Riding with my son is always a great day out! Its something we can do together, do anywhere and in any weather! It’s something we’ve been doing together since he first started riding a bike and its so nice to see him build his confidence every time we go out.
So here are my top 5 tips for getting your kids out on their bikes and enjoying every minute!
1. The right bike
Checking that the brakes don’t stick, that the tyres are pumped up enough (if they’re not, it will make it harder for your child to pedal) and that their bike seat is the right height are all simple things that you can do to make their bike more enjoyable to ride. Another common problem is that a lot of low-cost children’s bikes are made from steel which is very heavy making it more difficult for them to pedal. So, if you haven’t got a bike for them yet or are planning on buying a new one look for an aluminium frame bike. Also, make sure you’re buying the right bike for the type of riding you will be doing with them. Giant (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/kids-bikes) and Liv Cycling (https://www.liv-cycling.com/gb/kids-bikes) have got a great range of aluminium kid’s bikes, for all different types of riding.
When i first started taking my son mountain biking he had a mid range bike with the tiniest travel for front suspension, which meant his hands hurt and it was super bumpy for him! We decided as he loved it so much and we were doing it so often that spending some money on a full suspension bike was going to be the way forward for him to carry on enjoying it as well as being able to progress further with it.
The right gear
Having the right gear for the sort of riding you are going to do with your children will help make the experience for them more enjoyable! A good quality helmet is so important (my son has fallen so many times just cycling on flat pavement)! Comfortable breathable clothing to keep them cool – if you are doing a bit of distance with them buying some padded shorts will help them stay comfortable on the saddle 🙂
Dont forget – cycling really is an all weather sport! Having waterproofs for your kiddies will mean you can get them out during the bleakest british day and still have fun!
Top tip:- Buying cycling gloves for them helps protect their hands if they fall – so thats always a good thing to make sure they wear.
2. Plan your route
I find the best way of making sure my son is going to have a good ride is to plan where we are going to ride and for how long – that way i know if we will need to bring lunch, pack snacks or if there is an ice cream shop to stop at on the way!
Make sure you set a realistic ride (distance) that your children can do comfortably, the last thing you’re going to want is unhappy children that don’t want to pedal because they are too tired..
3. Make it fun
I always try and make it fun (easier said than done.. Buuuut)! Go on adventures that lead to a castle or beach – They will be more excited about riding their bikes if they can see interesting things along the way. Even rides that are as simple as riding to the local park! As they have something to look forward to 🙂 And of course keeping it fun on the ride, have races with one another, show them how to take their feet off the pedals or one hand off the bar. Set challenges like riding down grass banks or off curbs! – Teaching them these skills will make them feel more confident while riding on different terrain.
4. Be Positive
I try and be as enthusiastic as I can when I’m out with my son! Its so important that he sees it as something enjoyable to do! As well as encouraging him with his riding! For example – If he’s pedalling really well up a hill I make sure he knows that he’s doing really well! Or if he went down a section of trail fast that he knows how awesome it looked. Saying simple words of encouragement will keep them smiling and wanting to keep going!
5. Food
Food is a good form of bribery with my son! A pack of jelly babies is a handy one to have in your pocket for times when they are getting tired or cant be bothered to pedal! Making sure you have food and water is going to help you out so much when you’re riding with your kids!
I love taking him out riding and stopping for a pic-nic in a beautiful location or at a cafe for hot chocolate!
Keeping them topped up with food will keep their energy levels high so you don’t have tired hungry tears coming your way! If you are doing a longer distance ride try giving your children their own water-bottle (attached to their bike) or a hydration pack so they can drink easily when they need water – it means less faffing for you and it means they can drink when they need it keeping them hydrated.
Alyssa Podesta 