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Europe Cycling
When I was a child, my mother rode me around on the back of her bicycle and regaled me with tales of a bicycle trip she'd taken through Holland and England. Once I was old enough, I rode my own bicycle, and then went on a number of cycling trips. These were bare-bones affairs, with my gear stowed in panniers; we slept in tents or at hostels.
My husband and I always planned to take a more luxurious bike trip together, but never got around to it. Then, in the summer of 2001, we took our three children, then 3, 8 and 10, on a deluxe Backroads family bicycling trip in Denmark. It was even better than we could ever have imagined.
[Editor's Note: This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip, not as a group tour. Call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
New Focus on Family
Backroads (800/GOACTIVE), which began offering cycling trips over 20 years ago, has recently gotten into family trips in a big way. For 2002, Europe-bound families can choose between eight countries, including Denmark, France, Italy, Holland and Switzerland (Backroads also offers trips through Africa, Asia, and Latin and North America). The expertly planned trips include plenty of sightseeing to entice children. We had three leaders for our group of 26: one was always available to entertain the children, with games, books, or a lap to sit on, and one had dinner with all the kids each night. Much to our delight, we could carry on adult conversations with other parents, while keeping an eye on our children.
Backroads also rents bicycles to ensure easier travel. Before the trip, a coordinator checks with you on sizes for adults and children. We had very comfortable hybrid Cannondale bikes, with fat tires and lots of gears. There were extra bicycles and seats when we picked up the rentals; some riders want a padded seat, while others prefer leather. For the youngest 'riders,' there are Burley trailers (which we used) and Piccolos, which convert a bicycle to a tandem for parent and child (best for ages 4-7). Helmets, safety triangles, water bottles and small front bicycle bags (for holding maps and snacks) are also provided.
Preparation all around was the key to success. Our family made a few trial long rides, to make sure that both Sela (8) and Hallie (10) felt comfortable riding such a distance. We also had to ensure that Nora (3) could entertain herself for long stretches in a bike trailer. Since Denmark is relatively flat, and our children are enthusiastic bikers, the distance was never a problem. On Backroads' Europe trips, the family rides range from 17 to 30 miles per day (it sounds even more impressive when you figure it in kilometers, 27 to 48 kms).
Making New Friends
Our group had three 8-year-olds, three 10-year-olds, and several teens. Our two older daughters were thrilled that they each had a girl exactly the same age, and they made fast friends. All the kids -- and adults -- were friendly with each other; in such an intimate setting, you bond quickly. Nora was the only one without a young playmate, but she took to hanging out with the teenage girls.
Like most toddlers, Nora found many ways to amuse herself. One was to select a treat from the snack table before each ride. There were energy bars, little chocolate bars, fresh and dried fruit, nuts and thrilling Danish style fruit roll-ups. We had learned that being towed along with her books, a Walkman playing her favorite long cassettes, or doodling with crayons and paper, could also amuse her. Daily, Nora kept up a running commentary on the passing scenery, pointing out animals we passed, and thatched roof houses, stopping only to sing a song.
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