Whether you are trying to find something new to do with the children otherwise you want to encourage the entire family to get more active, what better way than to explore the incredible sights that Virginia has to offer – by bicycle?
Simply load the bikes in the back of your car or toss a few folding bike to your boot and you are off.
And to help you make the most of your trip, here are some other top tips:
Choose a Family-Friendly Line
Virginia has a whole host of cycling trails that you can pick from, ranging from small and straightforward ones appropriate for toddlers to longer and more challenging routes that are perfect for teenagers.
Why not get the entire family involved in choosing a trail, setting yourself a challenge for the course? For example, you could say that the first person to find a certain animal wins a prize.
Exploring new trails or planning your own route with a compass and map makes cycling much more interesting and fun for teenagers (and you!).
With the smell of adventure in the air, likelihood is your kids will be on the family bike.
Pack a Picnic or Plan to Visit a Cafe or Restaurant
Kids can tire quickly, particularly if there are not any snacks to eat on the way, so why not plan your route around cafes or attractions to break the ice a bit?
If they simply cycle continuously for hours on end they will likely start to get bored so try to keep things interesting by planning things along the way. And remember to pack water and snacks in your backpack to keep you all well hydrated (even if you get a little lost!).
Make a Holiday Out of It
After a few successful bike trips as a family, you may even want to consider taking your next trip to be a cycling vacation. This will provide you with the opportunity to explore more of the area, perhaps camping along the route. Again, this will really increase your kids’ sense of adventure, and will also teach them some practical skills along the way.
What’s more, as you travel from A to B, it will give them a sense of accomplishment, which helps show them how beneficial physical exercise can be. This, in turn, will help them stay more active while at home.
Enter the competition
Have you all been a tough biker over the last few months? Then why not enter a contest appropriate for the entire family?
Even if it is not a serious challenge or grueling competition, it still gives you a chance to attain something as a family, helping you bond and creating memories that last.
So whether you are just going to bike to the park for a picnic with the children otherwise you’re all looking to go pro in the mountain biking world, biking is a terrific way to enjoy time together as a family while staying fit and active in the process.
