Words and images by Tony Campono | Campono Creative
There’s something magical about a child’s “first.” First steps. First words. And this weekend, our son’s very first ride in the Encore X trailer.
I’ve been waiting for the right time. At just over a year old, he's curious about everything and ready to explore the world beyond our yard. So we picked a calm Saturday morning and mapped out a simple loop through our small town: a ride to the park, a stop at the coffee shop, and a cruise home along our favorite stretch of rail trail.
We started setting up the Encore X and he was very interested in what I was doing. As I assembled the trailer I showed him how the wheels and attachment works and he was eager to jump on in. He had no idea what it was, but he knew it was going to be fun. I packed a few essentials: snacks, diaper bag, his basketball and gently buckled him in. The five-point harness fit him securely and the padded interior kept him upright and comfy.
Watching him sit inside, legs excitedly kicking, wide-eyed and alert, it hit me. This wasn’t just a ride. It was his first adventure.
As we rode into the park we turned heads with the sleek look and smooth ride of the Encore X. I parked the ride and he quickly started running around thanks to how easy it is to remove him from the trailer.
We spent a little time swinging and walking around in the wood chips. He loves being in nature, touching tree bark, pointing at birds, giggling at every passing leaf. The Encore X sat nearby, blending in like it belonged. It was our base camp, his nest, our mobile home for the day.
Next stop: the coffee shop downtown. I grabbed a coffee, and we shared some blueberries on the quiet patio out front. He reached for more and more berries, babbled at strangers, and kept looking back at the trailer like, Can we go again?
That’s one of the things I love about the Encore X, people notice it. It doesn’t scream for attention, but when other parents see it, they get it. They understand it’s built for moments like these.
With the caffeine kicking in and my son already settling into the rhythm of the ride, we got back on the rail trail. It winds behind neighborhoods, through quiet woods and over old bridges. And this is where the trailer really shines.
The suspension system absorbed every bump along the gravel. The vented mesh windows kept him cool. And the whole time, I kept peeking back to see him watching the world go by: eyes wide, taking it all in. He didn’t cry once. Just smiled, pointed, and babbled the whole way.
His first ride was a success. No meltdowns. No gear hiccups. Just real connection, real discovery, and a real sense of adventure shared between father and son.
The Encore X didn’t just carry my son today, it carried us into a new chapter. One where we get to explore, learn, and grow together, one ride at a time.
For any parent wondering if it’s worth it, if they’re ready to bring their little one along here’s my answer: You don’t need a big trip. You just need a good trailer, a smooth path, and the desire to share the ride.
Whether it’s a coffee run or a cross-country tour, the first step is always the most special. And for us, this ride was the beginning of so many to come.
