Dog Sports - Bikejoring » DogHeirs | Where Dogs Are Family « Keywords: dog sports, agility, bikejoring, Cani-Cross

Bikejoring is a dryland mushing activity where a harnessed dog (or team of dogs) is attached to a towline and runs ahead of a cyclist on cross-country trails. The activity is related to skijoring, cani-cross, dog scootering.

Any breed (or mixed-breed) of dog can be used in bikejoring. However, because it it a more rigorous activity often the more popular breeds for bikejoring are large breed dogs such as Pit Bulls, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, Malamutes, Alaskan Huskies, Sled Hounds and Pointers.

Bikejoring is often a recreational activity, although there are competitive events held worldwide. Competitors are started off separately on a timer, to avoid tangles and collisions, and race around a track. Most bikejor competitions have strict rules over the age and fitness of the dogs and provide watering spots along the track.

Proper equipment and safety are a must in the sport. The dog, or dogs, are fitted with special harnesses, such as x-back harnesses, which are suitable for pulling and running in. The harnesses are normally attached to a gang line and a bungee towline, which clips to the front of the bicycle, but is never attached to the handlebars.

Many bikejorers use bayonets, antennas, or plastic pipes to suspend the towline above the front wheel safely, which prevents it from tangling between the wheel and forks of the bike. Proper equipment for the bicyclist is also necessary.

The video below shows highlights from a race that involved both bikejoring and cani-cross.