steering?! for my dog...

[elk]

This evening I took my DH, my dog and my bike for a walk. I want Maudie to get used to walking beside my bike before we begin our roadwork program and so I walked the bike; DH walked Maudie. A few times, for a few yards or so, I'd ride slowly and they'd jog alongside.

I asked only that it be fun and safe for her and she not chase or "head" my bike. Maudie, genius that she is, did great. She positioned herself next to me --almost in heel position (her shoulder lined up with my leg) and focused on staying close. And she thought it was great!! I think we're going to have alot of fun..

But I found it really hard to stay in a straight line going at the proper, rather slow, speed to match her trot. I was drawing big "S"s all over the road!!

After we got home, I went out by myself and tried to stay in the straightest line I could..
I don't know if it's me or the structure of the bike (sitting back from the handlbars on the foot forward bike) but it was impossible.

Here's what I'm hoping...It's just because I'm just returning to riding after a long hiatus and that's it simply a matter of time and practice.

Do you have any tips to help me keep my little bike going straight ahead?
Is this a dumb and obvious question?

[Dianyla]

Here's what I'm hoping...It's just because I'm just returning to riding after a long hiatus and that's it simply a matter of time and practice.

Do you have any tips to help me keep my little bike going straight ahead?
Is this a dumb and obvious question?

You're absolutely right - time and practice will help. Also, making sure your core and upper-body strength are not deficient can help. But, practice.

[KnottedYet]

Practice. It will get better. I like to practice things in grassy fields, cuz when I go over it doesn't hurt as much and cuz the irregular surface adds to the effort while I practice.

(getting bottles in and out of cages riding in the grass makes doing it while riding on asphalt seem much easier, for example! )

[spokewench]

Keep you weight loose and not leaning on your handlebars. Concentrate on looking quite a bit forward and focus on that straight line way out there, i.e. if you are riding down the road where there is a white line (and not too much traffic) ride the white line. You cannot look down real close to the bike to do that, you have to look quite a bit forward along the white line and all of the sudden you will be riding the white line Your bikes goes where you are looking. And, of course, practice just like everyone says.

spoke

[Torrilin]

It's a balance thing. At around 8 mph (for most bikes) it gets much easier to balance, and the bike is less twitchy. At walking speeds, most bikes will feel twitchy. If you practice pedaling smoothly at low speed, work on no hands riding and other balance exercises, it'll get a lot easier.

Most dogs walk at around human walking speed, but can run at least a bit faster than a human run speed. So it's ok to go a bit faster than a walking pace. Just keep an eye on your dog to make sure she's comfortable, since she needs to build up to distances just like you do.

[TsPoet]

Make sure your feet are going in constant circles and avoid "pedal steer".
Then again, I gave up and only walk my dog on my trike where I don't have to worry about it, so mine might not be the best advice

[elk]

.Thank you --thank you--- for tips from your baskets of knowledge!!!

Its raining...but I better get used to THAT!!!



KNotty: One of the first things I did was return the water bottle cage on because it gave a nasty bruise that looks like a map of Europe... still hurts..! I need to find a new place for THAT..

[TrekJeni]

E - it will get easier with practice.

Also, when I was teaching Robin, I made sure to say "Watch Me" if I was going to make a decently hard left or right turn.

Good luck!

Jeni

[farrellcollie]

I am impressed that you have a collie that will not try to herd the bike. Mine want to be back at the rear wheel - I gave up and started rollerblading with the two that would run with me. The old girl in my avatar was a total bust at anything that required her to run - she would sit down, or lie down and kick, or slip her collar- she is my favorite old stubborn collie. She is now 11 and we just take slow walks.

[elk]

E - it will get easier with practice.

Also, when I was teaching Robin, I made sure to say "Watch Me" if I was going to make a decently hard left or right turn.

Good luck!

Jeni

Hey Jeni...I found a K9 Cruiser on ebay...brand new and half price...so I got that too...And then there's ski-joring? I can't remember the name, but it involves scooters ..

[LBTC]

Elk, one more tip for staying in a straight line. Absolutely look far ahead, but also focus on keeping your chin up. This is a point of balance for your inner that will help your whole body stay balanced. You'll be surprised how much it helps during all your practicing! And, you'll be surprised when you find yourself just doing all the things we just suggested without even thinking about it!

Have a wonderful time with your doggie!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[elk]

hey I wanna ride bikes with you guys!!!

[elk]

I am impressed that you have a collie that will not try to herd the bike. Mine want to be back at the rear wheel - I gave up and started rollerblading with the two that would run with me. The old girl in my avatar was a total bust at anything that required her to run - she would sit down, or lie down and kick, or slip her collar- she is my favorite old stubborn collie. She is now 11 and we just take slow walks.

Those girls..they have a mind of their own... bless them..!! Maudie she passed her herding instinct test too!!
Do they pull you on the rollerblades?

[LauraInPDX]

try a Walky Dog. We got ours at Amazon for $40 and it's amazing. Our border collie/greyhound mix adores it and now sits at the garage door and stares at us, waiting for us to take him for a bike ride. And, since he's attached to the bike, if I don't pedal I just roll along as fast as he wants to go. Or, I can push it a little and force him to get some good exercise in. Personally, I feel safer with that than with him on a standard leash next to me.

[elk]

Hi Laura
I've been using a walkydog, and a k9 cruiser...but just ordered a bikerdog because it seems to have the best of both; a lower hitching point that still allows her to trot beside, rather than behind me.
elk