Family Biking, a Different Family Vacation

Bill Hanks
Lance Armstrong has changed the sport of biking. There is a lot of positives, when it comes to family biking. Many families are taking to the roads and trails for fun, fitness and togetherness. This article examines family vacations through biking together. It looks at preparations needed and the values and positives, through a family biking vacation.

Select a Route for All
Selecting a good route depends on family members. You want to select a route that little ones and older ones can handle. Flat and shady courses or your best bet. You should also have a route that has places to stop and rest. Small short hills can be handled. However, long steep ones can cause problems. Map your course before you go. You might even want to have an individual test it before your trip.

Prepare for Everything
There are bike wagons for carrying supplies. Attach this to your strongest rider. You can then load up with snack bars, ponchos, water, first aid kit, repair tools and other things. A fully charged cellphone is a must.

Dress for the Excursion
All bikers should have the proper attire. This includes, shoes, sun glasses, helmet, socks and comfortable clothing.

Fitness Check Up
It is a good idea for all family members to have a check up by their doctor before their journey.

A Pace for Success
Try to set a pace that can be handled by all. Take frequent breaks. Younger family members might need more. You can even say this about Senior members. You want a pace that is enjoyable and manageable by all.

Enjoy the View
Selecting a trail or road that has a scenic view, makes the trip enjoyable for all. Scenic views can help the trip go quicker, too.

A Ride with a Purpose
What do you want to accomplish? You can take pictures of nature. You can take videos of your journey. You can focus on one individual in your group (birthday or first trip). Set a goal for your trip that all members can associate with. Maybe you are biking to a location for a picnic.

Family Fellowship
A biking vacation can bring a family together. They have to look out for each other, encourage each other and enjoy each others company. This helps build solidarity in the family.

A Motor Vehicle could Help
A van, truck or car is a good idea. Individuals that need a break, can ride in it, if they need to. It can also be used to transport riders to a hospital in an emergency. It could also transport riders through a rough part of the route. It is just a good idea to have one available along your journey.

Budgeting for the Journey
You never want to carry more than you need. If you are staying overnight someplace, make arrangements in advance. Let them know you might be early or late in arrival. Always try to select a place with a pool. A cool swim can be refreshing after a long day.

A family biking vacation can be a a once in a life time experience. Just be sure to cover all the bases when planning your trip.

Published by Bill Hanks

Just an average Joe living in the Midwest. I am a retired High School teacher/coach. I work part time for a small college. I am president of our local Kiwanis club. I am also a city alderman. But, most of...  View profile

9 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Michael Segers6/2/2011

    Great topic, but I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

  • Theresa Leschmann5/30/2011

    Wonderful idea fr a day trip.

  • LetsCook5/27/2011

    Great tips!

  • Sherri Thornhill5/27/2011

    :-)

  • Courtney Crass5/26/2011

    What a graet idea!

  • Vonda J. Sines5/26/2011

    Years ago, when I had two decent knees, my family used to make biking around Chincoteague Island (Virginia) the anchor of our one-week stay. We almost always saw a couple of the wild ponies. Great topic.

  • Jack Wellman5/26/2011

    Great ideas in all Bill. What a way for a family to draw closer together. :-)

  • Agnes Farside5/26/2011

    Good tips.

  • Dina Sullivan5/26/2011

    This is great. Thanks Bill..... :o)

Displaying Comments

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.