Happy holidays all! Instead of celebrating Christmas, I celebrate the holidays. As we wind up for the year, my thoughts turn to ‘t(r)ail’ holidays and riding bikes with four-legged friends. The December break is a wonderful time to get out and visit your favourite trails and explore new ones. Riding mountain bike trails with your dog is one of the most enjoyable things you can do. To whet your whistle, here’s an offering from Kona which introduces Rosco the mature trail dog and his MTB owner Lacy. This short video puts together all the best things about MTBing with furry friends – and more. Enjoy! NG.
The company of dogs when MTBing is the best feeling in the world. They love to explore new places and meet new people – and they ALWAYS love being on trail.
I’m a BIG fan of bikes and dogs. I’ve previously shared stories like:
- Xiaosa – the intrepid Chinese dog
- A Dog’s Tale – celebrating mountain bike trail dogs
- #Bikes_CISTA #50: John, Diesel, Roxy & Bike
- Ian Cheng’s World to Live: Bikey, dogs & jdioqwdjv
- Paws & Wheels always make it better
- Ruby the trail dog
When you ride with a dog, you are never alone. You always have someone to keep you company and make you laugh.
Dogs are also great motivators. They always want to go faster and harder than you do, which can push you to ride at your best.
Plus, there’s nothing like the feeling of cruising through the woods with your best buddy by your side.
I love riding with my 11-year-old trail dog Zoe. Zoe is a fit and keen kelpie who loves the outdoors and we have had many happy trail adventures together.
Recently I saw this short video (below) by Kona. Kona is an American bike manufacturing company so it makes sense they would promote themselves as gender-inclusive, exciting, and approachable for a range of riders.
Rosco is a nearly retired trail dog. At 11 years old, he’s still got plenty of spunk, but these days he prefers to lounge at home while his human counterpart hits the trails – but not always! Lacy started riding mountain bikes with her dog Rosco as soon as she got him, and the two have been shredding together ever since.
These days when they ride together, they do 30mins ‘old-man laps’ so Rosco can still get his paws dirty.
They take it slow because Rosco needs a few rests along the way – awww bless!
I agree with Lacy that you always learn new lines following your dog.
As an avid night rider – I loved seeing Lacy shed in the evenings, although we don’t get snow where I live, so seeing that was next level for me.
Lacy likes snowy night rides because its ‘like riding sugar’ and its where ‘shadows pop’.
Most riders can relate to Lacy’s sentiment when she says:
‘I feel weird, I don’t feel whole if I don’t get out on my bike.’
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time rider, we all feel the joy of riding mountain bikes with dogs. And if you haven’t managed to do this recently, this video will help until you do!
So next time you hit the trails, be sure to bring your furry friend along for the ride.
Happy Holidays all!