Bikejoring: What equipment do you need to bike with your dog?

The bikejoring (or bikejoring) is a canine sport that combines mountain biking and the pulling of one or two dogs.

It is a sport particularly appreciated by fast and powerful dogs that will offer you unique sensations of speed and traction as well as beautiful moments of bonding with your dog.

What equipment is needed for bikejoring?

To practice bikejoring, your dog is equipped with a pulling harness connected to your bike frame by a leash with a shock absorber. A bikejoring bar mounted on the bike keeps the leash away from the front wheel when the dog is not pulling.

The basic equipment for practicing bikejoring consists of:

• A mountain bike and safety equipment for the rider (helmet and gloves)
• A bikejoring bar mounted on the bike frame
• A pulling leash with a shock absorber 2.5 to 2.9m long
• A pulling harness suitable for your dog's morphology

Installation of the bikejoring leash Inlandsis Bikejor Pro

An enduro mountain bike a bit beefed up solely for the practice of bikejoring.

Choosing your mountain bike for bikejoring

No need for a high-end bike to enjoy cani-VTT!

To start this canine sport, the best bike is most certainly the one you already have, as long as it is in good condition and fits your size. Before you start, make sure your brakes work perfectly for safe practice.

If you want to buy a mountain bike to ride with your dog, we can give you a few tips:

• Opt for powerful hydraulic disc brakes if your dog pulls with force. They will also be more effective in wet conditions than old-generation rim brakes.
• A front suspension is essential to absorb ground shocks. Only invest in a full-suspension mountain bike, with a rear shock absorber, if you practice on very technical and rough terrains.
• For a sporty or competitive practice, look at cross-country mountain bikes, which are lighter and faster.
• For leisure practice on technical terrains, the all-mountain ranges will be more comfortable and secure.

The bikejoring bar, an essential accessory

The bikejoring bar is installed at the front of your bike and serves to keep the leash in the air when your dog is not pulling. It thus limits the risk of tangling the leash in your front wheel.

At Inlandsis, we developed the Bikejor Max for safe cani-VTT practice, but also for cani-scooter and karting on land. It is a rigid aluminum bar, articulated at its base with a rubber flexible. The bar can then follow your dog's direction changes without breaking.

The bikejoring bar Inlandsis Bikejor Max is available in two lengths to fit 26 or 27.5-inch wheels as well as large 29-inch wheels. The "UL" version, with a long mount, allows you to ideally install the bar between the two tubes of your mountain bike frame.

Inlandsis bikejoring bar Bikejor Max UL

The bikejoring Leash

For bikejoring, a leash with an elastic shock absorber of 2.5 to 3m long in extension is used.

The bikejoring leash range from Inlandsis adapts to all levels of practice:

• Bikejor Leash: excellent quality/price ratio and available in SD version for dogs under 15kg
• Bikejor Pro: high-end leash with Stronglight carabiner with automatic locking. Ideal for training and competition.
• Bikejor Leash Long and Bikejor Pro Long: longer versions (2.9m compared to 2.5m for standard versions). For users of short harnesses or those preferring to maintain a greater distance from their dog. The risk of tangling is, however, greater.
• Twinjor: double lead line for practicing with two dogs.

IMPORTANT: always attach your leash to the frame of your bike using a lark's head knot and not directly to the bikejoring bar which is not designed for this purpose.

Tip: if you wish to use your shorter canicross leash for bikejoring, it is completely possible with our Bikejor Extension attachment accessory!

The Pulling Harness

Bikejoring is a traction sport and absolutely requires equipping your dog with a harness suitable for its morphology and size (no walking or hiking harnesses!).

The Inlandsis pulling harness range consists of five models:

• Polar Quest Harness: x-back type harness suitable for a large majority of medium to large dogs (14 to 42kg)
• Polar Evo Harness: adjustable length version of the Polar Quest to suit very slender or particularly compact dogs.
• Storm Harness: high-performance x-back harness for racing dogs of Nordic or shepherd type.
• Blizzard Beast Harness: our high-performance x-back harness for hunting type racing dogs.
• Open-Back Harness: true adjustable traction harness specific for small and compact dogs.

If you want to know more about choosing the right traction harness model for your dog, you can read our guide:

How to choose the right harness for your dog?

Open-Back, Polar Quest and Blizzard Beast V1 Harness

https://youtu.be/QyDS9EPUpRA?si=zFZ8vsbHT1JMxEzj

Booties and Other Accessories

The booties are used to protect your dog's paws in case of rough terrain or fragile pads. Even if your dog is not sensitive, we recommend always carrying some spare booties during your bike ride. You can find more information about Inlandsis booties in our article: "How to choose booties for your dog?"

For a two-dog team, also consider using a neck line with your double leash.

For the owner, a helmet and a pair of gloves are highly recommended and mandatory in competitions. Glasses or a mask will also protect you from debris in your eyes.

Can my dog participate in bikejoring?

All dog breeds can participate in bikejoring, only category 1 dogs are not allowed in competitions. Of course, some breeds will be more suitable for pulling, such as Nordic or hunting breeds (Greysters, Eurohounds, Pointers). Small dogs or very heavy dogs will require special attention to engage in this activity to always respect their physical capabilities.

As with all harnessed canine sports, your dog must have finished growing to start pulling (between 12 and 18 months). However, you can get your young dog used to the presence of the bike or wearing a harness (without pulling) beforehand. Note that to participate in a competition, your dog must be at least 18 months old.

In any case, consult your veterinarian before starting a pulling activity like bikejoring. This way, you will be sure that your dog can engage in this intense activity.

Hunting-type dogs are particularly fast in bikejoring

Our tips for starting bikejoring

Start bikejoring gradually by focusing on the specific training of your dog (pulling, directions, other commands, encounters with other dogs or deer...).

Also take the time to get used to pulling before venturing onto more technical terrains. You can then lengthen the distances or improve your dog's speed over the years, while staying attentive to ensure he continues to enjoy sharing great outings with you.

What types of routes for bikejoring?

Favor routes with little elevation and smooth surfaces to avoid jerks in the leash. If you are comfortable with maneuvering, single-track trails can be a fun playground for both you and your dog.

Vary the routes so that your dog doesn't get into autopilot mode. Forks and junctions will help you work on directions and stimulate your dog.

Finally, regular water points will allow your dog to cool off if needed.

In bikejoring, your dog can express all its speed and power for its own enjoyment and yours!