Metzler

You're a bicyclist. You're going on a road trip. Do you leave your bike behind or do you take it with you?

Obviously, you take it with you!

I don't need to tell you of the joys of biking. It's good exercise, you get places a lot faster than if you were jogging, and you can see all the beautiful scenery across this great country.

So what's stopping you from bringing your bike with you?

Space considerations? If you've got all your luggage in your trunk there's no room for your bike.

The hassle? Even if there is room in your trunk for your bike, you might have to take the wheel off to get it to fit, and be worried about scratching the car to boot.

The solution is the car bike rack. There's two main kinds - one that fits on the roof of the car and one that is rear mounted. You'll have to decide which type would best suit your needs.

Don't want to invest in the cost of a bike rack? Well, think about it. Maintaining your health on the road is an important consideration - there's hidden health costs factored in right there! You'll probably be able to rent a bike at your destination but there's the cost of the rental - and frankly the bike itself will not be of the highest quality.

There's such a thing as serendipity. You may be visiting a place that you're unfamiliar with, so you won't think to bring your bike. You arrive and find out that there is some great scenery to be seen - a park, a trail, or something! - and you without your bicycle. So make a habit of taking your bike with you everywhere, and because you have a bike carrier, it couldn't be easier.

Family Fun With a Bicycle

If you have young children, the time to get them interested in biking is now.

Children in this country simply do not get enough exercise. They spend too much time sitting around watching television or playing video games. (On the other hand, if they're reading books - don't bother them - let them read!) If they're outside, they're putzing around practicing skateboard tricks with their friends, and not getting any exercise at all.

A great many children also don't get to spend enough time with their parents. "They grow up so fast," is a constant refrain. Instill in your kids a love of exercise early and a good relationship with you. Spend time together by biking - you'll be getting exercise, you'll be sharing experiences, you'll have memories to last you for the rest of your life, and so will your children.

And that brings us back to the bike carrier. Each child has to have their own bike, and mom and dad have to have their own bike, and they all need to be brought along on your trips. So pick up that bike carrier, and get out and start having fun.

Andrew Caxton is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics like bicycle carriers and http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . For additional information regarding bicycle carriers or cycling accessories go to car bike rack