Cycling with Family commitments
Discussion
Hi All
Baby no.2 arrived recently and I was wondering how the folk here with young kids managed to fit their cycle rides in around family commitments. I think for me, beyond the occasional weekend spin, I am left with the commute and lunchtime spins to keep the KM up.
How is it for everyone else in similar situations??
Baby no.2 arrived recently and I was wondering how the folk here with young kids managed to fit their cycle rides in around family commitments. I think for me, beyond the occasional weekend spin, I am left with the commute and lunchtime spins to keep the KM up.
How is it for everyone else in similar situations??
rastapasta said:
Hi All
Baby no.2 arrived recently and I was wondering how the folk here with young kids managed to fit their cycle rides in around family commitments. I think for me, beyond the occasional weekend spin, I am left with the commute and lunchtime spins to keep the KM up.
How is it for everyone else in similar situations??
I started running more when number 2 turned up...couldn't be that selfish that I'd ride for hour and hours per week. Don't think its fair on the kids or my partner who spends so much time at home with them. I still commute 2/3 times a week, then run a a couple of times a week. No way near as much as I was doing, but they're not young forever.Baby no.2 arrived recently and I was wondering how the folk here with young kids managed to fit their cycle rides in around family commitments. I think for me, beyond the occasional weekend spin, I am left with the commute and lunchtime spins to keep the KM up.
How is it for everyone else in similar situations??
As above
Was ok with a 1 , but when another comes along forget it
Thankfully I can commute , so often go the longer way home. I go on the odd club ride and sneak out for rides when we go on holiday. Thankfully we have 2 older step kids that help out
Im not really an endurance rider anyway, Im happy to batter myself on a few steep hills over an hour than 5 hours on the flat
Its funny as when I do go on club rides, I always start holding back and slowing down towards the end of the ride and take loads of gels. Club mates think im bonking, but I feel fine, Im just pacing myself as the minute I get in the door I get handed 2 kids and get shouted "ITS YOOUR TURN NOW" whilst the rest of my clubmates are putting their feet up watching tv all afternoon!
Was ok with a 1 , but when another comes along forget it
Thankfully I can commute , so often go the longer way home. I go on the odd club ride and sneak out for rides when we go on holiday. Thankfully we have 2 older step kids that help out
Im not really an endurance rider anyway, Im happy to batter myself on a few steep hills over an hour than 5 hours on the flat
Its funny as when I do go on club rides, I always start holding back and slowing down towards the end of the ride and take loads of gels. Club mates think im bonking, but I feel fine, Im just pacing myself as the minute I get in the door I get handed 2 kids and get shouted "ITS YOOUR TURN NOW" whilst the rest of my clubmates are putting their feet up watching tv all afternoon!
Edited by TwistingMyMelon on Tuesday 12th June 14:20
I try to get out to the local MTB night ride most weeks. Meet at 8, so straightforward to have kids bathed and in bed before heading off. Real mountain biking is limited to the odd early Sunday ride and a weekend or two away (usually book Friday off, so home Saturday afternoon).
Last summer I was trying to get out super early for a road ride on a Saturday or Sunday - sunrise is before 5am now so if you're up early you can get a solid 3-4 hour loop in and be home when the kids are still eating breakfast. The club leaves after 8am so that's a whole morning taken out. I'd just pick one of their GPS routes and do it solo. Lost the motivation once it got darker but I know some parents who'll do similar through winter with lights.
Haven't got too into it (maybe this winter) but getting set up with Zwift on the turbo in the garage - can do that on an evening when the wife is out, just take the monitor(s) out with you in case the kids wake up.
Last summer I was trying to get out super early for a road ride on a Saturday or Sunday - sunrise is before 5am now so if you're up early you can get a solid 3-4 hour loop in and be home when the kids are still eating breakfast. The club leaves after 8am so that's a whole morning taken out. I'd just pick one of their GPS routes and do it solo. Lost the motivation once it got darker but I know some parents who'll do similar through winter with lights.
Haven't got too into it (maybe this winter) but getting set up with Zwift on the turbo in the garage - can do that on an evening when the wife is out, just take the monitor(s) out with you in case the kids wake up.
I have through two kids managed Tuesday and Thursday nights and then a 3hr ride on the weekend. During the period they are 7 and 4 now I have done a long weekend in Tenerife 4-5 days for the last 5 years and last year another doing Marmotte. Also get maybe 1-2 sportives a year on top of that in the uk staying 1 night away and maybe another 2 sportives in lieu of a 3hr weekend ride.
Wife isn't generally happy if the kids play up (i.e. be kids) or there is some form of issue with them sickness etc. requiring doctor/A&E (which always seems to coincide when I am away).
I spent 8hrs riding on Sunday and 2 hrs in the car which didn't go down well.
Then again she goes spinning 2-3 times per week.
I commute to London but am looking to change jobs to one 15 miles away with secure bike storage, that for me will be a game changer as I will be able to use the 2hr daily commute I have at the moment for 5 hr a week Z2 commuting into work and potentially 5 hr intervals coming home. Obviously with the choice to drive if needed or take an extended route back.
Wife isn't generally happy if the kids play up (i.e. be kids) or there is some form of issue with them sickness etc. requiring doctor/A&E (which always seems to coincide when I am away).
I spent 8hrs riding on Sunday and 2 hrs in the car which didn't go down well.
Then again she goes spinning 2-3 times per week.
I commute to London but am looking to change jobs to one 15 miles away with secure bike storage, that for me will be a game changer as I will be able to use the 2hr daily commute I have at the moment for 5 hr a week Z2 commuting into work and potentially 5 hr intervals coming home. Obviously with the choice to drive if needed or take an extended route back.
Mine are 1 and 3. It's not too bad once they both start sleeping predictably. I work on the basis that if everyone else is asleep, I can do what I want with my time. As a result I've started going to bed quite early and getting up early to fit stuff in better around work hours. Still get a good two hours in the evening to relax with my wife.
I get by with 5am turbo trainer sessions, running from work at lunchtimes and a longish (3 hour max) ride on a Saturday morning. Also manage to get a half hour lap swim in by taking the kids swimming with my parents when my wife is at work on a Friday afternoon. Core+weights in the evenings once kiddies are asleep.
If I've been for a ride on a weekend I always make sure I have the kids for an equivalent amount of time so my wife can do what she wants too.
I get by with 5am turbo trainer sessions, running from work at lunchtimes and a longish (3 hour max) ride on a Saturday morning. Also manage to get a half hour lap swim in by taking the kids swimming with my parents when my wife is at work on a Friday afternoon. Core+weights in the evenings once kiddies are asleep.
If I've been for a ride on a weekend I always make sure I have the kids for an equivalent amount of time so my wife can do what she wants too.
Edited by lufbramatt on Tuesday 12th June 15:35
Edited by lufbramatt on Tuesday 12th June 15:37
I'm interested in this too. I've really struggled to get the miles in since the 2nd arrived last year.
It was ok when it was just one as she wouldn't wake until late, so could get out early on a weekend. Number two can wake up any time from 6, so feel much more guilty doing that now. Also when the wife was off work I could commute in any day that I wanted, but now she has gone back part time & I've got to sort the kids out before & after work, so limited to 1 day.
Still manage to get the odd CX or XC race in on the occasional weekend & have just started to train for a 100 miler in the next month. Would love to try my hand a CRIT racing, but it all seems to be on weekdays when the wife is working.
I have bought a seat to go on the back of my CX bike & used to take my daughter on the odd 12 mile bike ride through the local forest and stop at a park. I've bought a two seat trailer, but haven't managed to use this with both of them yet.
It was ok when it was just one as she wouldn't wake until late, so could get out early on a weekend. Number two can wake up any time from 6, so feel much more guilty doing that now. Also when the wife was off work I could commute in any day that I wanted, but now she has gone back part time & I've got to sort the kids out before & after work, so limited to 1 day.
Still manage to get the odd CX or XC race in on the occasional weekend & have just started to train for a 100 miler in the next month. Would love to try my hand a CRIT racing, but it all seems to be on weekdays when the wife is working.
I have bought a seat to go on the back of my CX bike & used to take my daughter on the odd 12 mile bike ride through the local forest and stop at a park. I've bought a two seat trailer, but haven't managed to use this with both of them yet.
Edited by Roastie ITR on Tuesday 12th June 15:42
Certainly seemed easier with just one. I've done little more than commuting this year. We also have a puppy, so I am managing to get at least an hour or two of dog walking time in.
I'm going to start running with the dog soon, she needs the exercise, and I've been given a Muddy Dog event as a gift...
I'm going to start running with the dog soon, she needs the exercise, and I've been given a Muddy Dog event as a gift...
Thank you all for taking the time to reply to this. Its actually nice to know there are people in the same boat.
I bought a chariot and another bike to pull it prior to the birth of our first and have been using this a lot for running purposes with the older child lately to give my Wife a break and getting out to run 5-8km with a stop at the playground on the way home for the little one. I don't drink much and we live in an area where my wife is from so she doesn't mind my going o the occasional club ride as I think she thinks I've no friends here so this is an outlet.
I also cut off a lot of followers on strava as I was getting a bit miffed with the amount of spins they were posting. Work dont mind if i do the occasional spin at lunchtime but I guess by and large running with become the primary way of letting off steam for the foreseeable future like a lot of you guys.
I bought a chariot and another bike to pull it prior to the birth of our first and have been using this a lot for running purposes with the older child lately to give my Wife a break and getting out to run 5-8km with a stop at the playground on the way home for the little one. I don't drink much and we live in an area where my wife is from so she doesn't mind my going o the occasional club ride as I think she thinks I've no friends here so this is an outlet.
I also cut off a lot of followers on strava as I was getting a bit miffed with the amount of spins they were posting. Work dont mind if i do the occasional spin at lunchtime but I guess by and large running with become the primary way of letting off steam for the foreseeable future like a lot of you guys.
Another thing I have considered is that whilst mine are young, 5 years and 3 years, they want to spend time with me. So I might as well.
There will come a time, and it will come sooner than I'd probably like, when they won't want to spend time with me. Or they'll just want me as a taxi service. (Or hopefully to buy a camper and spend every weekend at cycling races around the country on their way to a professional cycling career.)
Whatever, whilst they want to spend time with me, I want to spend time with them, because it won't last. I want to enjoy each stage of them growing up as we go, without looking forward to the next stage. (Except when it comes to going to sleep better, and sleeping through, this particular phase has very few redeeming features.)
There will come a time, and it will come sooner than I'd probably like, when they won't want to spend time with me. Or they'll just want me as a taxi service. (Or hopefully to buy a camper and spend every weekend at cycling races around the country on their way to a professional cycling career.)
Whatever, whilst they want to spend time with me, I want to spend time with them, because it won't last. I want to enjoy each stage of them growing up as we go, without looking forward to the next stage. (Except when it comes to going to sleep better, and sleeping through, this particular phase has very few redeeming features.)
Ive also abstained (apart from once or twice a month) from booze and eat fairly well, that keeps the body in good shape for when you get a chance to do the miles
I also do 20-30 minute core workouts in the garden when I get some spare time, but not enough time for a ride, the kids play in the sandpit/toys whilst I work on core and weights
I love spending time with the kids so its not the end of the world, without commuting miles though I would be properly buggered!
I also do 20-30 minute core workouts in the garden when I get some spare time, but not enough time for a ride, the kids play in the sandpit/toys whilst I work on core and weights
I love spending time with the kids so its not the end of the world, without commuting miles though I would be properly buggered!
When I have a kid, I'm planning on spending most of my time on Zwift, rather than outdoors.
A 1hr session on Zwift is much harder than a normal 2hr outdoor ride, plus if you are needed you can just jump off (albeit a bit sweaty)
Get a decent turbo trainer and you should be able to do late night/early mornings without waking up or disturbing people.
A 1hr session on Zwift is much harder than a normal 2hr outdoor ride, plus if you are needed you can just jump off (albeit a bit sweaty)
Get a decent turbo trainer and you should be able to do late night/early mornings without waking up or disturbing people.
I used to surf a lot, when our first son came along, him waking up at 5am was a signal for me to put a new nappy on him, pass him to my wife and then go for a surf. It worked well, she could have a nap when I got back and then we could get on with the rest of the day.
With number 2 and a 3 year old, it's difficult. Going surfing, I could spend an hour looking for waves, a couple of hours in the water and then another hour getting changed and going home, so generally it was 3-4 hours to fit in a decent surf. Living where I do, I can get my biking kit on in 5 minutes, ride a couple of hundred yards and I've got a few miles of trails to ride, so I can make it a long or short ride. Quite often, it's a case of just half an hour of riding hard. On a Saturday morning, my wife takes our eldest to a gym club, then to see her parents, so I tend to go for a longer ride with mates then. My wife plays netball, so she will have that on a couple of evenings per week, plus she is a PE teacher, so can't tell me off for doing a sport.
With number 2 and a 3 year old, it's difficult. Going surfing, I could spend an hour looking for waves, a couple of hours in the water and then another hour getting changed and going home, so generally it was 3-4 hours to fit in a decent surf. Living where I do, I can get my biking kit on in 5 minutes, ride a couple of hundred yards and I've got a few miles of trails to ride, so I can make it a long or short ride. Quite often, it's a case of just half an hour of riding hard. On a Saturday morning, my wife takes our eldest to a gym club, then to see her parents, so I tend to go for a longer ride with mates then. My wife plays netball, so she will have that on a couple of evenings per week, plus she is a PE teacher, so can't tell me off for doing a sport.
I take a child with me various options ; tag along, trailer, child seats. Big heavy mountain bike with 2-3 stone of child on the back a couple of times a week 10-20k a time when a slot does come free at a weekend and you swap to an 8kg road bike its so much easier and your sooo much faster! I see why Froome trains with weights on his legs he needs to try 2 stone of weight.
As others have said, it’s easier once the sleep patterns are more predictable. I’ve gotten used to getting up early and going out for an hour or so before work - usually rolling by about 0530. On the weekends we keep it flexible - our three kids are now 4, 8 and 10 and Mrs PB has started doing triathlons so there’s competition for time! I usually do whatever riding I can from the house rather than packing the car - still get time for the occasional 4-5 hour ride and weekend away.
I also take a bike when we go away anywhere away too, even if just for the weekend.
I also take a bike when we go away anywhere away too, even if just for the weekend.
It gets easier as they get older and more self sufficient. Our girls are 9 and 10 now so more than capable in sorting their own breakfasts etc.
I've been riding for about 4 years now and it's defo easier to get out now than it was when they were more dependent!
I am lucky in that I commute daily, 8km in and at least 8km home with options to extend this when available. i also have the option of racing or time trialing on Thursday nights and get a 3-4hr weekend ride in a couple of times a month where I can. The turbo trainer has been a godsend for fitness and form and Zwift is proving to be a worth while investment at the moment.
My wife isn't massively understanding, she's a nurse working permanent nights but she understands that my cycling is essential for my mental health and that it comes after family etc. so we have an understanding...
I've been riding for about 4 years now and it's defo easier to get out now than it was when they were more dependent!
I am lucky in that I commute daily, 8km in and at least 8km home with options to extend this when available. i also have the option of racing or time trialing on Thursday nights and get a 3-4hr weekend ride in a couple of times a month where I can. The turbo trainer has been a godsend for fitness and form and Zwift is proving to be a worth while investment at the moment.
My wife isn't massively understanding, she's a nurse working permanent nights but she understands that my cycling is essential for my mental health and that it comes after family etc. so we have an understanding...
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