A family of five is gearing up for what will be their longest bike trip ever as they plan to bike Vancouver Island.
And the Carters will be doing it in a bit of an unusual style, convoying in two three-piece bike set-ups.
Despite some hiccups bound to be on the horizon, this down-to-earth, active family say they’re used to the outdoors and plan to take each day as it comes.
The idea has been stewing with this family for a while and parents Karen and Travis say their children, 10-year-old Aiden, 6-year-old Seth and 4-year-old Ben, have been asking daily when they will be able to ride their bikes all day - every day.
The Carters left on their 30-day bike adventure June 10, taking the ferry from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy. From there they plan to mobilize their bikes and make the 441 km trek to Duncan – travelling at a pace of around 50 km per day.
“It’s a bit of an unknown,” said Travis, although he explains the family is not new to self-sufficient trips, having spent lots of time in the outback.
“Having done big trips before we know it’s going to be a work in progress,” he explained.
They plan to visit friends in Duncan before heading on another 58 km to Victoria and then back another 217 km up to Courtney.
If possible in Courtney, the Carters plan to take the bus back to the ferry at Port Hardy but are not certain if they will get on the bus with all of their gear.
“If they can’t (fit the family on the bus) then we will leave a few days early and bike (to the ferry at Port Hardy),” Travis said.
The connected bikes will work like this: Mom Karen will pull Seth and Ben. Travis will be riding with Aiden behind him, and a small bob trailer which will hold camping gear like sleeping bags, pads and a tent.
“It’s a labour of love, dragging the children around,” Karen laughed, explaining they expect it to be difficult at times but they plan to take things slowly and enjoy their vacation.
“We’re trying to think of it like we’re tourists,” Karen said, adding the only difference is they will be using bikes to get around.
Travis said travelling with children is always a busy experience and even if they are not on the bikes, the family is guaranteed to be up to something active.
The couple said part of this vacation is wanting to teach their children that they can do amazing things such as a 30-day bike adventure – provided they plan ahead.