Written by Amélie Chanda, Program Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters
As an avid mountain biker and trail rider, sharing this hobby with my kids has been a journey filled with both joy and occasional frustration.
Initially, I thought that once my kids felt confident riding their bikes in our neighborhood, they would be ready to hit the trails. However, reality hit me quickly. Every child is different—some are naturally more adventurous, while others have their reservations. For my kids, there was some hesitation. We certainly had our share of tears, fears, and a few arguments along the way.
Now that my kids are entering their teenage years, I’ve seen the benefits of being patient and focusing on safety and confidence-building. It’s the perfect time for me to share some tips on planning family bike rides, what works best during rides, and ideas for celebrating your kids’ accomplishments. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, these insights can help make family biking a fun and rewarding experience for everyone.
Planning the Ride: Involve Your Kids in the Process
When it comes to planning a family bike ride, involving your kids in the decision-making process is key to building excitement and empowering them. By letting them help choose the route, you can grow their love for riding and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
One of the tools our family loves using for planning our mountain bike rides is the “Trail Forks” app. It’s fantastic for mapping out trails ahead of time and keeping our expectations realistic. For the first few times out, it’s important to keep the rides short and leave your kids wanting more rather than exhausting them. This way, they’ll be eager for the next adventure. Short, enjoyable rides will help build their confidence and stamina over time.
From a safety perspective, it’s crucial to introduce your kids to the ABC safety checks right from the start. ABC stands for Air, Brakes, and Chain:
- Air: Check tire pressure to ensure a smooth ride.
- Brakes: Make sure the brakes are working properly.
- Chain: Ensure the chain is clean, well-lubricated and functioning.
Teach them these checks early on so that by the day of the ride, they are already familiar with the routine. It’s easy for them to remember A-B-C and makes them feel like pros, boosting their confidence and promoting a sense of responsibility. If you are looking for additional tips, read this blog post.
During the Ride
Once you’ve planned your route and set expectations, the next step is ensuring the ride itself is enjoyable and manageable for everyone. Here are some tips:
Setting a Realistic Pace
Understanding your child’s preferences and energy levels is crucial. Does your child love to lead? Let them take the front and set the pace. On the other hand, if your child tends to sprint ahead and then quickly tire out, it’s best to set a steady, manageable pace and have them follow. This way, you can control the tempo of the ride and prevent early exhaustion.
Taking Regular Breaks
Regular breaks are essential to keep your kids energized and motivated. Make sure to carry plenty of water and healthy snacks. My kids love having bars, nut mixes, and fruits on hand. Keep things simple and remember to pack out any garbage your snacks create to leave the trail as beautiful as you found it.
These breaks aren’t just for refueling—they’re also a perfect opportunity to engage with your kids. Ask them what they notice around them. What does it smell like? What colors do they see? How does it feel to be out in nature? These mindful moments can enhance their appreciation of the ride and contribute to their overall well-being.
Navigating with Apps
If you’re using an app with trail maps, involve your kids in the navigation process. Let them look at the map and guide the group. This skill is important for developing their confidence and sense of direction. The more they practice, the better they’ll get at it, and it adds an extra layer of excitement to the adventure.
Post Ride Celebration
Celebrating your kids’ accomplishments after a ride is necessary to foster their love for biking and creating lasting memories. Here are some fun and meaningful ways to celebrate their achievements and keep them motivated for future rides.
Recording Their Rides
My kids have always loved recording their rides. For many years, we had a poster board in the garage where they would jot down details about each ride, including the location, distance, time, and something fun or memorable about the experience. This visual record of their progress is not only motivating but also a great way for them to see how far they’ve come. Keeping a journal is another great idea. Encourage your kids to write about their rides, draw pictures or add stickers to make it more personal.
Rewards
Let’s be honest: rewarding kids with a treat is always a hit. A frozen treat is particularly popular at our house after a good ride. If you prefer to stay on the healthier side, consider rewarding them with new bike accessories or gear when they’ve done exceptionally well. New bike gloves, cool riding shorts, or stickers for their helmets can be exciting and motivating.
Capturing the Moments
Be sure to take plenty of photos during your rides. I’m definitively the mom who takes all the photos, whether my kids want to smile or not! We truly have some hilarious pictures over the years! These photos will be cherished memories, and looking back at them can remind your kids of the fun times they had and the milestones they achieved. Parents, make sure to get in the photos too!!
Family bike rides can be incredibly rewarding and fun with the right approach. Start small, be patient, and enjoy the journey together. Involve your kids in planning, keep the rides manageable, and celebrate their accomplishments to foster a lifelong love for biking.
Remember to stay on designated paths and respect nature and other trail users. These simple practices ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty of the trails safely and sustainably.
Get out there, explore new trails, and make lasting memories with your family.
Happy riding!
* This is not a sponsored post, and we are not receiving any commissions.
