Earlier this year my family picked up our very first dog. A Springer Spaniel we call Miles. I was the last hold-out (my wife and 4 boys have wanted a dog for years) but I fought against bringing a puppy into our home. Turns out, 10 months later, that I absolutely love this dog!
He's become one of my most regular riding partners. Every day (almost) I ride around the neighborhood (2 miles) on my cruiser bike and Miles runs along side me. I've got him on a leash and he runs just to the left of my front wheel. On the weekends I take him (along with my cross bike) to a state forest down the street and we'll ride and run for an hour. There, he's off leash and will stay within 20 feet of my bike. It is a blast!
Anyway, today Miles almost took me out when he chased a blowing leaf and went straight into my front wheel. I was probably going about 15 mph at the time, but was able to keep the bike upright by turning into the dog (just like you're supposed to do if you touch wheels with a riding partner). I felt so bad thinking that I was going to hurt my dog, but he hardly broke stride and never let out a yelp or seemed worse for wear. Still, I've lost a bit of confidence and am wondering if riding with Miles is a wise thing to do afterall.
On the plus side, he's eager to join me on rides. He's much better behaved after exercise, and he can take all the neighborhood dogs at the town line sprint!
Anybody else here ride with their dogs, and if so, any tips?
Thanks.
He's become one of my most regular riding partners. Every day (almost) I ride around the neighborhood (2 miles) on my cruiser bike and Miles runs along side me. I've got him on a leash and he runs just to the left of my front wheel. On the weekends I take him (along with my cross bike) to a state forest down the street and we'll ride and run for an hour. There, he's off leash and will stay within 20 feet of my bike. It is a blast!
Anyway, today Miles almost took me out when he chased a blowing leaf and went straight into my front wheel. I was probably going about 15 mph at the time, but was able to keep the bike upright by turning into the dog (just like you're supposed to do if you touch wheels with a riding partner). I felt so bad thinking that I was going to hurt my dog, but he hardly broke stride and never let out a yelp or seemed worse for wear. Still, I've lost a bit of confidence and am wondering if riding with Miles is a wise thing to do afterall.
On the plus side, he's eager to join me on rides. He's much better behaved after exercise, and he can take all the neighborhood dogs at the town line sprint!
Anybody else here ride with their dogs, and if so, any tips?
Thanks.
