I have two under 12 cyclists (my kids) I'd like to take on a tour. I'd carry the gear and leave them just to ride. They have been riding for years and 30-40 miles is fairly easy for them so they won't hold me back.

Am I crazy?

Anyone else tried it? Results?

Is it too dangerous on the roads or is it just a silly idea. I'm thinking of a 3 day tour on a decent rail to trail to begin with to mitigate the dangerous road issue, but later I'd like to do a proper tour.

Not at all. You know your kids and are the best judge of their maturity.

This can be an excellent bonding experience that none of you sill ever forget.

Also, while friends may argue that they're too young, beep in mind that the blackout years, when teens won't want to be seen with dad, aren't too far off

Did this with our kids (daughters, 6 & 11) two summers in a row. Had a great time. Had no problem riding 50+ miles/day (our little one on a follow-me tandem).

Having a kids-friendly destination may be good to motivate them (a theme park, a beach, etc.). Marshmallows on the camp fire are another source of enjoyment

I also say go for it. When our kids were younger we toured alot with tandems, only graduating to there own bikes at I believe 14 or o. But if yours are comfortable/capable of cycling on their own bike why not. It sounds like you are being reasonable cautious for you first trip picking something off road (though I would hazard that even someplace with very light traffic would be a good start). I think the biggest thing is to make sure its fun for your children - lots of stops at interesting places, which includes water where kids love to throw rocks. Have fun.

Thanks for the tips.

GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) is an excellent choice with kids. Beautiful scenery, rail to trail, easy camping, lots to see and do. You can easily extend on the C&O tow path towards DC. Wife and I road the GAP and C&O w/ 3, 5, 10, and 12 year olds, more or less self contained. 3 year old on recumbent tagalong and 5 year old on trailabike tagalong. Both outfitted with 2 panniers. 10 and 12 year olds rode own bikes w/ front and rear racks. 3 matching back packing tents, sleeping bags, water, food, etc.

Very nice first tour w/ kids.
Highly recommended.

https://www.gaptrail.org/

Katy Trail. Do they have something similar in Lyon?

Mixture of paths, roads and highways. Once in Europe largely along Eurovelo 6, from Nantes to Berlin. Once in North America, a loop going through Maine and the Maritimes.

I don't recall any safety-related issue.

Having been many places such as pubs and museums/historical places designed for adult enjoyment where kids were sitting around with a rather bored look on their face, and having been a kid on an adult-oriented vacation where I sat around bored, the only thing I can add is make sure you are adding in stops for them that they will enjoy, and moving at a pace they are comfortable with (although that last part doesn't sound like that is an issue). The trip should be about them, not about what you want to do.

I do a couple 2 day rides with my kids each year. They are currently 10 and 6. The 6yo comes when my wife also goes since we become a rolling caravan with one adult pulling our youngest in a Weehoo and the other adult pulling a converted trailer with gear.

Havent done longer because of my and the family schedule. I mention this because it isnt due to inability, but rather due to not being a priority.

My oldest and I just did a 75mi ride last month and she carried some of the gear. I slapped a rack on her bike and filled up some extra panniers with light bulky gear. If you have kids that can knock out 40mi per day without a second thought, then have em carry a bit of gear. No reason to suffer with everyone’s stuff on your bike.
Ours was a mix of roads and trail, probably 30/70% mix, respectively.

As already mentioned- keep it fun. In the past we have- brought collapsible fishing poles for ponds, gone swimming at the overnight town’s community pool, stopped for ice cream, stopped at multiple parks/playgrounds, etc to keep the trip fun. Mine are motivated by what is coming up so if there is nothing coming up…they drag.
Something Ive learned too- music and speed help the miles roll by. I got a small($15) Bluetooth speaker for her handlebars and put my gps computer on her bike so she can see our current pace. The combo of music and speed has really helped us go further and/or faster which means more fun off the bike activities. The only downside is listening to “Handclap” on repeat…for 50 times.


Check out these websites for some inspiration.
Family on Bikes
New adventures await for the Pedouins!

We've done 2 trips with our kids of around 500kms each. Kids love it and it was a blast. Before kids we cycle toured a lot but felt the youngest would have to be at least 3 before we started. We plan to do Malaysia this winter, which will be a 1,800 km trip. The Malaysia set up will be like the last photo. Our kids both race bmx and are pretty strong riders for their age. Do it, best vacations ever are those on a bike!!!

A three day trip is perfectly manageable; go for it! Here's my report on the trip I took a few years back with my then 10 and 5 year old. I'll echo much of what has already been mentioned; keep it fun, with plenty of stops. https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...c_id=7203&v=Ci

Take your car and do a hub and spoke tour. Dirt roads, bike paths what ever is of interest. Go somewhere and set up camp. travel for the day by bike and then return. Easier pedaling with no gear and camp is already set up. Repeat as needed. Just one option.