first ride with the kids complete - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

chadlyt · 12-17-2007, 09:30 AM

well, its done. I rode with my wife on Saturday (it's really her first time riding solo) and it went off without a hitch. So we loaded the kids up on Sunday and took off on a short ride. We planned to run to a town about 10 miles away and turn around.

We decided not to wear the harness that keeps the kids close and "buckled in" to us. Everything was great for my wife. She had our 3 year old and had no problems with him at all. He was all for it. The only problem she had was he decided to take a nap and ended up holding him while sledding. duh on my part for suggesting we try without the harnesses first.

My ride was "OK" my daughter thought it was "fun" when we clanked helmets. I didn't. I'm not sure how to fix that one other than she'll have to learn to move her head from side to side as we turn or she'll end up riding behind me on a 2-up sled pretty darn quick. drove me freaking nuts....

All in all, i put on about 120 miles on my sled this weekend and my wife put on 50. The weather was nice at 15 degrees and NO wind, which around here is optimal seeing we have a lot of open cornfields to ride through. The Kids really enjoyed themselves and we had no complaints. I think our decision to get the kids involved early was key. Oh yea, we pulled off halfway through for some hot chocolate i was carrying with us. that was a hit.

I'm open to suggestions on how to prevent helmet clanking. I understand riding with kids in front has is obvious disadvantages, but my daughter is a bit too young to be riding behind me and I'm not up for shopping for a 2up until next year...

Jaded · 12-17-2007, 12:46 PM

That is so cool to hear stories like that. Brings back memories of goin out with my 2 sons and them falling asleep. I personally believe this is one of the best activities you can get your kids involved in. Keeps them involved with their parents and havin fun with Mom and Dad. It happens all too soon that they become teens and don't want anything to do with you. Too many families out there never get to experience days like you just described and that's so sad. When they get to school age it's good to get out with th wife for the day too.

PS: Take pictures!

kccats · 12-17-2007, 09:58 PM

I have an add on second seat (HPE) it straps on like a tank bag and stays put very well! The other thing I did is take a pair of hand grips (or D handles) and bolt them together to make a hand grip for around your waist!
Congrats and good luck!

SnowBunny550 · 12-17-2007, 10:44 PM

Great stories!! I may have to steal your hot chocolate idea for when we're out riding. I'm hoping for photos from you from the next Chadlyt Family Outing!