So my bike (taran l1s) is getting delivered next week and I cannot stop planning. My son's summer break starts soon and we both lovee being outdoors but this will be our first ever multi-day bikepacking trip together. I used to do solo trips all the time before getting married but haven't done one with my son yet so I'm excited but also a little nervous about packing for both of us (especially for him).
I'm thinking of doing the Bodensee-Radweg along the northern shore from Konstanz to Friedrichshafen. Its about 75km which I figured we could split over 3 days so roughly 25km a day. From what I've read the path is mostly flat, paved, and right along the lake with beaches and playgrounds along the way which seems perfect for a 4 year old. Planning to camp at one of the lakeside campgrounds (hoping at Klausenhorn near Konstanz for the first night) and then take the train back from Friedrichshafen since DB regional trains take bikes.
He'll be in a child seat on the rear rack. The rear rack is pretty long (667mm) and uses the mike hd mount system so even with his seat on there I think there's still a decent amount of space left. The front rack also takes a standard 300x400mm eurobox and holds around 20kg. Also has removable side bars so I can switch between fully enclosed and half-open depending on what I'm carrying.
So I think I have enough space. But I also dont wanna carry too much given my route and also wanna use the space to carry things that I will absolutely need on the trip.
Are there any accessories or storage setups that you would particularly recommend for this kind of trip? how do I actually utilise all this space to make the trip fun and comfortable for my kid? Like what do you pack for a 4 year old on a multi-day ride that you didn't think of until you were already on the road? Also how do I pack all that using the space perfectly? Where should sleeping bags and tent go? Would love some tips"
by Any_Atmosphere_8197
2 Comments
You planning a trip with your son is the cutest ting I read today and I am honestly impressed. Like thats very cool way of bonding with him (that will probably last for rest of your lives, Amen) About your question, keep heavy stuff(tent and sleeping bags) low on the rear rack because keeping it high will make handling hard. Also, use panniers for clothes and cooking gear, Will help with balancing weight on both sides .
I’d start with an overnighter in the local area.
I took my young kids bike camping and they didn’t want to sit for many hours in a row. Take the scenic route and bike past visually appealing and “cool” places and plan frequent, fun stops at like ice cream places, parks, a swimming place, eat their favorite dinner out, cook s’mores, just basically spoil them. The goal is to convince them this is fun and they will want to do this again.
Getting asked “Dad when can we take the bike camping again” should be the goal.
Do this a few times then you can do a multi-day trip that is a little less just to please them