In this episode of Let’s Go Outside, I chat with Eleanor about what it’s like to live on a sailboat with kids and how her family brings little ones along on epic bikepacking adventures. We dive deep into how to plan an international bike trip—especially if you’re brand new to it (like me!) —and go through all the different gear and systems that make riding with kids doable (and fun!). From front seats to tow ropes to tandem setups, Eleanor breaks it all down. She also shares how their sailboat welcomes other families aboard—so if you’ve ever dreamed of exploring French Polynesia, you’ll want to hear this. It’s a super practical and inspiring episode.
Places Eleanor mentioned:
Baja Divide
The great divide, the continental divide USA
Silk Mountain Road Race
Mongolia
Kyrgyzstan
Systems for Biking with Kids:
Front seat
Back seat
Shot Gun Seat: https://amzn.to/3RYJn89
Mac Ride: https://ca.mac-ride.com/
Two train single wheel
Tow rope: https://amzn.to/4jE3LHD
Bike trip resources:
Offline map: https://mapout.app/
For weather systems: https://www.windy.com/
Couch Surfing for bike packers: https://www.warmshowers.org/
US bikepacking trips:
https://www.adventurecycling.org/
Europe bike trips use: bikepacking, Italy tourism, and google/blogs
https://bikepacking.com/?s=Italy
Connect with Eleanor:
Website (sailing adventures!): https://designedtoexplore.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedtoexplore/
Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/
Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/
Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain
Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain
Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com
Codes & promo:
Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off
Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook