avalonlight

Hi,

I'm planning a trip to Quebec City and see that they have many lovely-looking bike tour possibilities. My family consists of me, my husband, 13 year old daughter and 9 year old daughter. My husband and I are fit and my husband rides semi-regularly. My daughters are relatively strong and athletic (in sports, but not regular aerobic exercisers) but we have not done a whole lot with family bike rides. There is a bike tour from downtown Quebec City right to Montmorency Falls which is 13 km (8 miles) 1 way, thus 16 mile round-trip with break in-between. Is this too far, mostly for my 9 year old?

Thank you!

mel2012

That's definitely not too long, assuming she has a decent bike (i.e., not a single speed steel beast). We've done some bike camping trips and tours with our kids. Most recently, my 8-year old and 6-year old rode 13 miles out from our starting point our campground, both carrying panniers and 13 miles back the following day. My 8-year old had an added three miles each day from our house to our starting point. So it's totally doable, just expect a slower pace and plan for some snacks stops.

rumrunn6

I would think an hour of riding would be a safe guess. what it the longest amount of time your 9 yr old has ever spent on any single bike ride?

kingston 

Depends on the kid.

I did RAGBRAI including the century day when I was 8.

My teenagers won't ride their bikes to school 2 miles away.

bjjoondo 

We see a lot of even younger kids on some of the local bicycling events here in Colorado Springs, most of them are a round trip of 14 to 16 miles for the "Family" rides so I think you'd be fine, just don't be in a hurry, let the SLOWEST rider set the pace, jmho, ymmv.

Whodat?

I completed a 7 Day self supported tour with my parents from Kendallville IN to Erie PA when I was 10. You aren't talking that far. My kids are 9 and 10, small for their age and completed a 30 mile ride last weekend with no problem.