How much is too much?

walkingbootweather

My lad just turned 6 has just got away with riding on his own. He has been nearly there for best part of a year and happily riding with me on a trailgator but on Saturday I took him to the seaside where he had a long straight flat run and pretty soon he'd cracked it.

The problem is, now I can't get him off the flippin bike. We must have done at least 5 miles each on Saturday and Sunday - him riding with me jogging along besides, with another 6 or 7 today - this time I was on my bike too.

I'm delighted that he is enjoying his bike but I am worried he might be over doing it. So guys, how much is too much, and how do I keep him keen without burning himself out?

baudman

Kids self regulate. I wouldn't be too concerned from that standpoint.

My only fear would be him getting out, but then, not wanting to ride back.

rossere

My daughter will be 6 in July and like you I have just switched from running alongside to using the bike.

We ride along the canal which is flat and we can do 10 miles with a cafe stop at the half way point. I always err on the side of caution because I don't want her getting over tired and putting her off. I suspect that if the terrain was more lumpy it would be significantly less.

calonuk

My son in 5 in a few weeks and he has recently started to ride by the side of us. He has managed a 6 mile round trip with lunch stop half way over resonably flat ground. TBH he loves it and you will start to see their limits, just remember, go to far and you'll have a bike and child to carry back.

walkingbootweather

Thanks for the reassurance folks. The last 3 miles yesterday were into quite a headwind but he rode on valiantly. Think I'll carry the trailgator to get us home from longer runs for a little while, but pretty soon I'm sure we'll only need it so he can pull me along

Mike Healey

My only tips are:
1. They can really surprise you - even more than already
2. When he gets fitter and faster, don't race him. One day he will beat you and your period of humiliation will last m..u..c..h, m..u..c..h l..o..n..g..e..r

walkingbootweather

Well one week on and he has just accompanied me on a ride to his Grandad's house. 10 miles plus just one week after learning to ride. He wanted to ride home too, but we'll save that for another day. I think the trailgator can go on ebay.....

johnboy183

my 4 and 1/2 year old can do 8 miles without too much trouble. Always ride at his pace and if he wants to stop, be pushed then thats what we do. Occasionally gets a bit frustrating for me cos I always think that he can do more than he is willing. However I bite my tongue (mostly :oops: ) and get on with it. Always likes to go out again the next day.

TheGeneralist

I agree with the comments about having a back up plan. We did about 10 miles yesterday with the 5 year old no problem. He did the blue route at llandegla when he was 4 but I think that was a bit much so next time I took him to the top of the first hill in the trailer and he cycled the rest of it.
We've not done any significant rides without the sag waggon (Chariot Cougar 2 I think it is). Hoepfully his wee brother should be off his balance bike and on the pedals as well this summer so the rides will get shorter again. They're getting to the stage where the combined weight of the two boys and two bikes is too much for the trailer ~60kg so if they both bonk then I have to carry his bike on my handlebars

The Dwaff Family

It's great watching them love it som much isn't it? My little lad only learned to ride a bike 4 weeks ago and wants to ride and ride and never stop! Will do between 8-10 miles each on Sat and Sunday and could probably quite easily do more. Just make sure you have some snack bars and drinks for longer journeys.