Advice needed about cycling with young children

[Aquila]

That's one of the coolest bike set ups I've ever seen! Did you design the upper pedal thing yourself, or can you get those?

[maillotpois]

That's one of the coolest bike set ups I've ever seen! Did you design the upper pedal thing yourself, or can you get those?

That's called a "kidback" or "child stoker kit". They're available several places. We got ours here:
http://www.precisiontandems.com/artkidbackinstall.htm

Sheldon Brown wrote a lot about cycling with kids:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tandkids.html

As Geonz said, we've put a lot of miles on our bike with the PP. I don't have much to add, though, coming to the party late (we still don't have power or internet access). I will say the PP is definitely a fair weather rider - too cold or hot or rainy and it's no fun. It' all about being fun.

[singletrackmind]

Yep, what Maillotpois said, child stoker kit. Mine's from Chuck's bikes, not as nice as some of them, but it fit our budget much better and does the job. I got the shortest crank arms they had with his scrawny little legs being so short and all.

Today we went for a ride, 70 degrees and 15+ mph wind. We started out with bike shorts and jersey, biking gloves, fleece sweatpants, long-sleeve shirt, and light jacket. About 8 miles in he was cold and wanted his winter coat on top of everything else. That kept him comfortable for the last 18 miles.
I almost didn't bring the coat but knowing him I tied it onto the camelback. Glad I did.


Nancy, your kids are the coolest. And here I'm hoping to work up to RAGBRAI in the next few years! Have to say, I'm in awe!

[nancy sv]

Thanks Single!! My boys LOVED being on the road!! We were just talking about our upcoming journey and they can't wait to get back out. There's just something about the freedom of hte road that calls all four of us....