For the past two weeks, I've been pedaling up and down the streets of College Station thanks in part to a new bike I received just after the new year. For about 30-45 minutes a day, I try to get in a steady workout for my heart, overall well-being, and a chance to enjoy the outdoors! I'm already a blessed man, but bike riding has really helped me relax, relieve some stress and enjoy my days that much more. However, besides not having Karissa on a bike ride with me,...I don't think that's encouraged while 7 months pregnant...there was something else missing.
We try to take our dog Charlie on a walk several times during the week. Though with work and events on-going, that has been increasingly difficult to do. Of course, anyone who knows Charlie understands that she has A LOT of energy. Walking simply doesn't take it out of her. This dog needed to run, and run a long time! I had the thought to try and take her on a bike ride with me. This way, I can enjoy the bike ride and the outdoors with my dog!
After the first attempt, I knew this would be a difficult chore to include her on. For starters, she was constantly pulling the leash (which I was holding onto with one hand, while steering the bike with my other hand), making me lose my balance on the bike. Secondly, she was always wanting to run forward faster than I wanted to go, thus resulting in her nearly being run over by the front wheel several times. The last thing I want to do is hurt my dog by running her over with my bike! After attempting this experiment two different times, I began to think, maybe there is some sort of attachment I can add to my bike to make the joint run/bike ride more enjoyable for us both?
After a quick Google search, I soon discovered a contraption called the WalkyDog. Essentially it is a dog leash for a bike; a solid metal pole that attaches just below the seat of the bike. It has a spring loaded leash with a clip that hooks to a dog's collar, harness or Gentle Leader. The WalkyDog basically allows me to ride my bike with the dog, in full control, and at a speed that Charlie and I enjoy. The first go round was an instant hit! Charlie really enjoys being able to stretch her legs and run around the neighborhood with me. We haven't traveled all over College Station yet, but I have a feeling Charlie and I will have a blast trying to get there.
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