This post is sponsored by Backcountry.
This past weekend, our family discovered we’ve been missing out big time on something we love–bike riding. It’s not that we haven’t gone bike riding before, but with three growing kids and a hodgepodge garage of their outdoor gear, we never had all the right gear at the right time. Some helmets fit, some didn’t, some bikes were too big, some too small, and Nella had long outgrown our bike trailer meant for babies. So one person would go bike riding–usually me, after the kids went to school now and then, pedaling along our neighborhood sidewalks, inhaling fresh air and giving my legs a break from running.
We upped the biking ante though and straightened out our gear situation with Backcountry last week, checking off all the necessary equipment (helmets that fit–check!, the most perfect bike trailer–check!), allowing us to turn biking into a family activity rather than a single sport. Backcountry is dedicated to helping people pursue adventures outside, and they have everything you need to do it from major gear (skiing, camping, kayaking, biking–ALL the activities!) to packs and apparel.
As fate would have it, when we were ready for our first family biking adventure, Florida’s first cold front of the season came sweeping in, and it was fall perfection.
We trailed as a family along neighborhood streets, stopping at the lake for snacks (don’t worry–no gators), pointing out front doors we loved on houses we passed, and agreeing to bike further than we intended because everyone was so happy.
(These Bern bike helmets! The kids love them–snug, comfortable and cute. I love all the styles and colors available.)
Lainey now wants to know if we can do this every weekend. Watching her lead the trail in front of me–her pig tails swishing side to side as she pedaled–brought back my own memories of biking with my family when I was her age, through Michigan state parks. It was one thing we could all do together, and I don’t know why it took us so long to make it a family activity now.
Brett’s Backcountry button-up, Lainey’s Patagonia shirt
The real game changer is our new bike trailer–easy to pull (only one wheel), and so fun for the kids with its open design.
Nella isn’t ready (or willing–ha) to ride on her own yet, so it’s perfect for her; but all the kids took turns taking single rides in it, and I might as well have taken them to Disney.
Nella’s North Face tee
Later, I took the girls for a long bike ride–6 miles total–to shop and eat lunch as we can bike to a major shopping area without crossing any major intersections. It’s the first time we’ve been able to do this together, and we’re already talking about how next week, we’ll do breakfast, and the week after maybe lunch again–etc., etc., etc. because: Hello, we are now a legit biking family! In fact, I’d like to be referred to as The Biking Family, thank you.
I talk a lot this time of year about huddling indoors and getting cozy, but we are so fortunate to live in a place that makes outdoor adventures so easy, especially this time of year when the weather heads toward its Florida sweet spot, the perfect invitation to get out there and make some memories together.
It felt special doing that this past weekend, and to think some basic gear held us back all this time.
This Fjallraven backpack held everything we needed including my camera, an extra lens and a water bottle (side pocket) for the trip–not to mention the color of dreams…yellow!
Of course, the minute the kids came home from school on Monday, they ran to the garage for their bike helmets, chanting “BIKE RIDE! BIKE RIDE!”
Smith sunglasses, butter-soft pink Alo Yoga pullover.
Working with Backcountry has been such a fun fall partnership for us because it really has ignited in us a desire to get outside and make adventures together–explore our surroundings, try new activities, push ourselves beyond our normal routines. We hiked through Koreshan Park last month, enjoyed a sunset picnic on the beach, and now we’ve rekindled our love of adventuring on wheels. Backcountry’s commitment to helping people make these adventures is evident not only through their products but through their support. They have experts in every activity–former Olympians, athletes and guides with loads of expertise and knowledge–available 24/7 through e-mail, chat and phone to help you find exactly what you need for your next adventure. Plus, a huge selling point for our family–free 2-day shipping on all orders over $50. Even if you’re not looking for major gear, Backcountry has all your favorite brands of stylish apparel and shoes.
…as modeled by our little family huddle.
The girls chose sparkly Vans, I love my Adidas, and Dash’s See Kai Run sneakers slip on in two seconds without a “shoe ordeal meltdown.” I repeat…easy shoes for frustrated 5-year-olds.
Our helmets are hanging in a colorful line-up in the garage now, inviting us to more adventures to which we will enthusiastically answer “Yes!”
Need a few things to get your family adventure ready? Use Code ETST15 for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com!
Maria says
4 days & no Halloween party post. UGH!!
Kelle says
Ha! That’s the one party that I am so busy running and leading that I don’t get very many pictures. Same thing happened last year. Which is fine because we have so much fun, but next year I’ll have to appoint someone else to take them.
Marilee says
Where are your leggings from? Your while outfit is so cute and put together for a fun outing!
Kelle says
I have to check the brand–they’re yoga leggings I’ve had for a while.
Ginny says
Kelle, either your helmet is too small or you don’t have the strap tightened up properly! Your forehead should be covered like your children’s! Take the same safety precautions for yourself as you do for your children. You will have serious head injury if you actually were in an accident.
Kelle says
It was ordered for the exact measurement of my head, so it’s not too small.
C. says
Love this so much. I love my bike weather. Stuck up here in Michigan, ( so wish we could move to a warmer climate as after raising our family here—- our 3 are elsewhere)….. pups n I are ready to move on. You are so so fortunate to be in Florida. Love the blog.
LINDA says
Riding a bike independently is a huge milestone that many of our kids with disabilities that include motor skill and low tone issues may not reach but this camp can help them try.
https://icanshine.org/
Hoping to have my 10 year old attend next April. She got wait listed last year.
Amy says
I wish I knew about that bike trailer when my big kids were little. I had one of those covered trailers that zipped up and had two wheels and OMG it was such a struggle to pull. Even putting my third in there as a baby was tough! I may be just a wimp, though, lol.
Samantha says
Hi Kelle! If you don’t mind me asking how tall Nella is?? I’d like to get this for my special needs daughter but want to make sure she isn’t too big for it!! Thank you so much for sharing I’ve been looking for something like this!
Kelle says
She’s 8