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National Bike Month: Adventure Is Out There

May has officially arrived, and it just happens to be National Bike Month. What better way to embrace the sunshine than with a bike ride? Biking is not only good exercise but great fun, adventurous and freeing! So pump up those tires, dig out those helmets, and get out there with the family! Here are a few tips on making the most of family bike time:

Plan-

Before you hit the road, trail or path be sure to check for closures. Sometimes they can be closed due to weather conditions washing out trails or road construction along desired routes. Look over your route to mark stopping area i.e. parks, bathroom breaks etc. Don't forget to check your tire pressure and pack along a bike tool or wrench just in case.

Psst! (Snag a bike-friendly trail map from SFM’s May 2015 issue!)

Pace yourself-

When biking, your pace shouldn't be rushed but leisurely. If you have kids of all age ranges, tag-alongs and bike trailers are a great investment if you like to bike without the stop-and-go of little ones biking on their own. As a parent you want to lead the group but let your kids set the pace, don't leave them in the dust.

The journey-

Biking isn't like driving, going from one destination to another. It's enjoying the actual ride itself. Take in your surroundings as you're rolling through the great outdoors - while you're at it you just might notice something you hadn't before. For instance, the gorgeous scenery and landscape along the dirt trail that runs under the far west rims or the fun historic and quaint homes along Poly as you make your trek across town to the coffee shop and bakery, Harper and Madison.

As some of you know, I grew up in the PNW and rode my bike constantly the 19 years I lived there. It was exhilarating not only having the wind at my back, but adventure stretched out ahead of me. I spent hours chasing the sun on back country roads taking in the winding river and tree laden pastures. Biking is to be enjoyed, so I leave you with this quote:

"When spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking" -Arthur Conan Doyle

Share your biking adventures throughout the month on Twitter @simplyfamilymag #BikeMonth

About the author…Rebekah is a dance teacher, mother of two and creative soul. She enjoys cooking, baking and creating with fabric and paper.