Last week i had the privilege of guiding 12-15yr old kids on their first bike tour ever. What a blast.

The story starts 2 years ago when i met the Anne-Marie, the founder of Ca Roule Pour Moi out of Montreal. I was touring in the Eastern Townships with friends and she was leading a tour of her own. She told me about her not for profit geared at getting kids bike touring. I asked if i could guide a trip and the rest is history.

We spent seven days cycling through parts of the 5000 km Route Verte here in Quebec. Everyone carried their own personal gear, as well as food and other supplies.

Itinerary

Day 1: Camping at the infamous sugar shack, Erablière Charbonneau

Day 2: Glamping at Park Yamaska

Day 3/4: Team building at Jouvence retreat center

Day 5: Living large at the stylish Beatnic Hotel

Day 6: Poutine and swimming at the Auberge Harris

The Montessori Kids

It was pretty cute to hear all the kids talk about their anxieties before the trip and  each day. When we'd stop for a break, you'd often hear someone say...."but i'm just getting into it. Do we have to stop?" Together we faced thunderstorms, bobos, bike repair, racoons, fire, singing and so much more.

35 Strata Montessori kids, ages 12-15, took a bus down from Ancaster, Ontario to meet us for the trip. The kids basically took us on a bike tour. In line with the philosophies of both Ca Roule Pour Moi and Montessori, the kids did all the meal planning, buying of food, cooking and cleaning. Gourmet to say the least. The four teachers that run the school also came along for the ride.....no doubt to sample all the great food. It was a great opportunity to learn more about their teaching philosophies of empowerment through independence and the joy of discovery. That's the way it should be. 

Quebec Bike Tours for Kids

Ca Roule Pour Moi and their sister company Two Wheel View run bike trips for both adults and kids, all over the world. They pepper the experiences with team building exercises, appreciation and the great outdoors. It's almost like a summer camp for kids, but something you could do with your whole family. I hope to guide with them again in the future and highly recommend getting you and yours out to do some bike touring and spend some quality time. If you've never done it before or don't have the equipment, a guided tour like this a turnkey way to get up to speed. They supplied everything you'd need to do a trip like this.

Canoe Tripping on Wheels

Growing up at summer camps, we used to do a lot of Canoe tripping. Everyone loves it. Bike touring is very similar, except you don't have to pack all your food and you get way more exercise. It's a similar pace, so you can really take in the natural surroundings and spend time chatting at a relaxed pace. Although i love canoeing, I think bike touring is a lot more accessible for people. Giver!

YES!

Yes, of course kids can go bike touring. Our bodies are made to do this type of excercise and even young kids can handle it. Leave the Netlfix at home and gift them with the experience of a life time. Touring companies exsist all over the world and are an easy way to get started. 

Ride Safe.