Western Montana Lodge offers natural exploration vacation

Include Mountain Biking In Your Family Adventure Vacation

Are you looking for someplace to 'hit' the trails without a crowd? Do you want a real backcountry experience?

Whether you're planning to hit the trail alone or as a family, you'll find many opportunities to get off the beaten path in Montana. This adventure vacation consider showing the family the fun and adventure of mountain biking. Here's a few tips to make it even more enjoyable.

Kids make great cycling companions because they're adaptable. In addition, getting your children interested in cycling early (many children are ready for short jaunts on their own bikes on the mountain trails by 4 or 5 years old). One of my fondest memories is of my oldest (now nearly 22) at about 5 years old. He had a little tiny bike (just his size), but he led the pack up and down those mountain trails for miles. I can still see him peddling with great determination (and great joy) down the trail, hollering back at all of us 'grown ups' and the older kids (who, by the way, were complaining of being tired as they drug along behind) to hurry up! Here are a few tips to make your family biking excursion more fun.

Plan carefully. Examine your route. Know where you're going and estimate how long it will take. If your children get tired, it will damper their enthusiasm. (Although, remember my son. Some children thrive on the challenge and the thrill of the unknown, just around the next corner.) Be adaptable - they may surprise you!
Start early. Take advantage of your child's fresh morning energy and avoid the heat of the day.
Take regular breaks. On the bike ride I mentioned (oh, and by the way, we had at least one more child in a bike seat behind us), we stopped at several little lakes along the way for snacks and quick dips to cool down.
Bring plenty of water. Make sure you offer it frequently to both those riding their own bikes, and those riding along behind you on your bike.
Bring plenty of snacks. The 'hungries' has a way of turning on the 'crankies.' Short circuit the whole scenario with several regularly planned snack breaks.
Carry a tool kit - and know how to use it.
Carry a first aid kit. Typically you will only need bandaids, antiseptic, simple pain relievers, and encouraging words.
Make it fun. Stop if they want to look at something. Point out interesting looking rocks. Throw pebbles in the ponds. Take pictures of the scenery. Make an entry in your journal (see hiking above). The more of an adventure you make this, the better your children will enjoy it (and the more memories they will take back home).
Choose relatively flat routes. While your children are still riding their kiddy bikes, look for routes which require little elevation change.

Remember, the point is to have fun - not reach a destination or attain a goal. Biking is great physical exercise. It allows you to cover more ground than hiking, and it teaches your children balance while helping them stay fit. Finally, a word about safety. Riding in the mountains (on the uneven dirt roads and trails) increases your chance for spills - although, typically, you are not going as fast as you would on a street or bike path nor do you have to deal with traffic, thus your chances of getting seriously hurt are greatly reduced. However, comfortable clothing which protects knees and elbows, and a properly fitting helmet to protect your (and your child's) head should always be worn.

Ready to book your adventure vacation?

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5200 Elk Lake Road, Lima, MT 59739
Just 1 Hour From West Yellowstone, Montana
phone: (406) 276-3282 - ♥ - fax: (406) 276-3399
email: Reservations@elklakeresortmontana.com