Originally Posted by
Inpd
Hi,
I get my Windsor Touring this Friday (if UPS is on time).
I'm eager to do some over night stays building up to some longer trips. I'd like to take my family with me on the earlier trips (I'll carry everyone's stuff) but safety is a concern.
So how do people choose their routes to factor in safety (or don't you)?
Safety hear is loosely defined to be anything that reduces the risk of getting hit. From riding on a route with wide wide shoulders to riding on a route that is not traveled much by cars.
When I do overnight rides with my kids, we stick to MUPs/Bike trails for 85% of the riding to make it safer and easier to navigate. Thats possible because the paved trail network around me is pretty extensive and gets you out into rural areas in all directions.
When we do ride on roads, I choose roads that are either side roads or low use roads. I then ride in the back and ride a couple feet left of the white line. That ensures cars have to pass us wide as I am the first they have to pass and they need to move over the most for me due to my position.
I wouldnt want to do more road riding than what we currently do, but thats because of their age and me wanting to keep the trips easy and fun to help build a lasting desire.
Just extensively map out a route and try to have plenty of stops for activities/treats. Less miles but more fun for them = more trips for you in the long run.