A family bike ride isn’t about distance or how fast you go. It’s all about fun and exploration. Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks that will make your family ride one to remember.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on kid’s bikes. If you do your research, you’ll find some affordable options on second hand online retail sites. Often these bikes are in great condition but are now too small for the rider.

Before you get started

If it has been a while since you or your kids have ridden your bikes, then it is important that you do the following,

• Make sure the helmet fits snugly
• Do a quick ABC bike check
• Adjust the seat height
• Make sure the bike is right for the age. (baby seat vs. trailer)
• Get the right clothing
• Plan your ride

When on the path or road look to make the ride easy enough that your little ones are puffing, but still able to talk. This will help you make it through the whole ride. Aim to have the strongest rider at the back and the next strongest at the front. This will keep all the little ones safe in the middle. Pack some light snacks and plenty of water so you can stop on the way and replenish your energy and rehydrate.

Before you leave on your first family group ride, we suggest making sure everyone is skilful enough to handle busy bike paths. The last thing you want is to be out on a busy bikeway and one of your little ones gets scared and does something unpredictable. Here are a few fun skill drills to do before leaving on your first big ride.

Fun games to incorporate in your ride

1. Turtle Race – Move as slowly as you can to a marked point without putting your foot down. First person to put their foot down is out.
2. Slalom Drill – Place four or five markers about 2-3m apart in an empty car park or cul-de-sac. Move inside out of the cones, slowly at first until you are comfortable with a faster pace.
3. Stopping and moving off – Slowly move parallel to a curb and practice stopping gently with the closest foot landing cleanly on the lip of the curb. Once steady, push off the curb into a moderate pedal so that neither foot touches the ground and balance remains stable. The slower you go the more control you have.

Once you and your little ones can do these skills confidently and your bag is packed with heaps of yummy food, you’re good to go. These rides are made even more fun if you can meet up with some friends during the ride.

If you’re new to cycling and about to tackle your first long-distance riding challenge (like a 500km challenge in Pedal QLD!), here are a few tips to make it easier. 

Don’t be intimated by a big number – long-distance riding can be enjoyable and easy to accomplish with a bit of planning and perseverance. Being realistic with your riding expectations is key. Riding regularly rather than trying to hit 200km in a single day is one of many ways to stay on top of your kilometres without burning out.

So what would a week riding look like to get to 500km in a month?

A recovery ride is a really useful way to get your kilometres up at a leisurely pace. Get a lazy 15km or even 25km in a short ride lasting less than an hour – your local bike path is a great place for this one! The simple recovery ride keeps you consistent with your kilometres after a strenuous ride the day before.

A typical week could look like this:

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Commute to/from work (say 20-30km total / 1hr)

Wednesday: Recovery ride (20km very easy pace: 1hr)

Thursday: Rest Day

Friday: Fun ride with your family or mates (15km after work / 45min)

Saturday: Long ride (30-50km /2-3hr) – bring more to eat on this one!

Sunday: Fun ride: rail-trail, mountain bike, or simply go somewhere new (20km / 1hr)

Make sure you’re fueling yourself for each ride you do. This means eating before, during and after your ride. Wear some layers of clothing if it’s cold which you can peel off and put in a jersey pocket if you warm-up.

Related: How to wear cycling gear in cold weather