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Part of healthy parenting (and maintaining sanity) is taking scheduled breaks from being with your kids. Some parents fantasize about escaping in a soothing bubble bath, exclaiming, “Calgon, take me away!” I had a different strategy when my sons were little. A couple times each week, I would attach my Burley® trailer to my bike, strap on my bike helmet, buckle the boys into their helmets and seats, and off we’d go. Even though I had my sons in tow, I still had a sense of freedom for the hour or so that we would ride.

 I still enjoy that sense of freedom every time I go for a ride. Sometimes my sons even join me although now it’s sometimes a challenge for me to keep up as they race down the trails.

Regardless of whether I’m biking solo or with my family, riding up the street or several miles, being prepared and riding safely is a must. Safety measures include wearing a well-fitting helmet and reflective clothing, close-toed shoes, sunglasses and sun block. Since many trails lead through natural settings away from shopping and amenities, it also is a good idea to take along plenty of water, healthy snacks, insect repellant, a small first-aid kit, flat-repair kit and basic bike tools.

Here are some of the many trails in northern Colorado from which to choose when setting off on a two-wheeled adventure.

Estes Park
The four-mile trail that winds around Lake Estes provides an easy, but beautiful ride. Elk enjoy the trail, too, and often provide obstacles around which you have to maneuver making a ride around the water’s edge even more exciting. If you don’t want to take your own bicycle to Estes, the Lake Estes Marina rents many styles of bikes, plus child trailers and tag-a-longs. Contact the marina by calling 970-586-2011 or find rental information online at www.estesvalleyrecreation.com/marina-rates.html.

Fort Collins
The 30+ miles of paved trails, including those that wind along the Poudre River and Spring Creek, are part of why Fort Collins is recognized as a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Travel these trails and enjoy many sights, sounds and wildlife, including beautiful gardens, rushing water, ducks, geese, swans and fox. (Visit the City of Fort Collins Web site for up-to-date trail information at www.fcgov.com/bicycling.)

As in Estes Park, you do not have to own a bicycle to enjoy cruising on Fort Collins’ trails; you can borrow one from the Fort Collins Bicycle Library, located in Old Town. The library’s bikes, bike trailers and tag-a-longs are available for use, free of charge, for as short as one hour or as long as five days. Call 970-419-1050 or visit www.FCBikeLibrary.org to learn more.

Greeley/Windsor/Evans
Greeley recently received an honorable mention from the LAB for being “Bicycle Friendly.” Part of this honor is due to Greeley’s 20+-mile Poudre River Trail system of paved paths that follow the Poudre River through Greeley and Windsor to the Larimer County line. Along the trail is the Poudre River Learning Center where you can learn about the area’s wetland habitat and ecosystems. The trail also courses by geologically interesting 50-60-foot cliffs carved by the river over millions of years and the site of a U.S. Army Prisoner of War Camp used during World War II. Visit the trail’s Web site contains much more information about what you will find along its way (www.poudretrail.org/index.html) or call 970-336-4044 for more information.

In nearby Evans, the Riverside Park includes a three-mile trail that follows the South Platte River. The Cities of Greeley and Evans are studying ways to connect this trail with the Poudre Trail at the Island Grove Regional Park.

Loveland
More than 15 miles of scenic trail gently winds through Loveland, from Boyd Lake State Park to the Big Thompson River. You will enjoy cruising through wide-open meadows, downtown Loveland and along peaceful waterways. For more information about bicycling in Loveland, call the Loveland Bike/Ped Facilities at 970-962-2647 or Loveland Parks & Recreation at 970-962-2727, or visit www.ci.loveland.co.us/PublicWorks/Traffic/BikePedestrian.htm.