Comments on: Raising Great Kids – Cycling

By: Jan Littlehales

Jan Littlehales — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:52:37 +0000

Thanks for your comments Ian. I’m not sure balance bikes were around when my boys were young – if they were, I didn’t know about them. I see them around now and they look fantastic.

By: Ian Sibbald

Ian Sibbald — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:50:15 +0000

Jan,
Love your passion for cycling. We have exactly the same philosophy and take every opportunity to get on our bikes. Our kids have been whizzing around on balance bikes since before they were 2. People stare in amazement as they zoom past. The eldest then got straight onto a pedal bike and went straight off. Looks like the youngest will follow as well.
I do think training wheels are unecessary though – best to let young kids learn balance first and have fun. They seem to find pedalling relatively easy after this. If you don’t want to buy a balance bike then just take off the pedals for a while.
I always think it’s a shame to see kids grinding along on training wheels when they should be having fun.
Just my opinion, and experience…..

Love your site philosophy. Keep writing!

By: Jan Littlehales

Jan Littlehales — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:38:47 +0000

Hi Castaly – thanks for your comment. Your family cycling holiday in France sounds absolutely wonderful. My husband and I enjoyed cycling holidays in France (pre-children) and I remember the scenery, food and people were all fantastic. Velo Vercors is a great find – thanks for the link. Jan

By: Castaly Lombe

Castaly Lombe — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:10:43 +0000

Hi Jan, I have just returned from a cycling holiday in France with my three boys, 47, 14 and 13. My husband is a keen tour de France follower and cyclist, and wanted to cycle in France, but how to do this with a family? We discovered http://www.velovercors.com They provide accommodation, bikes, maps everything, and very reasonable price. The host Roger is a former international rider and was so helpful. And they speak English! It was amazing to see my boys racing up mountains and just having the time of their lives. And a holiday where you get fit! It was fantastic. Bike riding is something that can reallly take you places. Also the area has spectacular scenery. Even though I am a middle aged mum and did not train at all, I did 600 km over 2 weeks and ate lots of french food and did not gain any weight. A fitness holiday with bikes is super, where ever you go. But if you want to try France, try the Vercors. Quite roads where great for our youngsters, with enough mountains to challenge even the seasoned cyclist.

By: Cherie Rasmussen

Cherie Rasmussen — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:43:39 +0000

Hi Jan

At the beginning of the year we hired bikes whilst on a family holiday. As a whole family riding along safe bike paths, the laughter and smiles from ear to ear was wonderful memories. The kids thought it was fabulous to ride with Mum and Dad and loved racing us.

The bike paths we used were full of other families doing the same thing and the bike hire company did a roaring summer trade. Thanks for reminding me of some very special family memories. Here’s to doing this again on our next family holiday.

Thanks – Cherie R