Are you an outdoor-loving parent looking to share your passion for mountain biking with your kids? Look no further! Mountain biking is a fantastic activity that allows you and your little ones to bond, explore nature, and create lasting memories together. In this post, we'll provide you with essential tips and guidance on how to have a safe and enjoyable mountain biking experience with your kids. So, grab your helmets, hop on your bikes, and let's hit the trails!
Head right to the bottom of the article if you want to check out our list of equipment that helped us out.
Age Range: Start 'em young!
Mountain biking can be enjoyed by kids of various ages, from the littlest riders on strider bikes (best invention of the last century) to the more experienced pedal bikers. Adjusting the difficulty level of the trails and activities to suit their age and skill level is crucial. This way, you can ensure that the biking experience is both challenging and fun for your child, encouraging them to grow and develop their biking skills over time. When our son was around 2 years old we started to let him ride on our Mac Ride. This device put him in front of me on my mountain bike. I could take him out on the trails and he learned what it felt like to roll through berms, to traverse roots/rocks, and to even go pretty fast when the trail was clear. Once he got a little more experience on his strider and even his pedal bike he was able to take some of those skills he learned and apply them to riding on his own bike.
Growing Together: Parents as Bike Role Models
One of the beautiful aspects of mountain biking with your kids is the opportunity for mutual growth and improvement. By riding alongside your child, you not only share your love for the sport but also become a role model. Show them that learning and improving is an ongoing process, and with practice, they can conquer new challenges on the trails. Encouragement and support go a long way in fostering their confidence and passion for biking. My wife wasn't an experienced biker, yet she participated in our bike outings and has improved along with our son (he still might try to race her from time to time).
Safety First: Choose Suitable Trails
Safety should always be a top priority when mountain biking with kids. Start with beginner-friendly trails such as recreational paths or gravel roads to build their confidence and bike-handling skills. As they progress, you can gradually introduce them to well-built singletrack trails suitable for their age and abilities. It's important to limit when you push them beyond their comfort zone and to choose trails and situations that you feel comfortable riding together. We are lucky enough to have a number of good trail systems around us in Vermont. With the growth of the sport I would be surprised if you don't have some good trails around you as well.
Take it Step by Step: Progression
The key to a successful mountain biking experience with your kids is gradual progression. Start with easier trails and flat terrain, allowing them to practice pedaling, balance, and maneuvering their bikes. We took our son to a tennis court when he was on his strider and even when he started pedaling. It gave him a safe space to try things and take chances (we made sure that we didn't interfere with anyone playing tennis and we definitely didn't make any skid marks on the court). Pump tracks are also excellent for kids on strider bikes or pedal bikes to enhance their balance and coordination. For younger children or those still developing their climbing skills, consider using a tow-behind device that allows you to tow them along. A towie rope has opened up a bunch of trails for my son and I.
Safety Equipment: Don't Be Afraid to Buy it All
Investing in proper safety equipment, including helmets and pads, is vital to protect your child while biking but also to instilling confidence. A good fall can potentially hinder their willingness to try new things. By equipping them with the right gear, you're setting them up for success and instilling a sense of responsibility towards their own safety. Knee pads, elbow pads, back pads, and even full face helmets can be your friend!
Patience and Individual Experiences:
Remember, mountain biking with kids requires patience and understanding. There may be days when they aren't as eager or ready to ride, and that's okay. It's essential to maintain a positive and supportive attitude, allowing them to progress at their own pace. Sometimes you need to stop for a snack break every 5 minutes or maybe even smell the flowers. It is important that you just get out there and try. Be flexible and open to other activities if biking isn't their preference on a particular day. Each child is unique, and their approach to biking may vary. Avoid comparing your family's biking experience with others and focus on the joy and growth you're experiencing as a unit. My son has a lot of experience biking because it was what we did every day at the beginning of the pandemic. That doesn't mean other kids his age aren't right where they need to be.
Conclusion:
Mountain biking with your kids is an incredible way to bond as a family, explore the great outdoors, and cultivate a love for adventure. By following these essential tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your children. Remember, it's not just about the destination but the journey itself. Embrace the learning process, celebrate their achievements, and cherish the moments spent together on the trails. So, gear up, embark on this thrilling adventure, and create lifelong memories that will inspire your little ones to become lifelong mountain bikers. Happy trails!
Here is a list of the gear that helped us out the most:
- Pads - simple and easy is great, they will grow out them soon anyways
- Full Face Helmet - this isn't needed but it has saved our son's face a few times.
- Strider bike - start them young, it is amazing what a Strider bike can do for a kid.
- Mac Ride or Shotgun - these systems are amazing, they tie into your mountain bike so your kiddo can ride in front and experience your riding. It was something that I tell all my friends about.
- LittleBigBike - this was an awesome pandemic purchase for us. This bike has hand brakes and grows with your child. It can change from a small strider bike to a big strider bike to a pedal bike. My son started pedaling on it after only a few months (he had to get a little taller to fit it).
- Camelbak or other hydration pack - there are a bunch of kids hydration packs out there. Grab one that fits your kid and fill it full of water and snacks.
- Bike Tool Kit and manual - it is great to be able fix your own bike and it can also be fun to do it with your little one. We grabbed a simple bike tool kit and manual and it has paid dividends.
- Bike Stand - we just grabbed one of these and I wish we had done it sooner. It is so much easier to work on your bike with them.
- Car Bike Rack - there are so many options out there, grab one that works for you.
- YouTube - this might be the most essential item out of everything. Danny MacAskill is a true wonder and seems to be able to connect with kiddos of all ages. Just do a couple searches and you and your kid will be watching awesome bike videos before you go out and ride.