How to survive a family cycle
Family bike rides are a great way for the whole family to spend time together. It’s an activity that can keep everyone entertained, from tiny tots to grumpy teens. However, there are many things you can do to save yourself from the potential moans and groans that inevitably come with taking the whole family along for a ride.
Here are some of our tips and tricks on how to survive a family cycle:
1. Choosing the right route
It is crucial that everyone in the family is capable of completing the ride. If you’ve got young children there’s no point in trying to challenge them to a harder ride, it only end in tears. It’s best to make sure the route is easy with lots of opportunities for pitstops. A more challenging route is best suited to those with older children, so they don’t get bored.
A perfect kid-friendly route is the Solar System cycle route in York. Along your cycle you’ll find scale models of spacecraft and all the planets in our solar system. Every mile cycled corresponds to nearly 60km in space! Another route is to head towards Askham Bog from somewhere like Millennium Bridge or Rowntree Park. The Askham Bog Nature Reserve is a great spot to lock up your tricycle and head for a picnic to refuel before making your way home.
2. Safety checks
Before setting off on your cycle, a maintenance check is essential. Make sure any seat attachments or trailers for younger kids are properly attached as well as checking that your tires, chains and brakes are all in check and working properly.
3. Make time to refuel!
While bribery usually isn’t recommended by parenting experts, it is a sure-fire way of encouraging your kids to keep on cycling. Food is usually your best bet, especially if they’ve been cycling for a while and worked up an appetite. Fuelling yourself and the rest of the family well and often is they key to keeping them going. It will also avoid having to deal with hangry children!
4. Introduce some games
Introducing some family friendly competition can stop the kids getting bored and keep spirits high. However, don’t try and force the fun. If someone isn’t up for playing or taking part, then don’t make them.
5. Don’t leave anyone behind!
If someone is struggling to keep up, be sure to not let them fall to far behind. No matter how young or old your kids are, it’s always demoralising to be the one lagging behind. You could try having one adult at the front leading the group, and one at the back keeping everyone going. This will not only prevent arguments about who’s last or who’s in front of who, but will also allow you to keep a watchful eye.
