Family Friendly Cycling Adventures

When we started SheBikesHeBikes in 2009 we had an 8, 7 and 1 yr old. For us, that meant shorter day trips that Fynn and Moss would cope with and a trailer for Ryley. As you’ll appreciate there were logistics to overcome which we had to take care of ourselves, because we WERE the tour company. You, however, get the benefit of throwing that over to us to sort and advise on.

Fast forward to 2019 and we had children aged 18, 16, 11 and 6. E-Bikes were becoming a “thing” or “solution” then so Fynn and Moss would ride their own MTB’s, Carol or I would be on the tandem with Ryley and Aria was with either of us on the IGO or GSD. The E-Bike meant we could all travel at the same speed and carry a generous amount of gear.

A little later, when sinch released their 24” kids E-Bike we were really rocking. Aria and Ryley would be on the E-Bikes and Carol and I on our regular MTB’s, or sometimes E-Bikes depending on the trail. I loved the way they’d just ride out in front, pathfinding the journey, getting a sense of leading and freedom.

Moss reckons the best family holidays we’ve had have been on bikes. The funny thing is that when I question him more deeply it wasn’t about the helicopter ride with the bikes underneath it etc. It was about how good that corned beef sandwich with potato chips stuffed in it tasted when it was lunchtime, or the family dare to go skinny dipping in the lake etc. Those memories stick and still make us laugh.

What I like as a parent when we’re riding is that we’re out in nature in the elements whatever that will be. Everyone is changing positions to talk about something and they’re somehow better conversations than those you have in the car. When it’s time for a break the food just tastes better.

Of course, there are drama’s too, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Moss managed to take a good fall on one of our trips, and he’ll never again try to hang his camelback on the handlebars to take off his jacket while still riding! Aria’s had a mini meltdown at times due to the steepness of a track, so some parental cajoling was required. The outcome, however, is worth it. They’ve been challenged, learned lessons and built resilience.

What I particularly love is there is no time for their phones, other than to take a picture or some video. Aria, bless her, is taking on my interest in photography and video, urgently requesting my phone to take a photo, and she’s getting good with composition and seeing those interesting angles etc. Hopefully she’ll move onto video. You can set this as a challenge for your children, be a creator rather than a consumer.

Recently, we visited Fynn, who is now working in Perth, and he took us to a bike hire place he’d used so we could do a Swann river ride. You might think that was an expected action but I thought that was pretty cool he wanted to take the family on a bike ride to show off his new home. I think that says something.

If you’re toying with the idea of a family cycling holiday then I’d say “just do it”. If you’re wanting to experience the trails that we service then reach out and we’ll help you out, we’ve got a lot of experience. I’ve ranked the trails below to help.

Otago Central Rail Trail – should be your first stop if you’re looking for a family day trip or to undertake your first cycling holiday experience. It’s very well serviced with food and accommodation, the weather is generally settled, the riding is achievable for all ages (you’ll need to tow the little ones).

Clutha Gold Trail – make this your next step after the Otago Central Rail Trail. It’s fun trail that’s continually weaving through the landscape. The gradients are easy, making it accessible for all ages. Not quite as many services along the way, but we’ll help you plan ahead.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail – they need to be riding at least a 24” bike with gears as there are some good climbs. We’d recommend that the younger ones use and E-Bike so they get the most out of the day and you eliminate the “whinge” factor. They’ll also need to have some skills because this trail requires control when ascending and descending.

SheBikesHeBikes have never been a company to beat it’s chest with “out there” claims, but we’re confident that we’re really good at providing amazing holiday opportunities.

Lake Dunstan Trail – again, they need to be riding at least a 24” bike with gears as it’s a long trail with steep ascents and descents. I would typically suggest this trail for 15+ but you’ll know what your kids can cope with. If you’re ok with “out and back” then the ride from the Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Coffee and Burger Afloat is goodie. Still get the E-Bike at least for the younger members as it’s got lots of undulation and is a decent distance.