Answers/

Beginner Cycling

Sam S.
Sam S. Sendmail

Any tips on pulling 2 toddlers in a baby buggy while biking?

asked over 2 years ago | Report

I'm new to biking. In the past, biking just got me to class or around a campground for fun. I never did it for the exercise. Now that I'm older, I'm looking at biking for physical fitness. My situation requires me to pull my two kids along each time I bike. I pull a 2 wheeled buggy along with the two of them strapped in. They really enjoy the ride, but add over 50 lbs to my pedaling. The buggy is also a bit cumbersome on breezy days.

Any tips on how I should be pacing myself or calculating calories with the two of them back there? I'm just starting out and all of this is brand new to me, so I'd appreciate any tips you have.

Also, I'm using a 1997 GT Karakoram mountain bike to cycle through the back city streets in my small town. I can't afford new tires (let alone a new bike) at this point.

Answer

3 answers

scroll to bottom
  • Kris R.PRO
    Kris R. Sendmail

    Sam, just take it easy and don't stress yourself over this one. You've pretty much got the best set up you can get - a mountain bike with low gearing is one of two bikes I would have thought best to do this (the only thing better is possibly a touring bike).

    Pacing yourself: Don't burn yourself out on the hills - take it easy, take it slow, the speed will come with time. Like you said, you're towing over 50 lbs behind you, adjust your speed and expectations accordingly. If it helps, when I was towing ~75 lbs of gear on my (most likely faster than your mountain bike) touring bike, I was averaging 12 mph. The very fact that you're towing 50 lbs of stuff will get you fit, no matter what speed you're doing.
    Calculating calories: The only effective way to do this is with a heart rate monitor. Given your indicator for lack of financial backing, I wouldn't bother with counting calories on it.
    Tips: If you're sweating, if your heart rate is going up, if you feel tired after doing this, then you're doing everything right. Get used to it, and if you spot anyone else towing kids along in a trailer, ask them if they use a heart rate monitor and if so, how it compares to a normal ride for them.

    answered over 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Scott G.
    Scott G. Sendmail

    (This is a really old thread...but i thought i would chime in anyways) I used to pull my twins around before they got too big. They loved their "car bike".

    Here are my tips:
    1. Helmets for the kids. Even though many of the trailer bikes have "roll cages" helmets are a very good thing.
    2. Use exceptional amounts of caution around the posts that keep cars off of trails and curb cuts. (Don't ask me how i know... but Tip #1 is at the top for a reason.)
    3. Keep some snacks and toys hidden for latter in the ride when they get fussy
    4. Figure out their ride tolerance. Mine could go for about an hour before they stopped enjoying the rides.
    5. If possible ride with someone the kids know so that they can interact with someone other than your rear.
    6. Remember that this should be fun (and try to stop before it becomes unfun for everyone)

    answered about 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Andy L.
    Andy L. Sendmail

    I still tow my twins, and they are pushing 3½ now. Here's what add. If you want to worry about calculating calories, just use a heart rate monitor. That's the simplest way. If you can't afford one, there are various websites out there for you to help calculate your calories burned -- I would recommend using your weight plus your kids' weight combined.

    Other pointers -- make sure you ride somewhere safe with little/no traffic. Green ways and rail trails are good if you have some nearby. Otherwise, be *very* cautious in traffic. Scott G. had great points to make too, especially including snacks/toys. It also helps to have a fun destination. In my case, we ride on the silver comet trail here in Georgia, and there were several parks along the way with playgrounds. We pack a meal and bike down to a midpoint, play on the playground, have lunch or dinner, and bike back.

    If you can muster the cash, get some slick tires for your MTB. That will make the ride most enjoyable considering your extra 50lbs!

    answered about 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down

Similar Questions in Cycling - Beginner Cycling