Get Your Family Out On The Trail With Bikepacking

Out On The Trail With Bikepacking

Sara Sundquist and her husband began bikepacking before their children were born, and they’ve traveled as much as 150 miles in a three-day stretch. The independence of backpacking combined with the increased mileage of biking results in a flexible outdoor adventure that can roll through the rural countryside or weave along urban streets.

Some adventures start from their own front door in Redding, CA. Other times, they load their bikes onto car bike racks, buses or trains to expand their range. “We’ve camped along the trail and stayed in hotels along the way,” Sara says. “We like to find special restaurants and interesting places along the route.”

As parents, the two have gotten lots of experience taking their little ones along while they peddle around the North State, and Sara is happy to share tips on building positive family memories on a bike. 

Q. What makes bikepacking a good family activity?

A. The beautiful thing about bikepacking is that you can spend time together, getting exercise, being outdoors, and traveling without spending a lot of money. I think it’s valuable for my kids to not always see the world through the eyes of the car windows, but to be out in the elements and know they can travel in different ways.

Q. Can bikepacking be done with kids of all ages?

A. It’s best to wait until kids can hold their own heads up and wear a helmet, but, yes, it can be done with kids of all ages. My husband and I took our daughter on a short camping trip on the beach at Point Reyes in Marin County when she was eight months old. A couple of summers ago, we took our two-year-old and our five-year-old to the Cycle Oregon Event. My son rode in the trailer, and my daughter biked on a tagalong, a kind of tandem bike that extends off of my bike. She rode 36 miles on it one day— I was so proud of her!

Q. Does bikepacking require a fancy bike?

A. No! I have an old mountain bike with skinnier tires, which I’ve mainly used because it pulls the tagalong and trailer well. My husband bought a gravel bike, which has skinnier tires but can handle off-roading. It depends on where you bike and the distance you want to ride, but as long as your bike is in good shape, you can usually add a rack to carry your gear and use whatever bike you have access to.

Q. What tips would you offer families interested in trying out bike camping?

A. I think the key with kids is to stop often, have great snacks, and go at a leisurely pace that is fun for the kids. Don’t miss a playground or ice cream stop! I would suggest families start with a single night to see if it works for them and if they have the proper gear to make their family comfortable. Families can also start out by going with an organized group. The Cycle Oregon event isn’t a bikepacking event, but it’s a good way to introduce families to biking and camping in the same weekend. It’s basically an intergenerational bike party weekend, with kids, parents and grandparents. It’s held on a college campus, so families can camp or stay in the dorms. Breakfast and dinner are provided, and kids over seven can participate in a bike safety skills course with fun games, a little riding, and a bike parade.

Q. What do families need to bring? How should they pack it?

A. Since you have to carry it all, it is best to pack lightly. Bring layers of clothing, making sure to have enough warm clothes for the kids. Use lightweight reusable cooking supplies, including lightweight plastic dishes and Tupperware. Bring simple bike tools, like a tire repair kit, extra tubes, and a hand-held pump. Pack into bike panniers (bags carried on either side of a rack attached over the back tire) and a trailer or bob. You can tuck quite a few supplies into the kids’ trailer.

To learn more about bikecamping and to register for Bike Travel Weekend, which is June 1-3, visit their website.