Mountain biking is the quickest and most effective way for kids to let off steam - and the best way for them to get to know themselves. Because biking means: outdoors instead of indoors; doing it yourself instead of consuming it; real instead of virtual. But above all: it's simply fun! Kids love trying things out, competing with each other, playing together with others. So when our children play on their mountain bikes, they are the Zen masters of flow. Omm!

The greatest toy in the world - and the most natural playground in the world

Kids discover new horizons on a bike. The best thing is that the nature playground doesn't charge admission and doesn't close at five o'clock. Outdoors, you learn for life. Bent rear derailleur? Then the way home will take a little longer. The experiences that children gain in nature on a bike are direct and consistent. And no secondary experiences through Nintendo, Wii & Co. Nothing can replace your own experiences. Only through even more experiences.

Pedaling together, or: a win-win situation for parents and children

Biking is fun for children AND parents! And experiencing it with the family is one of the best things ever. "Tours that used to make my face fall asleep are suddenly great fun with the kids!" says Holger Meyer, a professional biker for 30 years and dad of two. His wife Karen, ex-race biker, says: "What have my children taught me? Not to take myself so seriously, to be patient, to discard plans that have been forged. What did I get? Happiness!"

Independence Days: mountain biking is the declaration of independence for kids

Thanks to bikes, the world no longer ends behind the house, but behind the forest or even behind the mountains! With every bike ride, the little ones increase the distance to their parents - and their horizon of experience. So: out of the comfort zone and into the unknown! The effects of these adventures: the kids become more self-determined - and another invisible centimeter taller.

Mountain biking is the healthiest thing we can give our children

Mountain biking is healthy. Hardly any other sport has such a positive effect on endurance, speed and balance as cycling. Kids have a natural urge to get outside. But not for hiking. Biking is more fun. Challenges stamina AND coordination. And promotes health. If the kids already have square eyes from chatting and playing games, then send them outside. For biking. Get out of bed and into the saddle. Off to the next little adventure!

Why kids should cycle

When and how did your children start mountain biking?
Our children did their first rides on balance bikes and then slowly switched to real kids' bikes with pedals. In the meantime, we always had them with us on our bike tours in our "singletrailer" or streamliner. Our son then started riding a proper 20-inch mountain bike at the age of 6 and has been completely crazy about it ever since. Both children also love jumping around on trails and riding down them, climbs are a different matter.

What pro tips do you have to motivate your children?
The most important thing is not to put them under too much pressure. Just let them play and they will soon discover that a mountain bike can also mean freedom.

How much do your children benefit from spending time on the bike?
Biking is a great workout, even if they're just jumping around on the nearest pump track. You're out in the fresh air and it's easy to discover the stunning natural surroundings on your bike - it never gets boring and you gradually cover longer and longer distances.

Why do you think mountain biking is a perfect sport for every child?
It's fun and they're outside, so they don't need a games console.

What advice can you give parents who want to get their children interested in mountain biking?
Start slowly and make sure they have the right equipment, children have more fun with the right brakes and bikes.