Cycling Sisters

I ride my bike year round, almost always with my 3 kids in tow. This is what I typically carry in my trailer during the summer months:

•2-3 lightweight jackets (rolled up with hair elastics)--one is mine, the other two are windbreakers sized so that the red coat fits Katie (age 6) AND Gen (almost 3), the yellow fits Will (8) and Katie.

•Assorted hi-visibility safety vests.

•An extra taillight blinkie and an ankle strap.

•Two first aid kits--one in a small can that holds bandaids,gauze, mini-alcohol pads, antibiotic ointment, and tweezers. The other is a bag which holds things for a long journey--Motrin, antihistimine, baby Tylenol, gauze and gauze tape, giant bandaids. I have the can on me at all times, while I add the ziploc first aid kit when we are planning on being out for the whole day.

•Sand toys--assorted diggers, sifters, castle molds, etc., plus a frisbee.

•Bag o' swimsuits and three *old* towels.

•Foxtail throwing toy/game.

•Support pillow (for napping kidlets). This has a weird, fringy fabric that resists stains in an amazing way.

•Two locks--one heavy cable, one U-lock.

•Several bungie cords of different lengths. I use these all the time. They are great for looping grocery bags if you make a stop at the store on the way home. This way you won't have food rolling around the floor of the trailer. They can also be used for strapping things onto the trailer. I have made some amazing finds on the curb on garbage day... my trusty trailer has hauled them all back home (kids' bikes, lawn chairs, a red tricycle, and one time a book shelf!)

•Water bottle and snacks (long term snacks are a good choice so that you always have them on hand... we like Goldfish crackers, fruit leather, granola bars, etc). I typically throw in some fruit and/or sandwiches before we head out on a journey.

•sunscreen (and sometimes bug spray). I have two different types that I'm carrying this year. One uses zinc oxide and is very durable; it has a bonus in that it can hang from a carabiner.The other is a spray-on type that I like for the sheer convenience; No need to wash your hands after applying it.

•Small portable fan. Sometimes the trailer gets hot if it's in the sun (even with the windows open). This just adds a bit more cooling power. (note: it looks like a green iPod in the pictures.)

•Folding diaper bag--this is the best thing since sliced bread. It holds 3-4 diapers/pullups/swim diapers, a travel box of wipes (refillable) and some sample sizes of butt cream. The whole thing folds up sort of like an envelope, with the container becoming the changing pad. It has a velcro strap that allows you to hang it off a stroller or bike trailer. Brilliant!

I also have two grocery bag panniers that I use with regularity. These are awesome for carrying groceries (obviously), but we also use them to add to the collection of goodies that we haul.

•We sometimes add a folding picnic blanket, and a small folding cooler for when we decide to do a picnic on the lake. The cooler was a freebie from a fundraiser. It's about 8"x8"x 7"--perfect for drinks or sandwiches.

Things to keep in mind...

1. Pack soft things next to your child so they aren't being poked by your bike lock or that sand shovel.

2. Weight really isn't that big of an issue when you pull a trailer, unless you are going to be doing a lot of climbing. Don't worry about bringing the extra towel or blanket if you think you'll use it.

3. Headwinds are *brutal* if you have a trailer. The new Trek Doodlebug is designed to have better wind-resistance; most regular trailers don't. (Note: the Doodlebug doesn't have much storage, though... it's a trade-off).

4. Remember that is takes longer to start and stop when towing.

5. Always downshift before you come to a full stop, otherwise you will really struggle to get going again. Towing is brutal on the knees if you don't use your gears! If you have them, make use of them.