🚲 When there’s no snow, the sled dogs simply upgrade their musher to a bicycle.
It was a pleasure to film a bikejoring session with Benjamin Boucher, who ran the 2024 Yukon Quest, and his two dogs, Gipsy and Suka!
Bikejoring is a dryland sport where one or more dogs run in front of a bike, connected by a pulling line. It may look like the dogs are taking the human for a very fast walk, and honestly, that is not entirely wrong, but it is also valuable training!
Bikejoring helps dogs and mushers practise:
🐾 Directional commands such as gee, haw, easy and whoa
🐾 Communication, focus and teamwork
🐾 Safe passing and trail manners
🐾 Physical conditioning before the snow arrives
🐾 Confidence and excitement for the upcoming season
Why does the Yukon Quest care about side sports such as bikejoring, canicross, hiking and skijoring?
Because dog care and training do not begin when the snow falls. Sled dogs are year-round athletes, and responsible training keeps them active, mentally stimulated and connected to their musher. Distances, speed and temperature must always be adapted to each dog’s age, health and fitness.
The bicycle may replace the sled for the summer, but the teamwork remains exactly the same.
And remember: Gipsy and Suka know where they are going. Benjamin is mostly there to provide snacks and use the brakes. 😅Have you ever tried bikejoring with your dog?
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