The average age of cyclists in the Netherlands is +/- 35. For many, an age when the word 'family' is mentioned more and more often. A family almost always means making choices. Choices between cycling and family. But what if you don't have to make that choice. In this article, guest blogger Ruth tells you how best to go about it. After all, the best adventures don't have to be grand and compelling at all. If you want to share your love of cycling and bikepacking with your children, it's easier than you think. She has already gone on two bike camping holidays with her toddler daughter. In this blog, you will find five tips that will have you, too, up and running in no time. bikepacking adventure can with your young child or children.
Photos and text: Ruth Koops van 't Jagt
First timers
The first time I went on a bike camping trip with my daughter Evie, she was four years old. Most people looked at me head-shakingly when I shared my plans, but I was stubborn and persevered. We chose a beautiful nature campsite about 10 kilometres from home, packed our stuff -from tent to mats and from burner to cuddly toys- well and securely and, despite heavy rain, had a wonderful cycling adventure to remember. Meanwhile, we set off for the second time, this time to a campsite 20 kilometres away, with beautiful weather. Apple pie on the way, dandelion fluff and the first flute weed. We both can't wait until we get to go again.
From trying you will learn, we often say at home. And learned, about how to bikepack with young children, I have. Because I hope to inspire others to these little adventures too, I am sharing my most important lessons with you in five tips.
Tip 1. Stay close to home
Unless your son or daughter is a budding Annemiek or Mathieu, it is best to opt for a sleeping place close to home. Your pace will be a lot slower than if you set out on your own or with your regular Wednesday night club. We achieved, with whole stretches where I pushed my daughter, just over 10km/h on average. On our first trip, our first break was at a playground less than a kilometre from our house. Embrace that slow pace and remember: it's not about the destination, it's about the journey there. It is also a great opportunity to look at your immediate surroundings with different eyes: what is actually beautiful within a 10 to 20 kilometre radius of your home? The kilometres in which you are normally still warming up are now the most important kilometres of your adventure.
Tip 2. Invest in good gear
Good equipment saves a lot. It starts with choosing your tent: we set off with the Quickhiker light 4 from the Decathlon, a tent I can put up by myself while the daughter plays in the playground. Even if there are only two of us, it's still incredibly nice to have a more spacious tent with us. As for sleeping pads, I am a big fan of the Exped Synmat Ultralight, to be inflated with an ingenious 'bag'. Warm sleeping bags are also a real must: if you are cold at night, you really sleep a lot worse. And you'll notice that the next day :-).
The first time, I made the mistake of going for small lightweight sleeping bags that are 'comfortable' up to 10 degrees Celsius. We knew that: I ended up lying in the sleeping bag with all my clothes and my down coat on. For children, a thermo underwear set made of real wool is highly recommended, for example from the wonderful Scandinavian brand Dilling. Of course, you can also 'save' on your luggage by opting for a cabin instead of a tent, and ordering pizza instead of eating out. But the real magic happens when you cook fresh pasta in front of your tent on a one-burner stove in the evening.
Tip 3. Patience is a virtue
Kids will still be kids. A bikepacking adventure with young children works best if you think of it as a great mindfulness exercise. Divide the route into several blocks for yourself in advance, and take regular breaks. And prepare yourself for the fact that even outside those planned break spots, there will be a lot of stopping. Because there is a playground. Because a horse needs to be petted. Or because your child has an itchy ankle. Sometimes a bunch of flowers has to be picked for the cuddly toy that's along too, of course. Because they are tired or because they want to cycle over a mountain in the verge. So take your time and go out with the right mindset: you won't go fast, not far, and that's totally okay.
Tip 4. Drive low-car or car-free
Plan the route so that you don't have to worry too much about tearing cars. Choose segregated cycle lanes, car-free and pedestrianised roads and go off the beaten track. Get on your gravel bike, because that gives you the freedom to choose unpaved roads and they are usually car-free too. That way, you don't have to be constantly super alert for ringing motorists or a sudden movement of your child. And that still makes cycling a lot more relaxing. Although recreational e-bikers are often challenging enough.
Tip 5. Don't take on too much hay, or baggage on your back
You can barely fit luggage on your child's bike yet. The first time, my daughter didn't even have a luggage rack, so it stuck to a backpack that contained her stuffed animals. The second time, we tied the sleeping bag under her speedbinders. But that means you still have to carry most of the luggage. A lot fitted into my bikepacks, but not everything. This meant that, among other things, I had the four-kilo tent in a backpack on my back. And with your posture on the bike and the occasional pushing of your child, that is not a good plan. So unless you can book a good massage at the campsite, it is really not recommended. I am now saving up for a luggage trailer for on the bike. Because then we will bikepack together more often, that's for sure!
Bonus tip from Sander: ENJOY!
Especially with young children, the destination or distance or speed is not the most important thing. Above all, it is the moment you can share together. That is 'priceless', as they like to preach at a certain payment company.
