Bikejoring

Bikejoring, called cani-VTT in French, is a discipline in which a harnessed dog pulls a mountain bike, connected to the bike by an elastic line, while the rider pedals and brakes to support it. Faster than canicross, it requires a well-trained dog and excellent bike handling.

What is bikejoring?

In bikejoring, the dog runs ahead of the front wheel and provides pull; the rider matches the dog’s speed, helps by pedalling uphill and brakes downhill so that the line stays taut without the bike catching up with the dog. Voice commands are essential, because the rider cannot guide the dog by hand.

It is an off-road discipline: wide tracks, forest roads, courses without dangerous obstacles. In competition, starts are usually individual at intervals, and riders are ranked on time.

Equipment

• A mountain bike in good condition, with powerful, well-adjusted brakes: they are the dog’s first safety feature.
• A bungee antenna (anti-bounce bar) fitted to the front of the bike, holding the line above the wheel so it cannot catch in it when it goes slack.
• A bungee line with a shock absorber, attached to the bike rather than the rider.
• A pulling harness fitted to the dog.
• A helmet, usually mandatory in races, and gloves.

Dog welfare and readiness

Bikejoring is demanding for the dog: higher speed and longer efforts. Have a vet check your dog’s fitness, and start with canicross or short rides at a moderate pace before increasing duration and intensity over several weeks.

Never ride faster than your dog can comfortably sustain, and brake on descents. Heat is especially dangerous at this intensity: ride in the cool hours, carry water and give up when it is hot. The minimum dog age and entry conditions vary by federation and organizer: they are shown on each race page.

Race formats

On Canicompet, bikejoring is a separate race type, with one dog per rider. Depending on the organizer, a race may have one or more runs, age and sex categories, and different distances. Each race’s rules specify the mandatory equipment and start conditions.

How to take part

1. Find a bikejoring race in the race calendar.
2. Create your Canicompet account and add your dog.
3. Get your documents ready: a licence or medical certificate depending on the race, the dog’s microchip and up-to-date vaccinations. The race page lists what is required.
4. Enter online using the registration guide.

FAQ

Is a bungee antenna mandatory?

It is strongly recommended and often required by race rules, because it keeps the line out of the front wheel. Check the rules on the race page.

Is bikejoring the same as cani-VTT?

Yes: cani-VTT is the French name for bikejoring.

Can I bikejor on an e-bike?

It depends on each race’s rules. Some organizers forbid it, others regulate it: check the race page before entering.