What is bikejoring?

Like other dryland disciplines, dog bikejoring originated from winter riding sports. Competitive dogs needed to keep fit and exercise even in the summer. This is how snowless sports with a pet appeared.

The main difference between bikejoring and other disciplines is that the dog pulls the athlete who rides the bike.

How are the competitions going?

• Races are held on rough terrain, teams move on a dirt road or on a track with a special surface;

• The distance is from 3 to 10 km, but sometimes there are longer routes;

• The racer can only control the dog with voice commands, physical contact is prohibited;

• A cyclist cannot overtake a dog. With the exception of downhill sections, the animal must always be in front;

• The team that reaches the finish line first wins the race.

Sports Equipment

Special attention in bikejoring classes is paid to sports equipment, because this is one of the key components of the team’s success. What is needed for classes?

• A bike. This is the most important piece of sports equipment in bikejoring. As a rule, riders choose mountain models. But, if you are planning simple training with your pet and are not going to participate in competitions, any model will do;

• Belt. The racer wears a special wide belt to which the pull is attached;

• Helmet. An obligatory part of the athlete’s equipment, on which it is advisable not to save. It is recommended to choose lightweight ventilated models that provide protection from insects and dust;

• Shock absorber train. This is the cord that connects the cyclist and the dog. It attaches to the bike or to the rider’s belt. Its stretched length is 2,5–3 m;

• Glasses and gloves. They are not mandatory, but experts advise getting them, as this provides protection from dirt, sun and insects.

Who can participate?

As with other dryland disciplines, there are no breed restrictions in bikejoring. Both representatives of sledding breeds, such as huskies, malamutes or huskies, as well as mestizos, and even outbred animals can participate. The main thing is the desire and passion of the dog.

But only dogs with pedigrees recognized by the RKF and FCI can claim titles.

There are certain requirements for the age of the dog: it must be at least 18 months old. There are also veterinary requirements that prohibit aggressive animals, pregnant and lactating dogs from participating in competitions.

For racers there is only an age limit: the athlete must be over 14 years old.

How to start training?

No matter how funny it may sound, but first of all, an athlete needs to learn how to ride a bike well: manage it, stay in the saddle, feel it – in a word, get used to the vehicle.

Dog training should be approached gradually. At first, they simply walk with the ward, fastening the animal to their belt. Then they learn commands and learn to control the pet with just one voice. Once the dog and handler are ready, the real bikejoring training begins.

If you have little experience and this is the first pet you would like to compete with, you will need professional help. It is impossible to do without the recommendations of a canine trainer, because joint sports with a dog are not just entertainment, but also serious work.

March 20 2018

Updated: 23 March 2018