A Biking Adventure: Embark on a Free Excursion in Your Area

June 24, 2008 | Written by: Kelly Franklin

Free Summer Fun: A Biking Adventure

It is time to put the foot to the pedal and pump those legs. So let’s pull those bikes from the depths of the garage, dust the cobwebs off the seats, and wheel them into the local bike shop for their annual tune-up service. Tires need to be checked for sufficient amounts of air, gears need to be oiled, and brakes should be tested for efficiency.

Riding bikes is a great family fun activity that costs nothing (aside from maintenance) but time and energy. The entire family will benefit from the exercise that biking provides. Also, it is a smart way to incorporate fun exercise into your children’s lives so that they can grow up to appreciate and adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle as adults.

If you have little tots in tow, you can opt to use either a bike trailer or a bike-mounted seat. Although the bike trailer is more expensive, it will not tip over if the bike falls, and you can store more things like snacks, a tire pump, and a small first aid kit.

Pre-planning your destination is relatively simple when it comes to riding bikes. Seek out bike trails at local parks. These are safe for the family because you don’t have to worry about the inherent dangers of traffic. Participate in a community biking event that the entire family will enjoy. Or simply take ride to the local library. The bike trip will be much more memorable than the same old, mundane car ride. Plus, it would save on gas by using the bicycles instead.

Remember to make sure and keep your family safe by following the list of bike riding tips that should be taken into consideration before embarking on the family biking excursion.

Wear a safety helmet: Each family member should be fitted properly for a bicycle helmet. It should be worn at all times while riding a bike despite any protests from the little ones.
Slather on a layer of sunscreen lotion: Skin that is exposed to the direct rays of sunlight should be protected to prevent sunburn.
Fill water bottles and secure them in the bike holders: It is important to stay hydrated while engaging in this cardio activity, so stop and take water breaks.
If riding a bike in traffic, use appropriate hand signals to indicate the direction you are going so that drivers can anticipate your next move.
Ride with traffic flow, not against it: It is crucial to follow the bicycling rules of the road to prevent accidents.

While keeping bike riding precautions in perspective, don’t forget to make the most of this excursion! Feel the breeze as it tickles your face and ruffles your hair. Watch and listen to your children chatter excitedly while peddling alongside you. Enjoy the scenic details of your neighborhood or historic buildings that you bypass as these are views one would not ordinarily catch while riding in a car. Bike riding is an exciting summer pastime that is bound to become an instant family favorite. So what are you guys waiting for? Let’s pedal!

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