I posted previously how Apollo can run beside the bike, using the special “Springer” attachment. As he gets older and stronger, he is taking on his hereditary role and has started to pull the bike.
As we leave the driveway, he is running as fast as he can — up to 15 MPH with my feet resting on the pedals. When we first started, a year or so ago, he would run for maybe 100 meters before he slowed down and I had to pedal. Then he would run beside the bike, but not pull it.
Little by little he has pulled the bike further and further. He runs best when there’s someone else along on another bike to ride out in front and encourage him.
Best run so far: A couple of days ago he pulled Derek for 2.8 miles, with me on another bike encouraging him along. Derek pedaled a total of maybe 5 revolutions that whole time; once when Apollo saw in interesting tree and had to be discouraged, and once going around a sharp corner where he had to slow down too much. Otherwise, the husky puppy provided all the power.
After the first quarter of a mile or so the pace was slow — a trot of maybe 7-8 miles per hour, but he just kept going. We were amazed.
When we got back home (after Derek pedaled another mile or so with Apollo running alongside), he took a big drink, then collapsed for a few hours with a satisfied look in his eyes.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Dianna // Jan 5, 2009 at 11:31 am
Sounds like he’d be a great musher. I bet he’d love our weather here! A very chilly 31.
2 Donna // Jan 5, 2009 at 7:11 pm
What a great post! I can just see that big beautiful dog flying down the road pulling a bike behind him. What fun! We really need to figure out a way for him to give sled or wagon rides to the kids.
3 Mom // Jan 5, 2009 at 9:19 pm
At least, we need a movie of him. Can you figure out a video? It would be great to watch; he’s so beautiful.
4 Daryl // Jan 5, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Gisele tried to take a movie, but we went by so fast that it didn’t turn out very well. We will try again soon.
5 Mom // Jan 7, 2009 at 8:23 am
It sounds as though he wouldn’t be the “lead” dog on dog sled, if he likes to follow another “bike-sled”. Maybe they have to be trained to lead, but in articles, it sounds as though they are born with that trait.