Alpine climbs.... with a toddler

[dojo]

So its looking likely I will be in Alpe D'huez region next summer. I can and would get a pass from the good lady wife to head out and do an occasional ride but given we will have a 4 year old and a new born in tow I understandably can't get out as much as I would in a non child world!

I was thinking if I could take the 4 year old out with me then it makes my powers of negotiation far greater... "we're just popping out to get a baguette" The fact I had to ride over the Galibier is a minor detail!

But here is the problem. How do I get this chunky monkey 4 year old over the mountain. A tag along is no good cause the descent would be terrifying! The rear seat might be able to take her but she is a bit old? Also IME its pretty hard to get out of the saddle with a rear seat as it starts fishtailing?!

Maybe one of those shotgun seats??

Or am I just going to have to look longingly at these amazing climbs from afar??

[ukbabz]

An e-bike?! The thought of galibier with a 4 year old with an extra 20-30kg sounds like a glutton!

[outnumbered]

Doing an alpine descent with a small child attached to the bike, in whatever way, seems not very sensible.

I'd suggest you just plan to go out on your own...

[Japveesix]

outnumbered said:

Doing an alpine descent with a small child attached to the bike, in whatever way, seems not very sensible.

I'd suggest you just plan to go out on your own...

Agree with this.

I'm all for getting kids out in the open air and having new experiences. But making a 4 year old do high speed, steep, dangerous and long Alpine climbs/descents purely for your own selfish benefit seems a bit mean.

Maybe someone else will come along who's done similar and their 4 year old loves it etc but I'm not convinced.

[dojo]

Japveesix said:

Agree with this.

I'm all for getting kids out in the open air and having new experiences. But making a 4 year old do high speed, steep, dangerous and long Alpine climbs/descents purely for your own selfish benefit seems a bit mean.

Maybe someone else will come along who's done similar and their 4 year old loves it etc but I'm not convinced.

This is prob a fair point. I doubt my Mrs would allow it anyway - having written it down and read it back!!
I guess a couple of super early alarms and out for sunrise and I'll be back with a baguette for breakfast anyway!

Edited by dojo on Tuesday 15th November 15:41

[wattsm666]

Look at going up and out the back of Alp D’Huez past the airfield. La serene, another climb to consider.

[mcelliott]

Roads are super busy around the Alps in the summer, especially with buses and coaches, wouldn't dream of taking 4yr old out onto the roads