{"id":48920,"date":"2022-05-27T09:17:35","date_gmt":"2022-05-26T23:47:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=48920"},"modified":"2022-11-09T10:58:22","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T00:28:22","slug":"blog-mtb-derby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/blog-mtb-derby\/","title":{"rendered":"Tassie MTB Trails with Kids – Derby (Pyemmairrener\/Northeast Tasmania)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In my last blog<\/a>, I wrote about our family\u2019s experience riding the MTB trails of Tassie\u2019s West Coast in the town of Zeehan \u2013 where enjoyment levels across our group varied according to ability!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the West Coast, we set our sights eastward to Derby for a very different experience. Before we get started though, a gear guide may be helpful for those either new to MTB, or considering giving it a go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After the West Coast, we set our sights eastward to Derby for a very different experience<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transporting Your Bikes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Transporting bikes to the trails (because sadly, they\u2019re not always parked on your doorstep!) will require some kind of bike rack. There are all sorts out there, but it really depends on what works for your car, how many bikes you own, and what arrangement you prefer (e.g. tow-ball, or roof racks). We have a four-bike carrier that attaches to the tow-ball, which is easy to load and secure with straps \u2013 though take care to ensure the bikes don\u2019t rub on each other and cause damage. As our children get bigger, and their bikes with them, it is now more difficult to fit all four together (see below) \u2013 so we\u2019re looking to replace our bike rack with a vertical design. This still sits on the tow-ball but is even easier to load, and the bikes don\u2019t touch each other at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Three<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As our children get bigger, and their bikes with them, it is now more difficult to fit all four together<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bike Security<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At times, you will need to leave your bikes unsupervised on the car \u2013 so bike security is important if you want them to still be there when you return! Always pack a bike lock or two (more can\u2019t hurt!), as they\u2019ll also come in handy if your accommodation doesn\u2019t provide secure storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018What about the actual bike and stuff?\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I hear you! I\u2019m no brand expert, but I would strongly suggest researching reputable MTB brands. You don\u2019t need to spend a bomb to get a quality bike, though I would not recommend taking one onto the trails from a \u201cbig-box\u201d department store without any specialisation in bikes. In terms of suspension, three of us have hard-tail bikes (with front suspension only), and that suits our level just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When buying kids\u2019 bikes, please don\u2019t be tempted to buy one that is too big for them so that they\u2019ll \u201cgrow into it\u201d. If they are still building their skills, a large bike will be harder for them to control. Kids need to feel confident in their ability to brake in a hurry, and a large bike will have them straining to reach and apply the brakes comfortably. Typically, bikes are bought as a surprise gift \u2013 but it can be worth taking them along to a bike store to be fitted instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replacing bikes for growing children is expensive, so a better option is to buy second-hand. If you know what you\u2019re looking for, you can snap up a great ride and do your bit for the environment. We found a great ride for our eldest \u2013 barely used \u2013 which has lasted him for years before it was eventually passed on to the youngest. One reason why it\u2019s holding up so well is regular servicing, which is just as important for the longevity of your bike as it is for your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our essentials when heading out include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n