Great Family Time: Bike Tour Vacations

It seems harder and harder to make quality family time with all the distractions we have now. With hectic schedules and all of the obligations of daily life in our modern times it can sometimes be hard for families to connect, relax, and have fun together. Family bike tours are a good way to escape and do something healthy and different.

No matter your age, or the age of your children taking a ride together will let you unwind and explore together. Biking together is a great way to reconnect and make some new stories.

Options for riding can be found on many different kind of bike routes. Some bike tour routes follow roads. Others choose to take off-road on bike paths like Rail-Trails that might be made of pavement or cinder, a kind of crushed gravel. Some adventures take families on “off-road” mountain biking trails in places from mountains to deserts.

Equipment for Safe Family Bike Riding

Bike equipment today lets riders of all ages enjoy bicycle vacations. Families with young children (about age 5 and under) sometimes use bike trailers or carts where smaller kids ride inside. Older children can sometimes have an enjoyable time on a bike extension that adds a second seat and a third wheel to an adult bike. Families sometimes hop on a tandem, or triple bike that has seats for two or three riders. 

Some bike educators believe that children under the age of 12 should be on an adult’s bike if you are riding on the road because it can be challenging to manage traffic. Of course there are exceptions to this, but regardless young riders should have direct supervision on bike tours.

Events with closed roads also offer some choices for children to ride their own bikes. Families can choose off-road route choices too if they prefer not to be around car traffic during their tour.

Organized Group Bike Events: Catering More to Families

All around the United States families can find bike events offering planned bike rides for families. Tour events range from single day events with a few routes to week long rides that cover hundreds of miles.

Some events are based on camping, others have hotel options. Camping along the way is a great way to up the adventure factor of the trip. Camping is also a nice way to escape digital overload and have more quality down time. Most bike events that have camping offer onsite amenities including showers,  hot meals, and activities,  making it a pleasure to camp.

Another upcoming  trend in evens in the US is the Cyclovia or “Closed Street” bike event. These activities are a festival environment built on a foundation of making a street available for people to move about without cars. Most include biking and walking, dance, games, and other fun family activities.

Joining an organized gives you the advantage of having planned bike routes that have been chosen by experienced bike event planners. To check out the safety level for young kids, ask the event planner for more information. Some events offer specific “family friendly” bike route options.

Supported events like the Bike Virginia Tour make great places for families. Many events offer “SAG” (Support and Gear) services for riders that have mechanical problems or exhaustion. Check to see if the event has support trucks / vans on the bike routes in case a family needs help. Be sure to ask about car seats if your children are of the age requiring their use.

Plan Your Own Family Bike Tours

Many families choose to plan their own family bike tours and rides. Below are some planning tips for creating a great family bike vacation:

• Look online for family blogs or stories for suggestions
• Choose reasonable goals for mileage and time on bikes. Most families end up going slower than they expected.
• Look at options for purchasing pre-planned maps from organization’s like Adventure Cycling.
• Set up backup options for transportation. Plan for the need to cut the ride short. Look at who you might be able to contact for assistance, family, rental cars, bus, trains, etc…
• Plan for the elements and extremes. Be ready for sun, heat, rain, thirst, and being hungry.
• Make reservations before you go. Plan early for lodging and camping along your bike trip route. Don’t risk all the having lodging booked when you arrive tired at the end of the day.
• Get your gear ready. Tune up your bikes and bags before you go. Get professional help in making sure you are ready.
• Learn and practice basic on route repairs. Change a bike tire, fix a broken chain, adjust everyone’s seats and learn how to fix problem brakes. Carry tools and the spare parts you will most likely need.
• Start with an easy trip. Take a 1 to 2 day family bike ride to start. Test out abilities of the family, gear, and tolerance for being on the bike.

Affordable Fun Family Vacation: Bike Touring

Families often find that bike touring and bike vacations are affordable ways to have a great time.  Bike trips can help your entire group relax, unwind from the hectic stress of life, and make great family memories. Some bike events offer free or entries for children like we do at Bike Virginia. Others offer very affordable family pricing for you children and teens.

Not only can bike touring trips be affordable, but they are a healthy, outdoor activity. Camping along the way can help save money and add to the memorable adventure for children. Families have choices today for a variety of bike vacation options. Join a planned organized bike event or create something truly their own. Taking a bike vacation together is something your family will never forget.