Bike Trailer
Description: You don’t just trade in the racing green MG-F for a beige Volvo estate when you become a dad. Oh, no. Even your new mountain bike is no longer safe from the ever-pervasive effect of having children. Just as you’d got your 10km sprint down do an admirable time, you arrive home to find that you’ve got a bike trailer. What can you do? Well, the simple answer is to attach the trailer to the rear of your bike and get pedalling while your toddler rides along in state like Lady Muck.
Pros: It’s singing the praises of the great outdoors again, but this time with a real healthy lifestyle option thrown in for you too. The bike trailer actually allows some dads more of an opportunity to ride their bike than they had before. If you are someone who promises themselves on the Monday that you will go for a quick ride on the Saturday, then chances are by the time the weekend comes you’ll be too knackered or preoccupied with the Grand Prix qualifiers to get round to it. If, however, you or your partner have mentioned to your toddler that you are going for a ride on Saturday, and that they are going too, well, then there’s absolutely no way of getting out of it. And don’t think a bit of British rain is going to give you a last-minute reprise. No way, pal. The trailers are fully covered and waterproof. You’re going for that cycle ride, my friend, and you’re the only one who’s going to get wet!
Jokes aside, it is marvellous to include the little one in as many activities as you can. You get fit and they have fun. That’s killing two birds with one stone, that is. There are some particularly groovy models that come with a detachable third wheel and a handle which means the bike trailer doubles as a pushchair – perfect if you are in training for a biathlon.
Cons: Prices for trailers will vary depending on the manufacturer and it can all get quite pricey. However, if cycling is something you do often, or want to start doing often, then things like bike helmets will be a necessity along with the florescent jackets, pump, waterproofs and the all important triangular orange flag.
What’s it all about? Kids love travelling on a bike trailer and you will love it too. If you are concerned about how busy the roads are nowadays then pack the whole lot up in the car and drive to a park or a coastal promenade. It’s easy to snigger at bike trailers, but you’re just making excuses. Get out there and give it a go and then decide.
Bloke’s Rating: Good clean fun.
