forest that was amazing to see and smell and despite the lack of steep elevation he found that there were enough jumps and stunts to keep him entertained. He really like the way dirt felt and packed and it was great to not have to deal with as many rocks and roots as you have to deal with in most other locations. Like his brother, Caleb was also glad to get a preview of the race course and recognized that he will have to work hard on getting ready for the 60 second peddling sprint at the top of the course. Both boys realized just how flat several sections of the race course were and just how much sprinting/peddling they will have to do to place or win.
Despite not having their expectations met at the Sunshine Coast both boys still had a wonderful time and easily listed several very positive aspects of this riding location. Rather than allow the disappointment of unmet expectations cloud their day they made the best of the location and appreciated it for what it had to offer. They chose to make the most of the day and took advantage of the positive and unique aspects of the location.
It is my hope that the lessons that they learn on these types of riding days will transfer to other parts of their life. I know from personal experience if I am not careful just how easy it is for me to drop into a foul mood when I have to deal with unmet expectations. It is also my hope that these opportunities to deal with unmet expectations in a positive way will contribute to building my boys character.
