today I went 7.5 miles, but my husband and 4 year old came along again. I pulled the trailer and my husband insisted on riding the walmart bike. It threw the chain once and he had some gear trouble, but he insists it's just fine. The limestone trail is mostly flat, but after 3 miles or so it deteriorates into mountain bike territory and we had to turn around- fine for the bikes but not wide enough for the trailer. At one point we ended up down a steep rocky slope- loose rocks about 3" diameter. I actually was able to come back up it with the trailer, even with rocks slipping out from under the tires the whole way. My son gets impatient riding in the trailer after about this distance, so that's his limit. I wanted to ride longer, but he'd had enough. I think my husband would ride as long as I wanted.
I enjoy having them along, but since I'm used to riding by myself it sort of cramps my style- I can't go where or as long as I'd like, and the weekend is the only time I have to ride any distance at all. Andy will be better once he's tall enough to ride the trail a bike I got off craig's list (his legs aren't quite long enough, it's a gary fischer freeloader), then we can go longer.
I'd like my husband to get a better bike, but he seems perfectly content with the mongoose he's got. I found a trek 7100 on craig's list today, not far from here- with rear rack and bag, and computer, for $75. 20" frame, he'd have to try it to see if that's too tall, but what a deal. He had no interest in it though.
vickie