First Bike Ride

TheUKProphet
TheUKProphet Posts: 11
Hi guys,
Me and my son are going out for our first bike ride on the weekend, he's been asking to do it for a while but I haven't had a bike until now.
He is 7 and confident on his bike and spends hours riding on the street with his friends but we have never been for a proper ride anywhere.

I was just wondering if any of you had some useful hints or tips?
Should he ride on the road or the pavement, in front or behind me etc

Cheers

Comments

  • Phil_D
    Phil_D Posts: 467
    To either of you, what bike are/were they on?
  • Cheers for the advice.
    I suppose I'm just a little nervous about taking him out on the road for the first time, having to think about traffic, junctions, potholes etc, looking forward to it though.
  • mrfpb
    mrfpb Posts: 4,569
    Only go on a route you are confident on and that you feel your son will be confident on. Sounds obvious, but I think it's worth stating the obvious sometimes.I spend quite a lot of my time on rides wondering "can I bring my 7 yr old down here?" My rule for the child is " you must always do exactly what I say," and when I'm confident they will do this locally then we go further afield.

    Take a look at the Night Rides thread and the cold weather thread for further advice if you haven't already. I sometimes do a bit of geo-caching or wildlife watching to break up the journey, whatever the child(ren) I'm with is/are into.
  • Mad_Malx
    Mad_Malx Posts: 5,174
    Make sure it's fun - lots of goodies for stops.
    I always found long rides were no problem as long as there was a cafe or pub lunch, preferably about 2/3 way round - Mrs MM and I are usually skinflints, so these are regarded as special treats.