Families always seek ways to spend leisure time together. Mountain biking is one sport that family members can undertake to increase camaraderie. Unlike other cycling disciplines, mountain biking involves riding specifically designed mountain bikes over rough terrain on the mountainside. Mountain biking falls into several categories such as cross-country, trail riding, downhill riding, and all mountain riding. To properly undertake mountain biking, one needs to experience how to handle a bike, have personal balance, endurance, and strength.
Be Patient With Kids
Mountain riding with children can be intimidating and overwhelming for moms and dads. Still, mountain biking can be a good way for families to bond and exercise. Parents need to be patient with children as they learn biking skills.
First, families should ensure everyone has the correct riding gear. Planning the specific trails is an important aspect of riding. Families should endeavor to have bikes with a baby carrier to involve the children from a young age. Trailers used during family biking expeditions should be fairly rough. During the beginner biking sessions, the parent rides with the child. The time spent during biking brings a bonding session as families pass through various trails in the forest. As children grow and improve on their biking skills, they can ride alongside their parents.
As parents teach children how to mountain bike, it is important to keep instructions brief. Wordiness may derail kids’ understanding. Basic skills of riding should often be reviewed to ensure children know what to do during mountain biking. A treat during riding may motivate children. Parents can bring something yummy such as chocolate for the kids to eat.
Create A Packing List
Before setting out for biking exercise, there is a need for various items to be put together. Apart from mountain bikes, a family needs to set up an emergency pack and sustenance for the duration of the trail. Water is essential for the biking experience as mountain biking can be dehydrating. At least one to two liters of water per person should be enough for the journey.[1] Having the right clothing and equipment is important for safety. Make sure that every person has a helmet as well as a small first aid kit. Yoga or tighter shorts will increase flexibility and ensure comfort when riding, and bringing along a light weight jacket will protect you if the weather turns bad. Make sure to take breaks, so that everyone can catch their breath and also spend time to enjoy snacks and chat. You want it to be enjoyable for all and not too strenuous. Family biking is simply for fun and as such, frequent stops should be made during the trailing.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Skills practice is an important component of the mountain biking experience. Children get to enjoy milestones achieved during skills practice. The whole family can head to a training ground to practice on important elements of biking. Starting with gear handling and braking, children can get to learn how to manage the mountain bikes during the riding experience. Balancing is an important element of biking. Each member of the family should have sufficient knowledge of balancing before setting out on the real mountainous trails.
During skills practice, communication is essential. Each person should learn how to express themselves clearly and take in instructions as offered by the leader. Families come together with the intent of listening attentively so that soon enough they can set on a real mountain biking experience.
Mountain biking is a great way for uniting families during leisure time. With these steps, your family will be mountain biking in no time!
Featured photo credit: Himiway Bikes via unsplash.com
Reference
| [1] | ^ | Outdoor Families Magazine: Mountain Biking With Kids, the 101 Version |
