Before You Buy Your Dirt Bike – Where to Start

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Recently, my son met some friends that weren’t involved in hockey OR soccer (imagine that!). We instantly wanted to know what sports they were interested in: taekwon-do (already in that), rugby (not our kids’ style), and dirt-biking. “Dirt biking?” I asked. “Yep – they love it,” came the response. My kids ride bikes – they’re actually really great at it and already trying little tricks – no hands, one hand, bunny hops – but dirt biking takes those tricks to a whole new level. My kids were instantly intrigued which meant I had to do some digging and researching about this rough and tumble sport. What type of dirt bike to get and how to ride one.

How to pick your dirt bike:

Choosing your dirt bike is pretty simple – if you know what to look for. The size of bike you purchase depends on your size. For smaller kids, a mini bike is usually the way to go; for larger teens, their weight is the biggest factor. Kids and teens are always growing so keep that in mind when purchasing (an expensive kids’ dirt bike will be on eBay once they outgrow it so don’t go crazy with the budget!)

The purpose of your bike is important too: will it be used for racing, casual riding, or both? There are specific types of bikes meant for racing and casual riding so be sure to tell the sales-person your ultimate goal or agenda with the bike. (You can modify most bikes for dual purposes.)

What is your budget for the bike? You don’t have to spend a lot to get a good starter dirt bike. Another budget factor is the maintenance – will you be maintaining the bike or having someone else do it for you? Some more expensive bikes require expensive fixes (just like cars) so keep that in mind as well.

As for accessories, here are a few you can’t bike without:

• Helmet
• Eye protection
• Knee, elbow pads and chest protector

I believe dirt biking boots are optional but I’ve read that they are great for ankle protection.

Are you ready (to give your poor old Mom a heart attack) to start dirt biking?

I am definitely no expert, but I have quizzed parents and researched other dirt biking sites to get some basic rising tips.

• MOVE FORWARD!!! As far as I can tell this is one of the most important pieces of advice out there. Move forward on your seat – conjuring up an image of “Easy Rider” is not the way to go apparently! Concentrate on your proper body position as much as possible while still being able to operate the brakes.
• For your first ride ever, find a wide open space with no obstacles. This is very important as first time riders may be more prone to running into things.
• Spend some time getting to know the controls of your kids’ dirt bike or your own. Definitely make sure you know where the brakes are! Also, sit on the bike for while to see how it feels.
• When you decide to go for it, look ahead and don’t panic!  If you feel uncomfortable or scared, simply disengage the clutch and press on the brakes. Many people tend to panic and get injured, so try to keep yourself calm, cool and collected.

And after all that, I’ll tell you what I told my kids: Practice makes perfect! If you want to be a great rider then practice and become a great dirt bike rider. Just be careful, wear the proper gear (it’s not just for MOM- it’s important!) and ride smart.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and Mom to two active boys. She is currently learning about dirt bikes in Edmonton and mortorsports.

Creating the Perfect Study Space: Office Furniture Systems and Study Methods That Work

When September rolls around, one thing is clear: it’s time to hit the books! Students everywhere are scrambling to absorb as much material as humanly possible. Books are being cracked, pencils are being sharpened and all-nighters may be soon to follow. But all the preparation in the world won’t help your budding student have to quality study time he or she needs without the perfect study space. Choosing the right space, vibe and office furniture system could make the difference between a successful or mediocre year at school.

Step 1: Choose Your Space
Choosing the right room, corner, nook or cranny for your study space is essential to form good study habits. The place that you pick should be:

• large enough for a computer desk for a home office, computer armoire, or desk accompanied by storage space.
• well lit.
• free of distractions

A space you can associate with work and studying. (Many students shouldn’t choose a bedroom or rec room as those spaces are associated with sleeping and relaxing, rather than focusing.)

Your ideal space shouldn’t be in the hub of the house as the constant activity will most likely distract you, as will the television. At the same time, take into account the way you study the best: do you need music to focus? Wall space for posters or family pictures? A large bookcase for textbooks? Figure out what you need to create a great study space and then choose furniture that fits.

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Step 2: Office Furniture Systems and Desks
The best tip for an effective work space is to choose a desk large enough to spread all of your papers, books, materials and resources out without everything spilling off the top. You’ll probably need space for a laptop as well (at the very least). Try to predict your storage needs as well; you may be better off with an office furniture system than buying separate pieces that don’t offer the storage space that you require. Take a trip to the furniture stores in your area and really try to envision what the desk or furniture will look like in the space you have created. Look at the quality as well- solid wood furniture is generally the best choice as it tends to stand the test of time; some furniture stores will even create custom furniture at a low price that will suit your every need. 

You will most likely need enough space for:

• Computer
• Office or study supplies
• Printer
• Books and study materials
• Personal touches: lamps, pictures, speakers, etc.

Sometimes a little, thin computer desk just won’t cut it!

Choosing your seating is very important as well; don’t get the first cheap chair with wheels that you come across; test them out. You may find that you’d rather sit in a wood chair that a padded one, or have a chair with wheels rather than a one that doesn’t move.

Also, make sure to personalize the desk and area with items that make you feel comfortable (but not distracted.)

Step 3: Work Towards Excellent Study Habits
Forming good study habits can be tough – not many of us are excited to sit down and do extra work. But there are ways of making the study time easier and more productive.

1. Make a study schedule: set aside a regular study time.
2. Get rid of distractions: hide posters, toys, electronic devices, etc. that may distract you.
3. Keep your space organized: make sure that 5 minutes at the end of every session is left for tidying and organizing.
4. Only use your space for studying and study materials: if you start to store other items at your desk, or goof around at your space, you will start getting distracted much more easily.
5. Have your space well lit: working in lighting that is too dim can lead to headaches and eye strain.

Forming good study habits and having a successful year is just on the horizon! Whether you’re the student or the parent of a budding scholar, be sure to make the right choices for your perfect study space.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is an avid home decorating fan and loves to frequent furniture stores in Edmonton and area.

How to Organize Your Self Storage Unit

Whether you’re renting a self storage unit for a short term or a long period of time, proper organization is the key to keeping your sanity when trying to access your goods. Many people also don’t realize that a logical organized approach to self storage can mean the difference between keeping your items safe, undamaged, and ending up with the scattered remains of the good china on the cold cement floor. Here are some tips to plan and organize your self storage unit and keep your belongings safe and secure.

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Before you start to pack, organize!
Throwing your possessions willy-nilly into boxes is not a good idea. First, plan your attack. Make an itemized list of everything going into storage. Sort those items into categories (i.e. kitchen / dinnerware; kitchen/ utensils) and then group together for easier storage.

Never seal a box without labeling it clearly on all sides. And be sure to indicate whether or not the contents are fragile. 

Number your boxes and add the numbers to your inventory list. If you need to access any boxes, you’ll know that the good kitchen knives are in Box 59. It doesn’t take long to do this and it can save you loads of time searching and when unpacking time rolls along.

Get consistently sized, good quality boxes. Whether you’re using cardboard or plastic, consistently sized boxes make stacking a lot easier. See through plastic boxes protect items from not only crushing, but also water damage. If you are using the less expensive option of cardboard, try and procure new packing boxes so the cardboard isn’t broken down and ripped.

Packing Tips
Pack your small valuables in drawers of larger furniture. They can be packed in peanuts, towels, bubble wrap or blankets but be sure to have those items included on your inventory list (i.e. large oak dresser / costume jewelry (top), china figures (middle), candlesticks and candles (bottom). Just be wary of the total weight of your furniture piece after it’s packed!

Don’t over pack OR underpack your boxes. Over packing can lead to too much wear and tear on the boxes and item damage; under packing can lead to immediate crushing of the boxes.

Filling the Storage Space
Clean your unit before filling. No matter which storage facility you choose, there is most likely going to be dirt, dust, spider webs and remnants of the last owner in your new unit so it is advisable to sweep it out at the very least. If the unit has really seen better days, a basic dilution of water and some environmentally friendly bleach or cleaning solution should do the trick.

Fill your unit wisely. 

• Packing your storage space is a lot like packing a grocery bag: the heaviest items should be on the bottom (furniture, books, etc.)
• Put the items you will need access to in the interim near the front so you can have easy access.
• Don’t stack the boxes too high. This can lead to not only item damage, but also personal injury when you’re in the unit.

Unpacking will be a breeze if you take the time to organize, plan and prepare before you pack and fill your unit.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching self storage in Stony Plain and organizational tactics.