Touring With Kids 101

Dreaming of touring with your children? Many of us have harbored romantic notions of idyllic vacations cycling scenic roads with our children in tow. The kids gaze in rapt attention at the surrounding scenery, happily pedaling for hours on end. And then reality hits and we realize it won´t be quite that idyllic. The kids will bicker and complain. They won´t be strong enough to make the expected 70 miles per day. And they couldn´t care less about the spectacular scenery.

Bicycle touring with children is very definitely possible, and is incredibly rewarding. Hours of uninterrupted time to relax and talk more than make up for any hardships involved. With a bit of advance planning and by modifying your expectations, your tour with your children can far surpass your expectations. Touring with kids is different from touring alone or with other adults; different, but not bad.

Here are some tips to think about if you are considering a family tour. Regardless of what age your children are, or what configuration of bicycles you choose (singles, tandems, triple…), these tips can help make your tour a success.

Comfort is key: Your child must be comfortable. Even a slight discomfort can make a grumpy kid after a long day in the saddle. Be sure the bike fits properly, and all clothing is tried and true. A tour is no place to try out new equipment or clothing. Also be sure you are adequately prepared for rain or cold.
Destination Doesn´t Matter: No matter where your tour brings you, there are sure to be times when it isn´t particularly interesting. Our experience has shown that kids don´t really care. An appreciation for nature is a learned thing, and you can set the tone. Passing through boring desert? Don´t apologize to your child: instead point out all the desert plants and help him understand how that plant has adapted to the desert. Make it special even if you don´t necessarily feel it is.
Laying Down the Bylaws: As much as possible, set the rules in advance. Plan on no junk food? Let the kids know you won´t be stopping at McDonald´s and stick to it. Soon they won´t ask to visit each time they pass. Know that many things will come up once you have started. As soon as possible, come up with a workable solution, let the kids know what it is, and stick by it. Touring, by its very nature, is unpredictable which makes it difficult to establish a routine. Do the best you can, but understand when it doesn´t work out.
Keep Kids in the Loop: Knowledge goes a long way. A simple explanation of why you are doing something helps kids deal with it. Need to get up at 4:00 to take advantage of the morning cool? Explain that to your children. Tomorrow will be an extra long day in order to get through that portion where there are no accommodations? Let your child know in advance. Children are amazingly adaptive and can deal with almost anything if they know why they need to do it. Involve your children in decision making as much as possible.
Kid-Friendly Distances: While you may be comfortable putting in 70 or 80 mile days, your child most likely will not. At first glance it might seem like you won´t get anywhere traveling only 30 or 40 miles per day, but remember it is all about the journey, the ´getting there´, not the ´being there´. Shorter mileages allow more time to stop and smell the roses, explore the tidal pools, or go for hikes. Take advantage of the time.

Imagination Rules: Even the most energetic and curious kids get bored with cycling. Be aware that break time will end up being the highlight of your child´s day. Be creative during breaks – choose a target and have a rock-throwing contest, find a secret hideout (if the rocks aren´t big enough for people, how about a secret hideout for a cat? An ant??). Climb a tree. Find a ninja stick. Make ant traps.
Wile Away the Hours: Even with plenty of breaks, there will be many hours in the saddle. Here is where tandems and more come in handy. Our children travel on a triple behind their father, and pass hour upon hour chit-chatting. If you have singles (or just for some peace and quiet on a tandem) try an MP3 player loaded with audio books and your child´s favorite music.
Celebrate Success: You´ve heard the saying “Success Breeds Success”, and it still applies. Seek out opportunities for celebration. Managed to make it seven miles before needing a break? WooHoo!! What an accomplishment!! Pedaled to the top of the hill? High five Buddy!! You´re incredible!! Made it through a particularly grueling day? Way to go! What an awesome kid! Children strive to please their parents and will go to enormous lengths to do so. Keep the praise coming and the tone of the trip positive. They will respond.
Don´t Forget They are Kids: Kids have special needs. One of them is the need for more sleep than adults need. Especially in the summer months, when you want an early awakening, remember that your child will need to make up for that lost sleep. Plan to stop for nap time under a tree later in the day. Keeping #4 in mind, explain why they should nap now rather than play. Your child (and you) will be much happier and less prone to tantrums with adequate rest.; Also keep in mind that a child´s metabolism is different from an adult´s. Remember that your child will need food more frequently that you do. Reach for the snacks each break, or mount a water bottle cage on the handlebar and keep a cup full of healthy snacks so your child can snack along the way.

Keep these tips in mind while preparing and on the road and your trip will be one none of you will ever forget. Your child will remember the experience long past his childhood, and you will look back with fond memories at the special moments spent touring with your child.