There is no doubt that cycling is an addictive sport. While in other disciplines, such as football or basketball, a couple of matches per week may be enough, for cycling enthusiasts—whether with mountain bikes or road bikes—it takes three or four rides a week to really feel in shape. This means dedicating between 7 and 10 hours a week to pedaling, a key factor when there are young children at home.
If you were already a cyclist before becoming a parent, you know how complicated it can be to find time to go out without neglecting your family responsibilities. And if you are about to have your first child and wonder how to keep enjoying cycling without giving up your role as a parent, this article will give you some practical tips.
The three pillars for continuing to practice cycling after parenthood
To understand how to balance cycling and parenthood, first let’s remember the three key factors every cyclist needs:
✔️ Time: Each ride takes several hours, whether for a long road cycling route or a technical MTB session.
✔️ Economic resources: From buying and maintaining a mountain bike or road bike, to gear and accessories.
✔️ Capacity for sacrifice: It won’t always be easy to find the motivation to go out after sleepless nights or exhausting days.
How to manage your time to keep going out cycling
A regular cyclist usually spreads their training across two rides during the week and one longer one on the weekend. But when children arrive, this routine changes drastically.
💡 Tips to optimize your time:
✔️ Take advantage of the early hours of the day: Going out at dawn with your road bike is an excellent way to train without affecting family dynamics.
✔️ Indoor trainer at home: If time is limited, a 30 to 60 minute trainer session will help you stay in shape.
✔️ Optimize short rides: If you only have one or two hours, use your MTB on challenging terrain or do high-intensity intervals on the road.
✔️ Take advantage of the kids' free time: Daycares, school, extracurricular activities, or the park with grandparents are key moments to train.
Every family has its own schedules and dynamics. The key is to adapt to each circumstance without giving up cycling.
How to manage money without giving up cycling
Parenthood brings new expenses: daycare, diapers, vaccines, clothes... but that doesn't mean you have to stop investing in your passion.
💡 Tips to optimize your cycling budget:
✔️ Buy refurbished second-hand bikes: Save money without sacrificing quality.
✔️ Take care of your bike's maintenance: If you don't use it as much, you'll need fewer check-ups.
✔️ Plan your expenses well: If you're planning to change your mountain bike or road bike, do it before your child is born or wait until your finances stabilize.
✔️ Avoid unnecessary spending on equipment: Use clothing and accessories from previous seasons.
The key is to keep your bike in good condition without cycling becoming a financial burden.
The capacity for sacrifice: the decisive factor
It's not easy to go out and train after a sleepless night or when you're exhausted. But, if cycling is part of your life, you'll always find a way to keep pedaling.
🔹 Accept that there will be changes: Maybe you can't do 5-hour rides on Sundays, but you can take advantage of strategic moments.
🔹 Find motivation in every ride: Even if it's a short route with your MTB or a roller session at home.
🔹 Introduce your family to cycling: A bike ride with your child is also a way to keep the passion alive.
Yes, you can be a parent and keep enjoying cycling
The key is to get organized, optimize your time, and adjust your priorities. Whether it's on a mountain bike exploring trails or on a road bike riding over legendary passes, you'll keep finding moments to enjoy cycling.