Bikejoring and Scootering: Beginners Guide

Bikejoring and scootering are becoming increasingly popular in the active dog sport known as  dryland urban dog mushing, which utilizes a bike or push scooter.

Bikejoring originated from the popular Nordic sport of Skijoring. (2) Skijoring is derived from the Norwegian word skikjøring, meaning "ski driving". Skijoring is a winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog (or dogs), another animal, or a motor vehicle. (1) The common thread between mushing, bikejoring, canicross, scootering and skijoring is being attached to a sled, bike, scooter, ATV, cart, person, etc. with a single dog or multiple dogs.

Dryland mushing sports like bikejoring and scootering are popular ways to train skijoring and sled dogs when it is out of season. A friend of ours, IdahoHuskyPups, is a popular Instagram account showing their winter and non-winter sport adventures with their North River Siberian Huskies, Orbito or “Tobi” for short and Koda. 

Bikejoring and scootering are great sports for the urban, non-mushing dogs as well. It's an excellent way to enrich your relationship with your dog(s). The great thing is a wide range of dogs can participate and snow is not needed. A vibrant community can even be found in Southern California, often running at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa. More information can be found on the Urban Mushing’s Facebook page.

Equipment Needed for Bikejoring and Scootering

Let’s Talk Harnesses

Any dog that will run and pull needs to have a properly fitted and comfortable harness for their safety and comfort. A harness should maximize a dog's pulling ability and be padded along the different pressure points that would otherwise provide discomfort or chafing. At Alpine Outfitters, we offer two types of harnesses - the Urban Trail Adjustable Harness and the X-Back Harness, both of which are readily available in multiple sizes.

The Urban Trail Adjustable Harness is a half-back style harness which only covers half of the dog's body from the neck to the girth. It is an ideal harness for assisted pulling sports such as bikejoring and scootering with a higher connection point than an X-Back harness for sled dog and cart pulling.

It is completely padded and securely cradles your dog's torso at all times. It comes equipped with multiple D-rings positioned at around mid-back to which you can attach your line depending on your particular activity. This is a wonderful harness to use for a variety of dog powered type activities such as dog scootering, bikejoring, canicross, rollerblading, and skateboarding. The Urban Trail Adjustable Harness can also be used for non-pulling activities such as hiking along the trail, jogging, or a simple walk around the neighborhood.  

The Ready-to-Go Standard Urban Trail Adjustable Harnesses come with a front chest mounted D-ring, commonly referred to as a no-pull D-ring, and three D-rings in the back. The side D-rings in the back are helpful if you want to run the dog on the side of the bike using a device like the Walky Dog. It is available in six colors and four sizes.

The other harness design is the X-Back Harness and is the most popular type of harness used for dog sledding. It runs along the entire length of the dog's body and is padded around the neck, chest, and throughout the length of the ribcage. This is perfect for dog sledding, carting, scootering, bikejoring, skijoring and other activities where the dog is expected to be running and pulling in front of you. Please note that the X-Back harness does NOT conform to your dog's body unless the dog is pulling or leaning into it, and so this harness should only be used when your dog is expected to pull during the dog powered activity. Some dogs like to try to back out of this harness when they are not actively pulling, an optional belly band is recommended for such situations.

How Do I Attach My Dog or Dog Team to the Bike or Scooter

Bikejor and Scooter Lines - Dryland Urban Dog Mushing, whether done with a scooter or a bike, has become a widely popular way of exercising and having fun with the family pet. Our Bikejor / Scootering lines come with everything you need to attach the line to your scooter or bicycle. Made-in-USA, we hand-make three configurations for the Bikejor / Scooter lines: a single dog, 2-dog and 3 and 4-dog lines to attach your dog to a bike or scooter. They come with a built-in bungee, which reduces the start-up shock/impact on the dog as well as the rider. A Bike Post Connector is provided so you can easily wrap it around and attach it to the neck of your scooter or bicycle. Our Double Scooter Line is a Y-line with a built-in bungee and can be used for running one or two dogs. It also comes with a Double Neckline so that you can attach your dogs at their collars when running in tandem.

The one and two-dog lines are 6 feet long, relaxed and 7 feet fully extended. The 3 and 4-dog Bikejor/Scooterjor Lines are 14 feet long, fully extended.

How Do I Keep the Bikejor / Scooterjor Lines Out of the Front Wheel So I Don’t Get Tangled

Alpine Outfitters offers two solutions to this dangerous problem. The S/Line Pro Antenna is an easy-to-install, durable and light-weight device that allows the user to practice bikejoring and scootering with your dogs safely. It does require you to remove your bike handlebars to install the S/Line Pro Antenna frame. It is equipped with a quick-release system which allows the antenna to be removed from the headset frame when not in use without any tools and without screws.” Fits on most bikes. The frame fits a 1 inch (separate spacer needed) or 1-1/8 inch head sets.

Another bike / scooter mounted connecting device is the Alpine Outfitters created Scooter Noodle!. The Scooter Noodle! keeps the lines away from your scooter or bike’s front wheel and helps prevent tangling and accidents. 

They both are easy to use. Properly install the S/Line Pro Antenna or Scooter Noodle!, and run your lines through them. 

I Want to Ride My Bike with My Dog On the Side 

The Walky Dog Plus Bicycle Leash offers a safe way for you to ride your bike and walk your dog at the same time. You can quickly switch from bike to bike with a quick lock and release capability, and it works with dogs of all sizes, making it the easiest way to enjoy a biking activity with your dog alongside the bike.

Will My Bike Work for Bikejoring

A mountain bike is a great option for bikejoring. The S/Line Pro Antenna frame fits on bikes with 1 inch and 1-1/8 inch head sets. The Scooter Noodle! works on all bikes.

Where Can I Find a Push Scooter or Kickbike for Scooterjoring

Easy! Alpine Outfitters is proud to offer the Sprocket Legend Scooter. It is lightweight, has upgraded suspension, powerful hydraulic disk brakes (your best friend!), wider standing deck, and wider, ultra grippy tires.

We also have an all-you-need bundle for a one dog set-up. If you want a two or more dog set-up, send us an email.

Before You Actually Bikejor or Scooter

Preparing You & Your Dogs for a Pulling Activity

Preparing you and  your dog or dogs for a pulling activity is advisable. 

First, you want to make sure the dogs are comfortable in their gear. It is important that they have the proper sized harness to prevent injury. We have measuring guides for the Urban Trail Adjustable Harness and the X-Back. If you have questions or need assistance, please email them to customerservice@alpineoutfitters.net. Pictures are also very helpful.

Not all dogs like to pull. Not every dog likes to pull, even with Siberian Huskies. 

If attempting to try bikejor or scootering with more than one dog, have a second or third person walk alongside the dogs while slowly walking the bike with the dogs leading. This help shows them what is expected.

Voice commands are another important safety protocol. Mushing terms are common in the sport of Bikejor and scootering. It is ok to use your own commands such as go, stop, left, and right. Here is a list of the common mushing terms for bikejoring and scootering.

• Hike! & Let’s Go: Get moving. To start a team or increase the speed of a moving team. (This command should be said with enthusiasm).

• Gee!: Turn to the right.

• Haw!: Turn to the left.

• Easy!: Slow down.

• Straight Ahead!: move forward, for instance at an intersection of trails.

• Whoa!: Stop.

• On By!: Pass another team or other distraction.

• Line Out! Command to the Lead Dog to tighten the Gangline and pull the team out straight from the sled. Used while stopped to avoid tangles. (3)

Finally, wearing the proper safety gear is also a smart move. Proper safety gear include a helmet, glasses and gloves. If you are an extra cautious person, knee-pads and elbow pads could be advisable.

References

1. Wikipedia; Skijoring - Link

2. Wikipedia; Mushing - Link

3. University of Alaska Fairbanks; Dog Mushing Terminology, Project Jukebox - Link