Quote Originally Posted by HappyTexasMom View Post
Wow! I went for a ride with my older son (8) a couple of days ago. He was painstakingly slow (mainly just because of the size differential). We went a couple of miles and he wanted to go further, but it was getting dark. I've promised him I'll take him again this weekend. It was wonderful together time and I enjoyed it immensely, but it wasn't "riding" for me. I do know that that will come with time/growth/experience.
My 8 year old has pretty much doubled his speed in two months. We only go out once or twice a week and keep the rides short (no more than about 3 miles) but it's nice to get out and feel like we're doing something "together" - I normally go on for another 7-10 miles after I drop him back off at the house.

I know that part of his problem is not understanding how to use gears effectively, so we've been working on that - he seems to want to keep it in the higher gears and pedal harder than he has to, he doesn't understand that it's easier to pedal faster with less resistance, and he won't get as tired so fast. As his confidence grows, so does his speed, and I think we can start going on some longer rides soon.

Also, part of the frustration is that my 8yo is still too small for a 24" bike... and the options for 20" bikes with gears are very limited - all you can find are MTB's (and not exactly great ones at that). Even the selection of 24" bikes leaves a lot to be desired, but there are "some" decent options out there if you're willing to pay.

If "we" stick with this, in a couple of years when he's big enough for 24" bike we may look more seriously into small road bikes (like the Felt F24, or Fui Ace, but probably used).

But yeah, I agree, include the family.. I'm still trying to get my DH out to ride with me. Part of the problem there is the kids, and not wanting to take them out in the trailer on the road... and we currently don't have any good way to transport everyone + gear to the nearest bike path.