How to pack for a family bike adventure
Don’t let the logistics put you off. With these suggestions, packing for a family bike holiday (or any adventure, actually) will feel like a breeze…
With international travel still uncertain, biking holidays are becoming a popular choice among families who enjoy being active and are keen to explore our beautiful surrounds in a different way.
But packing for them isn’t easy, especially if there are several of you to consider (hello too much luggage!) and you’re going to be mixing activities.
To help smooth the process, the team at Thule has the following advice:
Start with a duffel for essentials
A bike trip can go downhill fast – and not in a good way – if you forget to pack helmets and riding gear. So, first things first, set aside one go-to duffel for all the biking gear you can’t live without. Then use other bags, like rolling suitcases or backpacks, for clothes, shoes, and activities for the kids.
Ensure everyone has a comfortable ride
The point of a family holiday is that you get to sightsee together, but little ones are unlikely to be able to pedal far for long periods. One solution is to have a good-quality child bike seat fitted to the front or rear of your ride. Another idea is to invest in a (cool!) multisport bike trailer which offers a comfortable cockpit with plenty of windows, pockets for snacks, and a five-point harness to keep your kids happy and safe while you pedal.
Fit a cargo box
The car ride can be challenging enough without cramming bags between the seats and forcing your kids to squeeze. Adding a cargo box onto the roof rack is the easiest way to transport luggage and other oversized items without compromising on elbow room in the car. You’ll find different sizes and price points for various vehicles.
Don’t forget the bikes
They’re the most important item on the packing list – for a biking holiday, at least – and must be transported properly. Spend time choosing the correct bike rack for your vehicle – options include high-mounted bike racks that swing out of the way of the trunk and platform racks that grab onto the wheels for simple loading and unloading. The new Thule OutWay 2 and 3 Bike carriers are premium rear door-mounted bike racks with locks that don’t require a tow bar. Look out also for the Thule EasyFold XT bike rack, which is a compact, fully foldable towbar-mounted bike rack for all types of bikes, including e-bikes.
Safe travels!
For more information and equipment ideas, visit www.thulestore.co.za.
