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Families Who Ride: The Joys & Benefits of Biking Together

Jun 5, 2024 | 9:07 AM

With all the benefits that cycling offers an individual, bike riding as a family offers even more. For families looking for fun ways to spend time together outdoors, the Vernon area has plenty of places to pedal.

“We have a great cycling culture,” said Nick Brush of Olympia Cycle and Ski. “There’s the Rail Trail, Ellison Provincial Park, the city’s also putting in a new bike park and paved pump track at Becker Park. All our provincial parks have lots of family friendly mountain biking trails as well. There are also some great kids’ bike programs offered as well, which is nice.”

While there is a learning curve to riding a bike, Brush said most children take to it quickly. “A lot of kids really love getting into biking because they’re learning something new,” he stated. “Kids get really excited because they see themselves getting better at biking really quickly, which is always cool.”

Sprockids

How rapidly children can build their biking skills is something Brush witnesses every spring.

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Sprockids is Olympia Cycle and Ski’s mountain biking program for children ages 6 to 12. Over eight weeks beginning in April, the Olympia team meets with kids once a week to develop their skills. With the help of volunteers, Sprockids’ leaders take the kids riding on local trails. Several groups are created based on riding ability, so that participants ride with kids of similar skill levels.

The program is hugely popular. With capacity for 120 kids, this year it was full within hours.

Not too big and not too small  

Whether it’s a first-time rider or an adult who hasn’t cycled in several years, getting the right bike that fits properly makes the experience more enjoyable and affordable.

Olympia’s staff are trained in fitting kids’ bikes, with the goal of finding the right size that will be safe and fit the child for longer. Brush explained that their aim is to get a child onto an affordable bike that doesn’t need to be replaced every year.

“We figure out what your budget is, and what type of biking you plan to do,” said Brush. Customers can try out different bikes and take them for test rides in the parking lot. Staff show them the basics like how to change the gears and to brake, and make sure the bike’s safe and ready to go. Olympia also encourages customers to bring their bike back in after about a month for a free tune up to ensure everything is still operating smoothly.

Creating memories

Biking as a family is an opportunity to explore an area together in a new and exciting way. From easy rides around your neighbourhood to hitting the trails on an adventure, biking offers a chance to bond over a shared activity without screens or other distractions. Heading out camping? Take the bikes, and you’re sure to discover the campsite in a different way. As Brush put it, “It’s nature at its best.”

Your neighbourhood bike shop  

With a team that’s passionate about biking, Olympia is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to get into cycling. The staff also have extensive knowledge of local riding areas. Stop by for suggestions on what areas will fit your family’s riding ability and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Olympia Cycle and Ski

2211 48th Avenue, Vernon

cycleandski.com

Tip: Sprockids registration takes place in February. Follow Olympia Cycle on Facebook for notices on next year’s registration day.