Introducing Family and Friends to the Outdoors by Jim Sutherland

Introducing your family and friends to the outdoors can be one of the most rewarding things you might ever do!  However, it does come with a huge responsibility for their safety, health, and well-being.  Although I work a season each year as a bike guide this piece is not written from an intentional guiding/instructing/leading perspective.  Instead, what I hope it does is to inspire the reader to share their love of the outdoors with others and help make it a safe, fun, and successful experience.  

Start with simple short walks and hikes

When things are a little slow around the house with your visitors sometimes one of the best things you can do is get out for a simple, short walk.  One example is persuading my parents to head out after having had lunch.  Not far.  Perhaps a mile or so.  Learn to take your time here!  Also be aware that some folk are not that comfortable walking, talking, and looking around unless it is on a smooth level surface.  If you can make a short walk an enjoyable and memorable part of what happens when family or friends visit then they will be more likely to take the next step and go for an easy hike the next time.

Before introducing family or friends to an easy hike explain to them truthfully how difficult it will be, how far it is, how much elevation there will be, and how they will need to dress or be equipped.  By reducing unwanted surprises you will increase the chances of everyone enjoying themselves - even you!

If possible, have a goal for the hike, not necessarily a peak or distance.  Instead, the goal might be to reach that bend in the trail where a spectacular view is revealed or to find a particular tree with comfortable roots to sit on while having a picnic.  A tasty, satisfying, and healthy picnic can transform a short outing into an unforgettable experience.  Sandwiches made with locally baked bread and freshly pressed coffee never fail when I am guiding guests, and it is also a winner when out and about with family and friends.  It also leads easily to discussions about diet, healthy lifestyles, and well-being.

Overnighters

For the last four years or so I have organized and led a grassroots weekend bikepacking trip that starts and finishes in our village.  I have witnessed with pride how this has challenged folk, given them more confidence in the outdoors, and helped form new friendships.

The important parts of this trip are:

• Choose a date in spring when weather and daylight hours are improving.  

• Choose a route that is achievable by everyone, including those who have never ridden a loaded bike before.  Say around 20 miles on easy, open trails with harder options if folks are going well.

• Provide riders with any kit they might not have, such as bike luggage, tents/shelters, and camp gear.  

As a Six Moon Designs ambassador and bike guide, I already have a lot of extra gear that I can loan out. Of course, other options are to borrow from friends or visit local charity shops. Importantly, do not get hung up about using pre-loved, vintage equipment. In fact, this can create a certain element of panache and kudos. Just check out the photo of my brother-in-law on an old 26-inch bike!

• Make the camping and overnight part the main focus.  Choose a comfortable well serviced campground.

This way folks know they are going to be able to get their tent/shelter pitched on an open, level site.  Then they can get changed and shower.  If the campground has pots, pans, and cutlery there is less to carry too.  Folk new to riding and camping can show their cooking skills by bringing their favorite meal to share.  This makes what might have been a very unknown experience for them into one that has some familiarity and the chance to share other skills with the group.

• Fire Pits can create a cozy space to socialize after dinner.

Not a lot of explanation is needed here.  Just make sure you have enough beverages!

Other more demanding stuff like trail runs and night rides

Over the years I have seen some friends try to get family, friends, or those under their ‘leadership’ out on adventures way, way beyond everyone’s skill level and desire.  I too can think of one or two bike rides I should not have made happen.  I can also still vividly remember capsizing, not being rescued properly and only just making it to shore after a friend ‘who knew what he was doing’ clearly didn’t when he took me sea kayaking for the first time ever.

So once you start introducing family and friends to the more demanding stuff check a few things out first.  Is the person you are taking out fit and healthy enough?  Can the route be shortened if need be?  Will the terrain be alright for them?  Not too rocky, icy, or steep.

I am pretty sure that I got it right with one of my brothers-in-law this Christmas when we went for a trail run.  Although recovering from a collapsed lung around a year ago the two of us had a lovely run in the forest.  We were able to walk a couple of sections when needed but still have fun in one another's company in some beautiful trees, trails, and small hills.  Two days later I took him night biking for the first time ever.  Because we had got it right on the trail run, he trusted me and was totally up for a night ride but genuinely did not know what to expect.  Before heading out I carefully explained what it would be like on the trails, and what sort of conditions we might encounter in the depths of winter.  Before leaving we made sure to each have spare warm layers, spare lights, and the means to repair bikes or one of us getting damaged!

Our ride was magical and once again I remembered how lucky I am to live in the biggest sweet shop in the World.

Wrap up

So, there you have a few words on what I believe is important when introducing family and friends to the outdoors.  Just remember to keep it simple, have a purpose, and make it fun.  Keep the epics for when you are out with those who can handle epics!

Get it right and you could share unforgettable experiences and show someone new paths to follow.