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Mountain biking is one of the best ways to get out and explore nature. Plus, you’ll be able to spend some time with your family. Here are some of the things you need to know about getting your children out on the trails.
Ways to Ride With Your Children
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding how you are going to teach your children to ride the bike. Often, this will be based on the age of your kids. When they are younger, under five, they often won’t be able to ride alone. So, you will need to carry them with you. There are a few ways you can do this.
First, you can use a bike trailer. Though they are bigger and bulkier, they will allow you to transport a lot of important items. For example, you will be able to take food, nappies, and toys. Plus, there is enough space for your child to lie down and sleep if they get too tired.
The other option for younger children is to place them in a child seat at the back of the bike. This is better for slightly older children, as they will be able to balance themselves and be able to look around during the ride. But you will need to make sure that all the shoes are tied up properly, as you don’t want loose laces getting stuck in the wheel.
Once they are old enough, you can teach them to ride by themselves. It might be best to start on the balance bike. This gets them used to using their feet to move themselves along while keeping the bike steady. This article has a few more tips to help children get used to riding by themselves.
When they are old enough, you can buy them their own bike, so they can ride independently on the trails.
Getting the Right Equipment
There are a few things you need to get before you head out onto the trails. First, you need to make sure that everyone has the right safety gear. Most importantly, getting helmets that fit properly. This guide will help you get the right helmet fit for your children.
The most important part, though, is the bike. You need to get something that everyone will be comfortable with. There are a few things that you should be looking for. First, you should consider the height of the bike. Kids shouldn’t have any problems reaching the pedals. You should get a durable bike, look for something that comes with a warranty period. When buying a bike for a child, there are a few other elements to consider. Get a color they like, so they’ll be excited about riding it. If you want a few more tips, check out this bike for 5-years-olds buying guide.
If you already have a bike, you should perform a quick safety check before you leave. You don’t want to waste time dealing with a flat tire.
Choosing the Right Clothes
You will have a more pleasant trip if you can get the right clothes. This will depend on the time of the year that you are riding. During the summer, you want to get breathable clothes. It’s also important to make sure that you are applying sunscreen before you set out, especially on the back of your neck.
In the winter months, children can get quite cold, particularly if they are in the trailer, where they will get the worst of the wind. You will need to make sure that they take a thick coat and wear a scarf and gloves. If you are riding, you can start with a coat. After riding for a bit, you’ll be warmer, so you can take it off and pop it into a backpack.
Picking the Trail
Once you have the right kit, it’s time to decide where you are going to ride. There are a few things to remember when making this choice. First, think about the length of the track. On your first few family rides, you want to keep things relatively short. Ideally, it should be between 20 to 45 minutes long.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that there are lots of interesting things to keep your children entertained along the way. For example, you can get a trail that ends in a playground. Some trails will be designed for children, featuring colorful cartoon characters to point them in the right direction and give them tasks to complete along the way.
The next thing to consider is the type of terrain. While they are still getting used to mountain biking, you want to go with a fairly flat track. Avoid anything that has too sharp bends or steep inclines.
Finally, you should try to get a fairly quiet trail. Avoid any roads with cars.
Riding Together
It’s also important to think about the way you are riding together. It’s best to task the slowest or least confident person with setting the pace. You want everyone to be comfortable with the speed you are moving at. On the other hand, if you are using a bike trailer or carrying a backpack, it should go to the strongest rider.
As you are riding along, make sure that you stay in communication with everyone. If people are starting to struggle or get tired, feel free to take a break. Remember, children can get tired suddenly, which can make them irritable. When this happens, refuel with some water and a snack. When everyone is feeling better, you can get back on the move.
Conclusion
Riding together as a family is one of the best ways to create memories that will last for a lifetime. At first, you’ll need to move slowly, getting your children used to riding independently on the trail. But over time, their confidence will grow and you’ll be able to take on longer rides. As long as you enjoy riding together, there is no challenge that you can’t overcome as a family.
