Bonjour lecteurs! What do you do to keep the children active? What’s your favourite hobby to do outdoors with them? With the summer holidays fast approaching, you need to plan activities for them so they don’t get bored at home. Plus c’est l’excuse parfaite to get away from their screens. We love our scooters, but also cycling together. There is nothing better than getting some fresh air with the little ones. Bobbin Bikes makes the whole family cycle with style. Their kids’ bikes grow with children; that’s so handy. Personnellement, j’adore its women’s bikes as they are stylish. How to get your family on two wheels is not always easy, but here are some tips for you to enjoy some summer adventures.
Planning Your Adventure
If you’ve never cycled all together as a family, start small. Don’t plan some epic twenty-mile journey for your first family ride, as that will be too much, especially if you have young ones.
A 2 miles ride sounds parfaite. I would opt for somewhere with a playground so that you can have a break if you need. Plus, the children can have an ice cream.
Canal paths are brilliant if you’ve got them nearby. There is no car traffic so it’s safer and it’s usually flat.
Bien sûr, don’t forget to check the weather. I am not scared of a little drizzle when I cycle on my own. But it might not be the children’s cup of tea!
Get The Right Gear
Helmets are a must for everyone. Make sure they fit properly. They’re useless if they are too loose and the kids won’t like it too tight.
I always carry with me a basic repair kit with a pump, especially if you are going more than a mile away. Punctures happen at the worst possible moments. Know how to use the kit before you need it – YouTube is your friend here.
Be organisée with plenty of drinks and food in case the little ones get peckish.
The Perfect Family Ride
Obviously, the children will go at a lower pace so take it easy and enjoy the ride. I would keep one adult at the front so that they can lead and look for any hazards like cars, dogs, potholes… Road are so bad in the UK!
The perfect family ride always comes with games. Ask them to spot some fancy cars, count bridges, look for birds etc. Keeps minds occupied when legs are getting tired.
Someone will always need les toilettes at the most inconvenient moment. That’s why a ride in the country is handy because they can always go behind a tree.
To make sure you don’t encounter any problèmes, check the tires’ pressure and adjust the saddles before. You might as well get the kids involved so they can build useful skills. I would also pack some spare rain jackets just in case the weather changes. Never trust the weather forecast!
Creating Family Memories
Take some quick snaps so that you have some memories to look back.
Let the kids help choose la route ou la destination. They will love being in charge (obviously within reason). If you want, you can also pack a picnic so that you get a whole day adventure.
To make it even more fun, celebrate their achievements. First time cycling five miles? Brilliant! Managing a hill without getting off? C’est excellent!
This way, they will enjoy it and feel like they accomplish something. They will want to do it again and again.
How to get your family on two wheels does not have to be rocket science. We’ve been on so many rides together with my tribe and I absolutely love it. Even if it’s a simple one to go to a local playground, do it. You will build up the kids’ love for cycling over time and there is nothing better than being out and about.
You can even find some great family bike rides with the National Trust.
