Our Summer in the Alps
Summer in the Alps by Bike? A Wonderful Idea!
Our marketing manager Till put the plan into action. With his wife, their two children (ages 2 and 5), the family dog, and their two i:SY models, they hit the road.
For two weeks, they were almost exclusively on their bikes. How they managed it, the challenges they faced, and why this holiday became unforgettable will be shared in our very own travel report.
2 Adults, 2 Small Children, an Older Dog – and Two i:SY Bikes with Trailers for All. Sounds like a logistical challenge? It was. But above all, it was one of our most beautiful family vacations yet.
Amidst the impressive Swiss Alps, we redefined mobility and rediscovered freedom on two wheels – with our children, dog, and plenty of fun.
2 i:SY - Freedom for 5
With our two i:SY bikes (E5 ZR F CX in opal green and N3.8 ZR B in urban blue), we cycled about 250 kilometers – up and down hills, through valleys, over pastures, and past crystal-clear mountain lakes and hidden streams. Instead of tourist hotspots, we discovered peaceful paths, lonely picnic spots, and playgrounds with panoramic views. We only got into the car twice to reach farther starting points – and even then, the real adventure began only after parking.
Hot Brake Discs and Critical Glances
Of course, there were a few challenges to overcome. Descending with the extra trailer weight of the two children (60 kg) and our dog (45 kg), we could practically see the brake pads wearing down. However, we quickly learned that with optimized braking techniques, wear could be minimized. On the flip side, there were two occasions when we had to dismount due to the high load in the back causing the front wheels to lift on extreme inclines. Thankfully, push assistance made that not much of a problem.
On some trails, we did get a few head shakes from passersby. Especially e-MTB riders wondered about our choice of routes upon seeing our setup.
Cheers on the Mountain and Charging Stations with a View
For our children, the thrilling descents were the greatest joy. The calm riding style with the trailer left no feeling of unease. During the climbs, we even experienced a Tour de France-like arrival feeling, with cheers from the roadside and from the trailer when we made it – and of course, parental pride too!
And what did the batteries say about such tours? In the valleys, there are numerous free BOSCH charging stations – usually right next to cozy huts or restaurants. Perfect for a break with a view and apple spritzer.
What Remains Is More Than Just Sore Muscles
What impressed us most was how much time we suddenly had. No stress, no tight schedules – just riding whenever we were ready. Breaks by the lake, spontaneous detours, pit stops at playgrounds – all without the large tourist crowds.
And on top of that, we saved money on transportation. That can add up quickly in Switzerland.
👉 Our Conclusion:
Biking with small children and a dog? In the mountains? Yes, it’s possible – and how!
It’s a wonderful feeling to be mobile enough to discover beautiful places without the crowds and without having to get up at the crack of dawn.
This wasn’t just a sporty holiday; it was also an unforgettable family vacation.
