School holidays are almost here! With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting travel options this year, we've got 5 ideas to entertain your kids with a bike.
1. Go For a Ride
Bike riding can be a great way to get some fresh air and help the kids expel some energy. With many communities struggling right now, we recommend supporting the area you're riding in. Whether it's stopping by for a coffee, a meal or making an overnight trip or a holiday - every little bit helps.
COVID-19 Update: Groups of 20 are now allowed for non-contact training activities (i.e. bike riding!) in NSW under the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. It is essential people still maintain 1.5m physical distancing (with people not of the same household) and are practicing good hygiene measures. In essence, riding with your family is ok!
Ride Idea 1 - Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail
In case you missed the news, NSW opened a new Rail Trail in April! Unfortunately, this also coincided with the start of COVID-19 restrictions and many people have yet to experience its scenic beauty and history.
Built through the abandoned rail corridor, the 21km rail trail offers scenic views over gentle gradients and sweeping curves between the towns of Tumbarumba and Rosewood. It’s the perfect off road experience for families, novice riders or those who prefer their rides traffic free.
You can even enjoy some local history through the historical display of the two heritage listed buildings, the Wolter Cottages, at the Tumbarumba trail head.
With plenty of shops and experiences to discover in the local area, you should plan a (long) weekend trip for this one.
Ride Idea 2 - Coffs Harbour Eastern Circuit
This is classic Coffs Harbour. Enjoy the beach, marina, jetty, parks and playgrounds whilst riding through the the picturesque path over Beacon Hill and pocket of littoral rainforest. Much of this route uses shared path or bike lane commuter options.
Distance: 9km
Total elevation: 70m
Elevation profile: Flat
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Medium – on residential streets and shared pathways
Difficulty: Easy
Ride Idea 3 - Explore Dubbo and The Zoo!
Explore Dubbo along an easy loop around town called the “Tracker Riley Cycleway”. This cycleway, which is suitable for all abilities and ages, is named after the region’s first Aboriginal tracker who reached the rank of Sergeant. See historical buildings along the way, including the Dundullimal Homestead, before venturing out to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
As a major regional centre in NSW there is always something to do in Dubbo.
Distance: 14km
Total elevation: 122m
Elevation profile: Flat – few small inclines along the route
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Light - on residential streets and shared pathways
Difficulty: Easy
Ride Idea 4 - Burramoko Ridge track in the Blue Mountains
This picturesque mountain bike trail meanders through heathland and open forest before opening up to a dramatic rocky bluff - hanging rock. When you get to the turning circle leave your bike to walk up the short, bush track to the unfenced Baltzer lookout.
Distance: 10km return
Time suggested: 2hrs
Grade: Medium
Ride Idea 5 - Lake Albert Loop in Wagga Wagga
This is a family friendly, practically flat ride around beautiful Lake Albert and the surrounding area. Most of the ride follows cycle and shared paths.
Distance: 14.1 km
Total elevation: 115 m
Elevation profile: Flat
Surface: Sealed
Traffic: Light - on shared pathways
Difficulty: Easy
Ride Idea 6 - Kids Learn to Ride Park
McDonald Park, Albion Park Rail just got bigger & better!
Thanks to a $250K funding from the NSW Governments Stronger Country Communities Fund, a ninja park, pump track & learn to ride course is now finished.
Budding ninja warriors & bike riders will be able to get active & enjoy this new facility this holiday season!
More Ride Ideas?
We have mapped over 300 rides across NSW! There are rides for all types of bikes and skill level.
2. Scavenger Hunt
When out exploring on your bike, why not make it an adventure? Scavenger hunts are great way to teach kids to be aware of their surroundings when riding - you'll be teaching them a lifelong skill.
3. Basic Bike Skills
With some extra time up your sleeves, it could be the perfect time to teach your children (and maybe yourself) some simple bike checks and maintenance. Before every ride we encourage all riders to do a simple ABCDS check That’s:
A - Air
B - Brakes
C - Chain
D - Drop
S - Saddle
4. Bike Clean
A little bit of dirt doesn’t hurt your bike, a clean doesn’t hurt it either!
A good wash of the frame and some cleaning of the mechanical parts of your bike, and it will look like new.
5. Bike Games
Bikes are versatile and can be used for games and imaginative play. Why not set up an obstacle course so your children can challenge each other (and you) to see who has the best bike skills? A few spare shoes or toys can be repurposed for a slalom course. You can increase the challenge by having riders cycle whilst carrying a toy or full cup of water that they can’t drop if they want to win.
If you have access to trails and more challenging terrain, the full cup of water challenge is a great skill challenge game that (low key) encourages children to ride with greater care.
