The First Ride
Teaching your 4-year-old to ride a bike can be frustrating, to say the least. However, there is something so profoundly satisfying watching your son or daughter take off down the road by their own power.
It’s fulfilling for us and empowering for them. The same is true for all of us. There is just something about a bike ride that is soothing to the spirit.
So the saying goes, “it's like riding a bike.” If you’ve done it once you can do it again, and it is true. Once you learn to ride, it’s easy and fun, and an enjoyable activity to share with the family.
So the saying goes, “it's like riding a bike.” If you’ve done it once you can do it again, and it is true. Once you learn to ride, it’s easy and fun, and an enjoyable activity to share with the family.
There are lots of different places that you ride, but some can be more fulfilling than others. Some can be safer than others, and some can be more challenging than others. So, dependent upon what you are looking for, a quick evening ride, a scenic sightseeing tour, or a vigorous workout, all can be had with the right planning.
Exercise
Ever since I was a little boy, I have loved to ride bikes. It's fun, it’s easy, and it’s great exercise. Back then however exercise was not on my mind. I wasn’t always the fittest of little boys, but that never stopped me from riding my bike.
If I could have “broken my plate” as my father used to say, I probably would have been incredibly fit, because I must have ridden 20 miles each day. But cry my little eyes is what I would have done if I’d had to walk a single mile for a snack. And that is precisely the point I want to make.
When you ride a bike, it can be deceiving the distance that you can cover.
Why?
Because it’s fun, it’s exhilarating!
By the time you snap out of the trance of your surroundings, you’ve had an AWESOME workout!
We all want to burn calories, increase strength and stamina, and cycling does all of those things at once. Probably one of the best things about riding a bike as opposed to other activities is that anyone can do it, regardless of your age or activity level. Riding a bike is also a great way to increase your cardiovascular function.
Breathing better will help you take your fitness to the next level. And soon you’ll be able to complete more vigorous activities that require more stamina. As a result, you will become stronger, and the stronger you get, the more ready you will be to go further, and further on those two wheels. If you want an earnest jump-start to your fitness, pump up those tires and get on your bike!
Breathing better will help you take your fitness to the next level. And soon you’ll be able to complete more vigorous activities that require more stamina. As a result, you will become stronger, and the stronger you get, the more ready you will be to go further, and further on those two wheels. If you want an earnest jump-start to your fitness, pump up those tires and get on your bike!
The Bad
Vegetables first, and dessert last, that's how you’re going to get it. Not everything about your bike ride is going to be great unless you plan accordingly. More on that soon. Bike riding can be dangerous, and no matter where you ride there are precautions that you should take.
For example, you should never ride a bike without a helmet, never. If possible make sure your helmet is equipped with MIPS. You wouldn't use an outdated child seat or seatbelt, your helmet should be no different. Forget cool, think safe!
The next thing we have to worry about, unfortunately, is other people. I know, we are perfect, it’s the other people we have to worry about. Dependent upon where you ride there could be a varying number of people, cars, and obstacles; and this brings us to our most important and exciting part of the bike ride. Where are you going to ride?
The Neighborhood
I was lucky when I taught my son to ride his bike. We took off the training wheels in the driveway, and we were able to learn right there in the street because there is not much traffic. Maybe your neighborhood is quiet and staying near the house is an option.
Hey, sometimes getting out to ride for just a few minutes can be really relaxing, and it doesn't take long to get some daily exercise, only 20-30 minutes. The thing I hate about riding close to home is the constant anxiety, especially when I am with my sons.
Even though it is quiet, there are still some cars, and you have to keep an eye out at all times. But if you are just getting a quick ride after dinner, or spending a few minutes with your little one, it can do the job. However, if you want to take your bike ride to the next level, we are going to have to take a ROADTRIP.
Bikeseeing
It’s time to leave the nest, that is if you want to get the full impact out of your bike ride. If you live on a quiet culdesac, or in the hustling bustling city, there are nothing but reasons for you to pack a lunch a take a day to clock some miles. Put the bicycle tires to the pavement.
Non-city pavement that is!
The Park
Let’s start by dipping just a toe. The park is a go-to for quick day trips to get that heart pounding and those muscles flexing. Now that my son is at least stable on two wheels I have a little trick I like to play with him. Here is what I do.
We go to a park where he loves the playground. On the way there we talk all about it, and by the time we get to the parking lot he is PUMPED. Now here is where I throw a great big wrench into his little 4-year-old plans.
I know of a second parking lot at the end of the path that leads to the park. So, we park in the gravel parking lot at the end of the path, and I take his bike out of the truck. He is not pleased, but what is he to do?
I know of a second parking lot at the end of the path that leads to the park. So, we park in the gravel parking lot at the end of the path, and I take his bike out of the truck. He is not pleased, but what is he to do?
I tell him that if he wants to play on the playground, then he has to ride his bike there. It works like a charm. I coerce him into doing a short empowering bike ride, and in the end, he gets the reward of the playground. WINNING.
Oh, what’s that, you’re hungry now?
Tell you what, if you ride back to the truck we can go get something delicious to eat. He climbs back onto his cute little Lighting McQueen bicycle and works his little legs back up the path to the truck.
There is so much to see and do at the park. With the family, it’s fun to find destinations all over the park and ride there. Bring a lunch, or work up an appetite and go for a much-deserved ice cream cone as a reward. You will have the beautiful sights and sounds all around you, and it will make your ride (it's really exercising, fooled your body) some much more fulfilling.
If you are a beginner bike rider, or just beginning your fitness journey, the park is the absolute best place to start. It is a place where you can feel safe, you won't have to dodge obstacles, or continuously look over your shoulder. Bring a lunch, bring a camera, bring a friend, and have an invigorating, yet relaxing day at the park.
There is so much to see and do at the park. With the family, it’s fun to find destinations all over the park and ride there. Bring a lunch, or work up an appetite and go for a much-deserved ice cream cone as a reward. You will have the beautiful sights and sounds all around you, and it will make your ride (it's really exercising, fooled your body) some much more fulfilling.
If you are a beginner bike rider, or just beginning your fitness journey, the park is the absolute best place to start. It is a place where you can feel safe, you won't have to dodge obstacles, or continuously look over your shoulder. Bring a lunch, bring a camera, bring a friend, and have an invigorating, yet relaxing day at the park.
Going the Distance
I have a truck, and it’s no coincidence. I love doing all types of outdoor activities, so it just suits me. But maybe you have a vehicle that you can’t just throw your bikes in the back. If you are going to move past wading, and jump all the way in with this bike riding thing, you are going to need a bike rack.
It doesn't have to be the fanciest thing in the world, most important, your bikerack needs to be easy to use. Here is one to check out. Before I took the plunge into a full activity vehicle, I had one of these, and it was AWESOME. Simple, durable, inexpensive, and my number one criteria, it's idiot proof! So grab one and lets hit the road.
Hit the Path
So your a cyclist now, your ready to put some miles on those tires. You’ve got your friend or your family in tow, and you are prepared to go.
Where to?
How big do you want to go?
This is where the title really begins to hold it’s weight.
What do you want to see, because your bike can take you there?
Trails range from 1 mile up to the Katy Trail State Park, in Missouri which has a trail that is 240 miles long.
Maybe you are looking for something a little lighter, I know 240 miles is quite a bit. Try the Great Allegheny Passage. It passes through Maryland and Pennsylvania, it’s a mere 150 miles long, a breeze right?
There are all types of trails, in every state, and even in other countries. If you are just starting out, look for a trail that has a reasonable distance, but also consider the elevation changes.
There are all types of trails, in every state, and even in other countries. If you are just starting out, look for a trail that has a reasonable distance, but also consider the elevation changes.
If you are seeking the fresh air and scenic views of the mountains on your Bikeseeing trip, you can expect to be riding up and down a lot of hills. Keep in mind that even though the scenery might be what you want, the terrain may not. I used to live in the desert, it is a stunningly beautiful place.
It is not, however, a great place to go for a mid-afternoon bike ride. That would be a really horrible idea. Just be mindful of what you are getting yourself into. Similar to increasing your cardiovascular function, something that is done slowly over some time. The same is true with working yourself up to more challenging rides. Don't write a check that you and your bike can't cash.
Hydration
So you’ve got a sweet new Lighting McQueen bike and your ready for the long haul. But wait just a second. You’ve got to hydrate yourself, or you are not going to make it a single mile, not feeling good anyway.
Water is your friend, and the best way to carry it when you are going for a long ride is on your back. Yes, on your back. You need a bladder bag. To be proper, a Hydration Pack.
Forgive me, I keep thinking of long bike rides with my 4-year-old and the necessity of bathroom breaks. THINK AHEAD. Well, you and your squad will feel like soldiers wearing these packs, and as a soldier is, you’ll be ready for battle. You can find one for a reasonable price and your muscle cramps, or lack thereof, will thank you. Hydrate.
Ready to Ride
Now you are ready for anything. Need to wear the kids down before bathtime, have a quick ride around the neighborhood. Looking for a peaceful place to clear your mind?
Take a nice long slow trip through the trees of your local park. Bring headphones, don’t bring the kids, and slowly take it in, and let it out. Or maybe, you want to compete in the next Iron Man competition? Find your self a 100 mile plus trail and go to town.
Relaxation
Exercise
Strength
Stamina
Cardiovascular Training
Being Outdoors
There are so many reasons for all of us to ride bikes. Ride them for fun. Use them for transportation, or transport yourself to the next level on your fitness journey.
Your body will thank you, and your kids will thank you too. The whole family will be a happier, healthier family when you ride together. Find your reason to ride. Here is one of mine. Now, Ride.