Let’s Get Physical – The Benefits of Biking in the North State

Summer is in full swing and with the kids out of school a lot of parents are looking for ways to direct all that excess energy. The upside of saying goodbye to the confines of a rigid schedule is that time is no longer the boss. You are. And the world opens up with options.

Summer weather brings endless possibilities for bonding – and among my favorites is getting out of the house, getting active and sharing the experience of the great outdoors, running through the sprinklers, studying wildlife, foraging for berries and maybe best of all, bike riding. It is one of the most rewarding ways to get in touch with nature and enjoy some family bonding time. Without the constraints of a school schedule, summer is probably the best time for your family to, as Queen says, “get on your bikes and ride.”

Where to start on your cycling journey

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just a little bike-curious, you’ll find that the North State is one of the most beautiful places to get a bicycling habit going. With a plethora of stunning parks and bike trails, engaging downtowns and incredible mural art, (try the Redding Mural Art Ride or follow the Chico Public Art Map), there is so much to discover and enjoy.

Building memories and fostering positive experiences are at the heart of many parental goals, but new things can be intimidating. One doesn’t have to go from newbie bicyclist to pro overnight, though. Even a park trip or a neighborhood ride can bring you closer together and it can help build the confidence to go further and experience more. There’s nothing wrong with starting small. Maybe you just want to bike down to a bakery with the kids for a breakfast treat in the morning, or go to an ice cream shop in the afternoon or make a weekly excursion to a playground or a picnic spot to incorporate a little more physical activity into your routine. There’s no wrong way to get a cycling habit going and, according to a new Cambridge University Study, any and all movement is a good thing for the body and the spirit.

Paradise Bikes owner Rich Colgin loves helping kids and families get back on the trail with fully functioning bikes. Photos by Kate Hiller.

Grab your helmet, and get out into nature

If you’re looking for some outdoor biking adventures for your family and you just don’t know where to start, or you want to get the kids engaged with motion, Shasta Gravity Adventures offers both guided family rides and youth programs. Bicycling is a wonderful way to see more of your area and experience what’s out there beyond the borders of your neighborhood. “Benefits of riding with your family are many!” says Shasta Gravity Adventure owner Christian Burke. “You are connecting in the outdoors and sharing challenging experiences that grow you as a family. You connect better when there is exercise and movement involved, and the memories you build are long-lasting.”

Tackling the hurdles of getting a bike journey started

Of course, finding the right bike or keeping it in working order can feel overwhelming. But whether you’re looking for a new bike or your old one needs a little TLC, there are professional bike shops in the North State ready to help you get going. Rich Colgin of Paradise Bikes, with locations in Paradise and Oroville, loves helping kids and families get biking. “I enjoy helping people find simple solutions to get their bikes back on the trails quickly and even educating people on how to service their bikes themselves,” Rich says.

The long-term benefits of biking

It’s not all just about filling the summertime or getting in shape. Bicycling has lasting benefits for your child, building skills and habits that will follow them into adulthood. The National Institute of Health found that biking helps to improve balance, coordination and posture along with strengthening muscles and improving overall health.

Aside from the direct physical benefits your child will experience, there are social gains for your child and you. Taking trips with friends around the neighborhood or into nature is a great way to connect with others and develop a support network. Traveling in groups provides additional safety. To find a club near you, see the sidebar for North State bike clubs. Or start a club of your own!

There is something special about the feeling of freedom you get pedaling down a hill or into a summer breeze. Seeing the smile and hearing the laughter that this experience draws from your little one is incredibly rewarding. If you’re looking to get healthy or stay healthy, make memories, see the sights and get plenty of fresh air in the process, it’s hard to find a better pathway to that goal than making bike riding a part of your family activities.