Make Biking with Kids a Breeze

A few months ago, my kids missed the bus to school and we embarked on our first long (4 mile) bike ride. Being only 6, my twins took on the big course as an adventure. Believe me, it was an adventure for me, too! Mainly because that was an 8 mile trek for me (there and back) and I honestly couldn't remember a time I ever, in my life, biked that far!

Being from the Midwest, we have been slow adaptors to biking, which is much more main stream in the beach village we now reside in. But never had we taken off on such a long journey. Since that day, we have come a long way and learned a lot. Mainly, I have learned how much my little children are capable of if the adult sets the right parameters. So let's look at a few biking rules that will help any young family start on their road to fitness. But mainly, keep that road a happy, pleasant one instead of 2 hours of whining and meltdowns!

Don't Rush the Journey
Putting a time limit on your ride is one of the first things that can stifle fun. Everyone feels under the pressure to arrive somewhere at a specific time. If you do have a time limit, allow yourself ample time for your journey. With biking, the fun is the journey as much as where you are going. So, take your time and enjoy the journey by stopping frequently, peddling slowly, and taking pictures when the setting surprises you or just for a drink of water.

One Stop, All Stop
Set the expectations with your crew that if one person wants to stop, we all stop with a good attitude. I learned with my kids that the fastest way to cause a problem is for one kid to want to stop when other children in the group want to press on. Kids can be so mean to each other and impatient. To avoid the inevitable negative comments, one to another, curb it at the onset by setting the expectation and making everyone agree that if one stops, we all stop. Say over and over, "We are not in a rush. Let's just enjoy it!"

Mark a Half-way-There Point
Go over your route in your mind and make everyone stop at the halfway point. Use this time to get off the bike and walk around to use other muscles. Have everyone take a drink, climb a rock or tree, and just sit for a spell. It is amazing what just 10 minutes will add to the life of a young biker (or the out of shape adult barely hanging in there.)

Pack Light and Pack Right
Do not over pack only because you will end up carrying it! And make sure your kids don't wear or carry extra things that you will end up carrying, too. Minimize at all costs to just the basics:

- Water Bottle
- Light Snack
- Band-Aids
- Camera
- Napkins, Kleenex or Wet Wipes

For these items use a backpack, hip pack, basket or over the shoulder bag that you won't be contending with the whole trip.

Change Position in the Pack
When birds fly, they fly in a "V" formation and take turns in the front. So should the biker. The simple and periodic change in position allows a mind set change, a pace change with a new leader, a different person to talk with and a forward point for kids to break the trip up. By saying, "See that stop sign way up there, that is when we will stop and John will get in front." Reminding them that a change is coming and a stop is coming will propel them forward.

Destination Time = Bike Time
Personally, I believe that you should stay at your destination as long as the bike ride itself, if not longer. Avoid biking and hour to a park and staying for 30 minutes...then biking an hour home. Make sure the quality time at the destination makes everyone forget the bike there or dread the long trek back. Eat out; bring a picnic, shop for souvenirs...whatever it is that you do, do it for a while. This time will provide the rejuvenation and desire required to make the trip back

On your way back home, you can bank on almost doubling your time. As much as everyone is ready to get home, it is important to heed all of the same rules you applied coming. This will help ensure the trip doesn't end in tears. Biking should not be torture. In fact, it can provide great family time, memories and common interest for you and your kids for years.