Bike to Work

As soon as the cold and gray days of winter recede into their northern refuge, Canadians feel the urge to get outside. For many of us this means going camping. The average camping trip begins with the Herculean task of packing and loading up the van, SUV, trailer or 5th wheel with as many households goods as our vehicles can possibly hold and driving to our favourite piece of paradise. But imagine undertaking this great seasonal migration on bicycles. More than that, imagine yourself bringing your kids along.

This is exactly what two adventurous Campbell River families did last June. Cheryl and Paul Chatterton, with their children Anna and Gavin, aged 4 and 2, and Jennifer and Jerry Loeb, along with Gideon, Hannah, and Daniel, aged 6,4, and 2 biked to Quadra Island’s Rebecca Spit and camped there for two nights. Why do such a crazy thing? According to Cheryl it’s a matter of asking, "What can we do that’s an adventure with the family - within the kid’s sense of ability. It’s the satisfaction of doing it on your own steam." To that her husband Paul adds, "You see more by bike. You’re more aware of your surroundings; you hear things, you feel things more." If those are not convincing enough reasons to vacation by bike, Jen has another one that might resonate with parents who spend just as much time packing for a camping trip as sitting by the lake, "You take way less stuff."

(Photo: Cheryl Chatterton, Gavin Chatterton, Paul Chatterton, Gideon Loeb, Anna Chatterton, Jennifer Loeb, Hannah Loeb, Jerry Loeb, Daniel Loeb)

This expedition involved 8 bikes, 2 bike trailers, and one trail-a-bike. In addition, the families brought tents, sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, a few clothes, a single burner stove, and a small cooler for the perishables. Instead of a trunk full of toys, the kids were allowed to bring two little toys each as well as some books; soft covers only - you’ve got to reduce the weight somehow.

The fun began well before the families arrived at their destination. Gideon, pedalled all the way to Rebecca Spit. In fact, he set the pace. This was great as it allowed all the panting adult workhorses to go at a manageable pace. The other kids sang and chatted along the way, while Hannah helped her mom by pedalling ferociously on the trail-a-bike. "The key to travelling any long distance is to break it up into little bits." says Paul. Stopping for a pizza at Quathiaski Cove set the relaxed tone for the entire journey. Jerry sums it up best, "It has to be a positive experience. If they (the kids) don’t enjoy it they won’t wanna do it again."

So how can a family ensure that a cycle vacation stays enjoyable. "It’s more fun with friends. The kids entertain themselves, and we can entertain ourselves." says Jen. Also, if you’re thinking about doing this - start locally. Bike to Quinsam campground, explore Denman Island, or venture out to Miracle Beach for a night. Stay at B&Bs and that way you can shave weight off your load. Practice by going on day trips. Go at the kids’ pace, and take frequent breaks. Be flexible. If the weather forecast calls for rain, go next weekend. And above all else, maintain a sense of humour. Jerry tells a story about a friend who also went camping by bike with his family. While pulling a loaded trailer, three quarters up a hill, his head down, sweating, his pedals barely turning, someone passes him WALKING, and said ‘Hey, how’s it going.’ You’ve just got to laugh, and know that you and your kids are having a heck of an adventure.