E-Biking the Coromandel Peninsula – goRide Community Sharing

E-Biking the Coromandel Peninsula – goRide Community Sharing

E-Biking the Coromandel Peninsula with a Gear Trailer Attached

goRide Community Sharing – Read this story from a 73 year old lady who loved her multi-day e-biking holiday on the Coromandel Penisula. Read about her experience and discover whether this could be an option for you.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

Have you ridden a trail that you could share?  Your story could support others to ride. Simply hit the goRide Sharing button above and complete the questions.

We are collecting and sharing experiences of riding so you can see what others have done. This will give you some confidence and understanding of whether you may be capable of doing the same type of ride. 

E-Biking on the Roads of the Coromandel Peninsula

Details & Date of Ride

In December 2021, over 13 days and covering around 300km over the ride, we E-Biked the Coromandel Peninsula. We travelled approximately 40kms/day on our E-Bikes. We biked the main road from Waihi around the Coromandel Peninsula (Whangamata, Tairua, Whitianga, Whangapoua, Coromandel, Thames) and returned to Waihi. During the ride we had a rest day, plus a day to explore. Our E-bikes had to recharge some days as its hilly so battery use is more!

Bikes and Carrying Gear

We travelled on E-Bikes and towed a gear trailer for some of our stuff, it was excellent to pull behind the E Bikes.

My biking experience and capabilities

I have been riding regularly for about 30+ years.
I’m comfortable riding tracks up to level 3, but choose to stay on easier tracks and roads where possible these days!

Your Experience of the Ride 

It was exciting and very challenging for me. I loved the freedom scenery and bird life. The people we met. Wonderful accomodation, glamping included at Whangapoua, my favourite place.
Loved it, but we had some long days due to recharging batteries, or stopping to explore and chat to people. I felt it was one of our best holidays. The weather was mixed, a storm passed through so we had to stay longer at Whitianga, overall though it was pleasant cycling weather.

Further Comments

I don’t know how that ride would be now after the floods. Don’t be put off by the road traffic, we had good lights, and a flag on the small trailer. We made way for all traffic to pass, especially on narrow roads.

What are the successful Visibility solutions for you?  Your success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Join a goRide group to grow, improve & inspire your riding

Be supported to Ride as a Family, Progress Your Riding and/or receive Seasonal Inspiration. So you can SMILE when you ride.

All new members are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.

goRide supporting you to SMILE when you ride

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. 

All entries are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.

Riding a Bike with Young Twins

Riding a Bike with Young Twins

To ride a bike with twins or siblings who are close in age is a great way to travel as a family.  You just need to understand what will work for this type of riding.   

Helping you to get the right kids bike seat or trailer for your family.

tow rope

Family riding is great fun and can be started when your child is approximately 1 year old.  All the options for riding with a one year old are great ones – front seats, rear seats or bike trailers.  They have been designed with very young children in mind so have amazing harness systems and great seating support. 

What you need to know…

Riding a bike with more than one child will change the experience you have.  If you need to add the weight of twins or young siblings there are some things to be aware of

  • the added weight will change how your bike feels and handles. The balance of your bike will be different.  To be safe & comfortable riding with this weight you will need to practice in a quiet location away from traffic and other riders
  • you will need to commit to a more frequent bike service and maintenance.  For example your brake pads will wear out faster so will need to be replaced more often
  • be prepared to ride on the flat, over easy to manage terrain, or choose to ride an E-Bike for the assistance it gives, or get stronger & fitter to handle the physical demand of hill climbing with two children

 

The Best Options for Riding a Bike with Twins or Siblings Close in Age

To follow are examples of the best ways to ride a bike with more than one child.  If you choose to ride with one of these set ups your riding will be more enjoyable and you will not be comprising your safety or comfort.  Their are options for different budgets so hopefully you can find something that suits.

 

Double Bike Trailer

This instantly gives you two seats for kids 1-4yrs.  Towing is a great way to manage the additional weight.

riding a bike with twins

Compatible with all modern bike frames or styles, including E-Bikes.  There are different trailer options that match different riding environments.

Step Through Frame with Front & Rear Seats

Having weight in front and behind you balances your bike.  Front seat 1-3yrs, Rear seat 1-6yrs.

carrier mount kids bike seat

Step through frames make mounting, stopping & starting easy.

E-Bike with Front & Rear Seats 

Having weight in front and behind you balances your bike.  Front seat 1-3yrs, Rear seat 1-6yrs.

 

E-Bikes assist you with effort, so are great when you have added weight.  We recommend a step through frame or low top tube for ease when mounting or dismounting.

E-Cargo Bike – Lots of Seat Options

For young kids you will need a harness system.  So two rear seats, a front & rear seat…

Cargo bikes don’t need to be huge & heavy.  They are awesome for carrying more than one child and can replace your car.

Other Considerations…

If the examples above are not how you imagined riding with your twins or two young kids, thats OK, there are other ways to achieve your goal.  Perhaps you don’t have or want to ride a step through frame but would like your kids attached to your bike?

Understand more about different bike frames/styles & kids bike seats by reading our story Kids Bike Seat Match By Frame

 

Not all the bikes that we ride in New Zealand are a great match to kids bike seats or trailers.  When you want to add two kids to your bike you may find there are more restrictions.

To follow is a quick list of the design features that can limit your ability to use or attach a bike seat or trailer to your bike;

  • carbon frames/carbon seat posts – not compatible, not recommended for clamping/attachment
  • full suspension mountain bikes
  • the type of handlebar stem called a threadless stem
  • 29 inch wheels
  • frame size – small or x-small

If the bike you are wanting to use has any of these features and you want to know a bit more please read our stories… which will explain the issue in detail.

Safety Comes First…

Riding with a baby/toddler changes the feel of the bike and alters your riding experience when you are adding two children to your bike this becomes magnified but it is still very achievable. Understanding the changes helps you be prepared for riding with your toddlers making the experience safe, easy and enjoyable right from the beginning. If you are wondering if you can manage, and to help you get prepared, please read our stories which are full of great information and tips.

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Be Confident to Ride a Bike with a Toddler

Be Confident to Ride a Bike with a Toddler

Riding with a young child is a responsibility you need to be comfortable with.  There are ways to begin slowly and work on your confidence to ride a bike with a toddler.  It will be possible to really enjoy the experience and relax… so let’s learn how.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
carrier mount kids bike seat

People all over New Zealand and the world choose to take their babies and toddlers on bikes from a young age.  So it is definitely something that can be achieved.  Adding weight to a bike will change the experience.  When that weight is a child you need to be happy with the responsibility you are taking on.  There are definitely things you can do to make your riding successful.  To follow is advice and tips that will give you the confidence to ride a bike with a child or baby. We want to help you feel comfortable and safe from the first time you ride.

How to Prepare Yourself for Riding a Bike with a Toddler

The key is enjoyment.  You must be able to enjoy time on your bike to share that with someone else.  You will know you are ready to try riding with your child when you feel relaxed and safe riding on your own.  Once you have this feeling you will have the desire and belief that you can add a passenger to your journeys.  When you feel comfortable with your bike in this way go for a test ride somewhere you would want to take your child, to familiarise yourself with the trail, or choose to go somewhere you ride often. Inviting friends or family to join you will widen the joy.

Any time you spend exercising off the bike or riding on your own will only improve the riding you do with your child.  If you feel fit and strong, the handling of your bike will be easier and you will want to ride more.

Always try to ride in a new environment on your own first, thinking about how you would manage with your toddler and what their experience would be.

To ride with your child you will have a front, mid or rear kids bike seat attached to your bike, be towing a kids bike trailer or towing a child riding their own bike. It is important to understand how the bike seat, trailer or tow you are using works so you are comfortable with it. This will help you feel confident in your ability to use it and solve any problems that come up.  Knowing how it attaches/detaches, how to check it is safe and understanding how the harness works.  Also make a judgment on how long they can comfortably sit in it/on it.  Think about their experience and what they can see or hear.

Having a seat or trailer attached to your bike will feel different to begin with.  Everyone will notice this change, from experienced riders to beginners. With practise you will get better. Practise riding with the seat or trailer without your child first before you ride together.

How to Prepare your Baby or Toddler for Their First Bike Ride

The bike seat or trailer that you choose to use for riding will be a familiar thing to your child if it is harnessed.  They will have spent time harnessed into a car seat and buggy or stroller.  If you have been using a Multi Use Trailer as a stroller the transition to biking will be very easy.  Unharnessed seats will be different so suit well balanced, confident kids or are a better choice as a second seat for older kids after they become used to the feel of a bike.

The helmet will be a different story!  Introduce a helmet to your child as early as possible.  When it arrives in your house be excited to have it there.  Leave it out for your child to see, touch, interact with… and hopefully try on.  Show them your bike helmet, show them what you do with your bike helmet.  If your child refuses to try a helmet on or gets upset when it is on their head, they are simply not ready.  Wait a few days then try again, don’t push it and don’t make it a negative thing.  It is law in NZ for them to wear a helmet when they are a passenger on a bike so if they won’t wear it you can not ride. The biggest determining factor for getting a baby on a bike is having a helmet that fits well and they can safely wear. For more on this topic see When Can I Ride a Bike with my Baby?

Create an environment that supports riding success

  • To feel calm and in control you should not be rushing or pressured for time
  • If you begin slowly and are prepared you are more likely to relax and enjoy yourself
  • You will feel better about going if you have gone through a pre-ride routine and done some checks
  • Know that sometimes it will be fun and some times it will not, thats the reality of trying anything with a toddler/young child

 

when can i ride a bike with a baby?

Grandad out riding on local bikepaths with 1 year old in rear seat.

Bikepath riding with child in bike trailer.

Pre-ride Routine or Process

  1. Pre-ride Routine or Process

Where are you going? Can you leave from your house or will you want to drive somewhere first?  How do you feel about where you are planning to ride, is it easy?  Are you comfortable with the traffic and the terrain?  For your first few rides we recommend easy, wide, smooth off road trails, try to keep it as simple as possible.  Be clear about the intention – a short ride for fun/recreation, use your bike to go pick something up, visit a friend, family or cafe.  Always know the route you are going to take or the roads/trails you are going to use and how long it will take you (the first few rides are not the time to get lost).

Length of ride & time of day. Make it short, stop regularly and talk lots with your child.  Repeated short, fun experiences are the best way to start.  What time of day is best for your passenger?  Are they alert, feed and up for an adventure?

Weather & safety.  For your initial rides aim for clear skies and warm weather.  If the day looks a bit dodgy consider changing your plans.  What will keep your child safe in their seat or trailer – their helmet, how warm they are, how visible you both are to traffic and trail users, what tools you might need along the way. 

2. Safety checks

  • The adult bike
  • The attachments of kids seat or trailer
  • Any wear & tear on helmets & harness

Riding Routine or Process

  1. Establish a routine for putting on your child’s helmet and getting them safely into the kids seat, trailer or tow

2. Ride safely, confidently and keep them comfortable

  • Control your speed, be prepared to stop, scan the environment and know the road or route you are taking
  • Communicate and talk while you ride
  • Your child will be sitting on the bike, trailer or tow while you do the work so it is vitally important to make sure they are kept comfortable while you ride.  Think about the weather and how this will effect their comfort and don’t ride for too long, take lots of breaks.
  • Riding your bike with the added weight of a toddler will feel different to begin with.  Everyone will notice this change, from experienced riders to beginners.  With practise you will get better. The more regularly you make the effort to go out riding the easier it will get (the process, the feeling of your bike, your fitness). Understand the changes to your riding that different bike seats can have. Read the stories that relate to the seat or trailer you have or are considering.

Get Ready to Ride a Bike with a Baby…

There are lots of options for riding with a 1 year old, have a look at what we think are the best… Riding With a 1 Year Old

Get Ready to Ride a Bike with a Child 2-4yrs…

There are lots of options for riding with a 2-4 year old, have a look at what we think are the best… Riding With a 2-4 Year Old

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Electric Bikes & Kids Bike Trailers

Electric Bikes & Kids Bike Trailers

Choosing an Electric Bike to use to tow kids/grandkids is a great idea and there are a lot of bikes on the market that will work really well for this purpose.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

carrier mount kids bike seat

It can be a great option to use an E-Bike for towing  The largest barrier to riding with a kids bike trailer is the strength and fitness capability of the lead rider to bike safely and comfortably with the increased load that a trailer holding one or two kids creates.  An electric bike removes/reduces this barrier.   An E-Bike gives you added power and provides the rider with the ability to cover greater distances, ride up slopes and hills with more ease.  As your child grows the weight of the load your are towing increases.  So E-bikes can support you to be able to tow your child through a wider age range.

What comes first the Electric Bike or the towing product?

This may not be a decision you have to make because you may already have one or the other.  If not, the bike should be your first purchase.  This purchase needs to be really focused on a bike that makes you feel comfortable and safe.  Once you have this feeling of confidence about riding an E-Bike you can then look at the options of how you would tow your child/children/grandchildren – now and in years to come.

Get some great buying advice at Buying an E-Bike to Transport Kids or Grandkids.

Will your Electric Bike work with a Bike Trailer for Kids?

Choosing an Electric Bike to use to carry or tow kids/grandkids is a great idea and there are a lot of bikes on the market that will work really well for this purpose.  Towing children with an E-Bike works well but you need to have an understanding of attachment points and how towing can affect your riding. As with standard bikes not all E-Bikes will work. It is about finding a solution to fit your situation.

Bike trailers are a good way to transport multiple young kids with a bike.  The storage ability is a bonus.  Single Seat Trailer age range 1-6 yr old, Double seat Trailer age range 1-4 yr old.

 

What does the E-Bike need?

The arm on a bike trailer attaches to the rear wheel hub (middle of your wheel).  It be able to attach it to your rear wheel it comes with a Quick Release Adaptor to replace your existing axel.  E-Bikes commonly have rear wheel hub gears which will require you to purchase a different type of adaptor to allow you to attach to your rear wheel . Found out more at Will a Bike Trailer Fit My Bike?

For information on options for attaching a Kids Bike Seat to the frame (front, mid, rear) of your bike see this story called Kids Bike Seats & Electric Bikes.

Electric Bikes & Safety

As always be aware of your safety… E-Bikes give you the ability to travel at a much faster speed than you would achieve under your own power.  What does this mean when towing a child?  While it might not be an issue while going up a hill, what does it mean on the flat or braking when coming down a hill?  If this is how you will tow your child we recommend you spend longer in the practice/safe environment when you first get set up, going over balance, cornering at a greater speed and stopping distances.

Electric Bikes & Multiple Children

Electric bikes are a great idea if you are considering riding with more than one child on your bike.  Whether they are both attached in seats or you chose to tow an older child having an electric assist will make riding a bike so much more pleasant.

You will need to be aware of the multiple attachment points of the set up you are thinking of riding with.  We recommend spreading the weight as soon as possible; one child on the bike, one child being towed.  There are a great range of possibilities to choose from.  Depending on your budget and where you like to ride, there are definitely solutions for everyone in the market.

Let us know if you are struggling with this at all, we are here to help. Call 0800 44 33 77 to speak to Annette… or fill out our Kids Bike Seat Solution Finder to get a personalised recommendation for a kids bike seat & electric bike use.

A selection of family riding stories, support & solutions that will make you & your family SMILE

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Autumn Riding Tips – Enjoy More Time on Your Bike

Autumn Riding Tips – Enjoy More Time on Your Bike

Welcome to Autumn riding tips.  Cooler, more unpredictable weather awaits you on the bike.  Autumn is the season where you want to use all the summer riding you have done to your advantage.  You just need to be aware of the conditions you are potentially riding in and have solutions to any challenges.  

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
winter gloves

Autumn – manage cooler weather & more time on your bike

To continue the success of your Summer riding into Autumn you need to get ready with some appropriate gear or bike accessories.  Some additions are for safety, others to help protect you from the weather or fluctuating temperatures.  During Autumn you may choose to ride a bit further or go on a bike trip… what does this mean for your comfort & safety?

Everyone will have a slightly different list of requirements to keep them smiling while Autumn riding.  Just pick out the tips you think apply to you, in terms of how you would like to ride in Autumn.  If your bike of choice is an E-Bike all this stuff applies – perhaps more – as you can go further and be out riding for longer.

Weather & Distance

The biggest challenge for Autumn riding is managing the cooler temperatures and continuing to be comfortable on your bike.  Choosing to continue to ride your bike, ride further or to complete a track or trail in this season is a great idea and you won’t be alone out on the trails as many other riders choose this season to achieve a bit more on their bikes.

  • Your comfort will be challenged as you ride greater distances.  Keep yourself protected in the right way at your contact points with the bike, especially your butt and your hands.  This important topic is talked about more below…
  • Layering is a skill you will need to get good at.  Light layers that can be easily removed or added as the weather changes or as you warm up on the bike.  Have warmer clothing so you keep up your riding and are not put off by being cold on the bike
  • Adding some length in your clothing.  These ‘shoulder’ seasons are a great time to ride in 3/4 lengths, whether that is sleeve length or leg length.
  • Carry a jacket whenever you head out to deal with sudden weather changes or unpredictable weather.  This can be for simple wind protection or to help in a passing rain shower.  A jacket that will pack down well and not be too bulky when carried in a bag or panniers.
  • If you don’t already have one consider adding a bell to your handlebars especially if you want to ride on popular or shared cycle trails
  • What are your bike gear carrying choices?  With cooler weather and greater distances you will find you need to take more gear, mainly clothing.  Can you easily manage this with your current options?  Could you add a handlebar bag or attach some panniers to your bike? Perhaps a hydration bag would be a good idea…

 

FURTHER READING:

Riding Clothing: What to Wear on a Bike

Fabrics for Bike Riding:  Fabric Choice for on the Bike

Bike Jacket: Buying Guide

Bike Gear Carrying Options for Multi Day Unsupported Riding or for Trail or Fitness Riding (includes Supported Day Rides) or for Commute/Town Riding

Choose the correct chamois

3/4 length riding – sleeve and leg lengths

Distance & Your Contact Point Comfort

Autumn naturally leads itself to more time on the bike especially if you have enjoyed your riding over summer and feel fit and ready to take on an adventure.  Prevent any issues arising from this increased riding by protecting your contact points (butt, hands, feet).  Choose products that are designed for endurance riding offering greater protection from increased padding or gel inserts.

At your saddle you need to be prepared for greater discomfort.  To manage this choose good padding in your padded bike pants or underwear.  Endurance level padding will take you comfortably over 1.5hrs up to around 5 or 6hrs. Good technique is essential in your body position & pedaling to maintain good weight transfer through your seat.

At your hands endurance gloves may be a good idea.  These can be full finger or fingerless depending on what style you like and what type of riding you do. For any off road riding that you know could be a bit rough, endurance gloves will really help with absorbing the forces that uneven surfaces create.

For your feet we recommend mid weight socks that are breathable.  You may want to adjust the length and go longer covering more of your leg.  Shoes are important and should always be closed in.  Choose shoes that provide a solid platform to give you a strong feeling of connection to your bike.

FURTHER READING:

Comfort on Your Bike Seat:  Stories & Support.  View the large range of information we have on this important topic

Gloves – Why are gloves important?

Gloves:  Bike Glove Buying Guide

endurance padded pant & chamois cream

Do you have the gear to keep yourself comfortable when taking on greater distance on your bike?

Women riding bikes

Endurance riding gloves will help with comfort on longer bike journeys

Be Safe When You Ride

Being responsible and thinking ahead is just part of safely completely any kind of ride on your bike, in any season, over any kind of distance.  For more detailed information on helmets, tools, first aid, lights, carrying gear and how these things relate to safety, check out our Safety Stories. 

Autumn is the Season to Clean

It’s always the right season to check over your bike and make sure all the parts and components are good to go but Autumn is a time to pay more attention to this often overlooked part of owning a bike…  when was the last time you looked at your brake pads or cleaned your drive chain?   If you are choosing to go a bit further or have a multi day trip planned this becomes even more important. Now is the right time to do some thorough cleaning, including your chain.  When you clean your bike you can take the time to give it a good inspection.  Before any tour or multi day riding you must be confident that your bike is ready for the distances ahead.  A service is recommended with a qualified bike mechanic or someone who is capable and knowledgable.  

FURTHER READING:

Bike Cleaning for You & the Kids

Chain Cleaning Options

Simple Pre-Ride Bike Safety Check

 

Choose a Challenge this Autumn

Make the most of the Autumn riding season.  Plan rides to places that will delight you.  Autumn is a truely special time of year as the leaves change and the colour is breath taking.  Whether this involves a series of small rides in fun places or building up to a bigger challenge.  This can be individual, with the family or you can involve others, whatever suits.  You could even simply choose to ride your bike more around town, leaving the car at home.  We invite you to read through our extensive range of riding stories for inspiration… RIDE MORE PLACES

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Want more from your riding? 

Be supported to Ride as a Family, Progress Your Riding and/or receive Seasonal Inspiration. So you can SMILE when you ride.

All new members are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.

SMILE when you ride

Support & Inspire other riders and families 

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. 

All entries are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.

Summer Riding Tips – Enjoy More Time On Your Bike

Summer Riding Tips – Enjoy More Time On Your Bike

Welcome to Summer riding tips.  Long, warm days, warm summer evenings with lots of opportunity to ride.  Summer is the season that we use our bikes the most.  You just need to be aware of the conditions you are potentially riding in and have solutions to any challenges.  

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
handlebar bag

Summer – the season to manage the heat

To enjoy Summer on your bike you need to get ready with some appropriate gear or bike accessories.  Some additions are for safety, others to help with your temperature management.  During Summer you may choose to ride more often and go a bit further than you have been in other seasons… what does this mean for your comfort & safety?

Everyone will have a slightly different list of requirements to keep them smiling while Summer riding.  Just pick out the tips you think apply to you, in terms of how you would like to ride in Summer.  If your bike of choice is an E-Bike all this stuff applies – perhaps more – as you can go further and be out riding for longer.

Heat Management

The biggest challenge for summer riding is heat.  Always choose to ride in cooler conditions or in the shade if you can.

  • Light, breathable fabrics are a must to pull moisture off your body.  Damp, wet clothes and hot conditions will lead to chaffing.  Is this the season you should be using chamois cream?
  • Water intake is crucial if your riding is for 30 minutes or more.  Take the right amount of water for the riding conditions you are heading into.  Think carefully about how you will carry water and know where any potential water stops along the way are.  During summer you may need to stop more often choosing shady places out of direct sunlight.  Take the time to drink your water during these stops.
  • Cover up with light, loose clothing, use sunscreen or choose to ride early morning or in the cooler evening temperatures.

 

FURTHER READING:

Riding Clothing: Fabric choice

Chamois Cream: When do you use chamois cream?

Chaffing – How to prevent chaffing on the bike

Hydration – Carry Water When You Ride – How Much?

Choose the correct chamois

Carrying water is really important in the heat of summer.  This includes the kids!

Heat & Your Contact Point Comfort

Warmer weather and longer days naturally leads itself to more time on the bike and more opportunities to enjoy that time.  Prevent any issues arising from this increased riding by protecting your contact points (butt, hands, feet).  Choose products that support comfort or prevent problems.  Airflow is a big focus as well as temperature management.

At your saddle you can add padding in the form of a chamois sewn into padded bike underwear or bike pants.  Again choosing a chamois that is designed to remove moisture will help with management in this sensitive area.  Always wash after every wear or at least soak.  As mentioned above warmth can lead to chaffing so be aware of how you are pedalling and keep good technique going over the full length of your ride.  Get up out of your saddle in hot weather to allow airflow, and relieve points of pressure.

At your hands choose to wear some gloves that will support good hand placement and allow good air flow.  Fingerless gloves are the obvious choice for this hot season, mesh panels in this type of glove and towelling sweat pads also help.  You may want to consider additional padding (endurance gloves) for any larger rides you are doing.  Especially if these rides are off road.  Again movement is good, don’t get stuck in one position for long periods of time, this includes your hands.

For your feet we recommend lightweight socks that are breathable.  You may want to adjust the length and go for shorter socks covering less of your leg.  Shoes are important and should always be closed in but perhaps you have a pair that allows better airflow?

FURTHER READING:

Chamois – How to choose the correct chamois for the riding you do

Sit Bones – How to manage any aches or pains

Gloves – Why are gloves important?

Women riding bikes

Focusing on airflow at your contact points during summer is important to your comfort.

Women riding bikes

Choose lightweight, relaxed clothing for off road trail & town riding – Womens 3/4 Sleeve Riding Top

Be Safe When You Ride

Being responsible and thinking ahead is just part of safely completely any kind of ride on your bike, in any season.  For more detailed information on helmets, tools, first aid, lights, carrying gear and how these things relate to safety, check out our stories…

As you ride more, you will need to clean and check your bike and riding gear more.  This will keep you and the family safe every time you choose to head out on a bike. It’s always the right season to check over your bike and make sure all the parts and components are good to go.  Things will wear out over time.  Check tyre treads, handlebar grip surfaces, saddles, chains & sprockets, brake cables…

FURTHER READING:

Bike Cleaning for You & the Kids

Simple Pre-Ride Bike Safety Check

Choose a challenge this Summer

It is always great to have a goal in mind or something that will inspire you to go somewhere you haven’t been.  Whether this involves a series of small rides in fun places or building up to a bigger challenge.  This can be individual, with the family or you can involve others, whatever suits.  You could even simply choose to ride your bike more around town, leaving the car at home.  We invite you to read through our extensive range of riding stories for inspiration… RIDE MORE PLACES

 

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Women

Padded Bike Underwear

Pants for Biking

Tops for Biking

 Jackets & Over Trousers for Biking

Riding Clothing for Larger Sizes

 Warmth Accessories

Bike Saddles

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Bike Gloves

Protective Padding

Bike Bells

Hydration

Handlebar Grips

Kids & Youth

Padded Bike Underwear

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Riding Clothing

Jackets for Biking/Outdoors

Protective Padding

Bike Gloves

Bike Lights

Bike Bells

Handlebar Grips

Bike Saddle

Bike Locks

Hydration

Family 

Ride with a baby/ 1 year old

Ride with a 2-6 year old

Ride with a  4 + year old - on their own bike

Full Range Kids Bike Seats - Attached or Towed

Create a Family Biking Holiday

Ride More Places with Kids

Men

Padded Bike Underwear

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Bike Saddles

Bike Tops,Jackets & Over Trousers

Bike Gloves

Protective Padding

Handlebar Grips

Bike Bell

Smile when you ride

Successfully Ride an E-Bike

Heavy Riders - Enjoy Biking

Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat

Riding in Cooler Weather

Riding in Wet Conditions

Be Visible on the Bike

Enjoy a Biking Holiday

'Fun Up' the Kids Bike/Biking

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.

Smile when you ride

Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat

Beginner to Fitness Bikers

Get Started - Ride with a baby

Heavy Riders - Enjoy Biking

Riding in Cooler Weather

Riding in Wet Conditions

Be Visible on the Bike

'Fun Up' the Kids Bike/Biking

Clothing & Bags

Padded Bike Pants & Underwear

Pants & Shorts for Biking

Bike Tops

Bike Jackets

Over Trousers for Biking

Headbands & Neck Warmers for Biking

Bags, Baskets & Panniers for Biking

Rider Safety & Protection

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Bike Gloves

Protective Padding

Bike Lights

Bike Bells

First Aid & Personal Care

Hydration

Bike Tow Ropes

Bike Parts & Care

Bike Saddles

Handlebar Grips

Bike Locks

Bike Carriers

Bike & Chain Cleaning

Bike Tools & Tool Kits to Carry

Kids Bike Seats & Bikes

Rear Kids Bike Seats

Mid Kids Bike Seats

Front Kids Bike Seats

Towing Kids who ride their own Bike

Bike Trailers for Kids

Kids Balance Bikes

HIRE Kids Bike Seats

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.

Bike Path Riding

Bike path Riding Guide

Beginner to Fitness

Commuting

Multi-Day

With Kids of all ages

Kids Riding Bikepaths

Multi-Day with Kids

Ride more Bikepaths

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking Guide

Women Beginner to Intermediate

Men Beginner to Intermediate

Multi-Day

With Kids of all ages

Kids Mountain Biking

Multi-Day with Kids

Ride more Mountain Bike Trails

Riding in Traffic

Be Visible in Traffic

With kids of all ages

Kids Riding in Traffic

E - Biking

E-Biking Guide

E-Biking in Traffic

E-Biking on Bikepaths

E-Biking on MTB Trails

A Biking Holiday

Multi-Day Riding

Multi-Day on Bike Paths

Multi-Day on MTB Trails

Multi-Day with Kids on Bike Paths

Multi-Day with Kids on MTB Trails

A Biking Holiday

Family Biking Holiday

Ride more Multi-Day Rides

Family Riding

Family Riding Guide

On Bikepaths with Kids

MTB with Kids

In Traffic with Kids

Full Range Kids Bike Seats - Attached or Towed

Family Biking Holiday

Ride More Places with Kids

Kids Attached or Towed Buying Guides

Rear Kids Bike Seat

Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat

Front Kids Bike Seat 

Towing Kids who ride their own bikes

Kids Bike Trailers

Kids & Youth Buying Guides

Kids Bike Helmets

Kids Riding Clothing

Kids Padded Bike Pants

Kids Padded Protection

Kids Handlebar Grips 

Kids Balance Bike

Comfort on the Bike Buying Guides 

Womens Bike Saddle

Mens Bike Saddle

Padded Bike Pants

Bike Jackets

Carrying Gear 

Handlebar Grip

Hydration

Rider Safety Buying Guides

Bike Helmet

Mountain Bike Helmet

Protective Padding

Be Visible 

Bike Glove

Bike Light 

Mountain Bike Light

First Aid & Personal Care 

Gear & Care for Bikes Buying Guides

Bike Carriers

Bike Cleaning

Bike Locks

Chain Cleaning and Lube

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.

Women & Families Learning

Comfort on your Bike Seat

Clothing for Biking

Family Biking

Improve your Riding

Carrying Gear

Care for 'you'

Care for your Bike

Ride More Places

Ride more Bikepaths

Ride more NZ Cycle Trails

Ride more Mountain Bike Trails

Ride more Multi-Day Rides

Ride more Places with Kids

Riding Gear

Bike Helmets

Bike Saddles

Padded Bike Underwear & Pants

Bike Gloves

Bike Jackets

Protective Padding

Bike Locks

Bike Lights

Bike Tools to Carry

Handlebar Grips

Bike and Chain Cleaning

Kids Bike Seats

Kids Bike Trailer

Towing kids who ride their own bike

Rear Kids Bike Seats

Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats

Front Kids Bike Seats

Types of Riding

Bikepath Riding

Family Riding

E-Bike Riding

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.