When the plans for our trip were still just in the dreaming stages, I searched far and wide on travel blogs and touring websites, hunting down other cycling families to get a window into what life on the road with kids might be like. Of the few I found, one of them was the Fischs. Swiss tourists Rebekka and Florian had just completed a cross-Canada tour when they became pregnant with their son Chan. A few years later, the three of them continued their journey from Vancouver, heading south down the coast in the same manor we are now, eventually reaching the southernmost tip of Argentina. Chan grew up on the road, riding in a trailer and later on his own bike alongside his parents. This family truly inspired us – showing that long-distance bike travel with a toddler was possible, and could be an enriching experience for the whole family. They really are one of the reasons we are on the road today!

After finishing their trip, the Fischs settled back in Vancouver and welcomed a second child, Anuk, into their family – and it is there that we were fortunate enough to catch up with them. Somehow all eight of us were all able to squeeze into their downtown apartment for an evening of playtime and storytelling. We had so many questions for them about the areas ahead of us – hearing about Mexico and Central America from the perspective of another family who had cycled there was a real blessing. Eden and Harper had a great time with Chan and Anuk – it was beautiful to see these little world travelers relate and play together.

…continue reading this post »