The Flow Bike with his dog
Fleur and her dog Oréo form an inseparable duo. She shares many adventures and activities with her dog. Recently, they cycled 290 km! You realize ? Covering so many kilometers on a bike with your dog is incredible! but rest assured, Oréo traveled comfortably in his bike trailer. Cycling with your dog is a great dog-friendly activity.
Today, Fleur tells you about her experience of the Flow Vélo with her dog. The Flow Vélo is a cycling route located in the south-west of France, which connects the city of Thiviers in the Dordogne at theAix Island in Charente Maritime. It is a route specially designed for bicycles, enough to discover this piece of France over the miles.
In this article, you will also find a special comparison of dog bicycle trailers to help you choose the right bicycle trailer for you and your dog, by presenting the best trailers and their characteristics.
Through the experience of Fleur and her dog, you will also have a good overview of the essential equipment to take on board for a bike trek with your dog.
I let Fleur tell you about her cycling trip with her dog. His holidays with his dog should make you want to start your turn!
A duo of dog friendly athletes
Hello Wouafer's! Before telling you about our adventure, I'm going to tell you a bit about me and my adorable dog. My name is Flower. In life, I am a regional truck driver. I come home every day and my dog Oreo comes with me sometimes. I love taking care of my horses and my dog. I love doing activities with my dog and I take pictures of him all the time. It's my star!
Oréo, whose real name is “Oréo Peanuts”, because where he was born his nickname was “peanut”, is a border collie 2 years old. This breed is known for herding and Oreo is a very intelligent dog.
I have known Oréo since he was born because he was born with friends but I was only able to meet him after he was 1 month old because at the time I had just had back surgery and I couldn't move. . Moreover, Oréo helped me a lot in my rehabilitation afterwards. I met him in September 2018 and it was love at first sight. Since then, we have not left each other and he is really very important to me.
I do many activities with my dog: agility, canoeing, caniwalking and of course cycling, and we are curious to discover many other activities together.
Oreo also loves to show off. When we ride a bike, he is comfortably installed in his trailer and he likes passers-by to look at him and greet him. Moreover, the veterinarian has made it her mascot! She adores him.
We haven't had the opportunity to travel yet, except on the Flow Vélo in September with my partner and my dog.
Besides, I will now tell you about this great adventure with my dog.
Preparing the Flow Vélo with your dog
For those who do not yet know the Flow Vélo, it is a 290 km cycle route that connects Thiviers in Dordogne on the island of Aix in Charente Maritime, Through the Regional Natural Park of Périgord-Limousin.
We had the idea of doing the flow bike with our dog after seeing a post on a Facebook group from a couple who were going on the velodyssey with their dog.
We had never traveled by bike before so this was a first for all of us.
To prepare our dog for this trip, we took bike rides around my house to get Oreo used to being in his trailer. Indeed, to ride a bike with your dog, there are two solutions: either he runs next to the bike or he travels in a special dog bike trailer towed at the back of the bike. For me, it was unthinkable to make him run next to us for several kilometers during the journey which lasts several days.
To choose the special dog bike trailer, I looked at many reviews and many trailers. Finally, I chose the Trixie trailer in size L and I'm very happy with it. Trailers are generally chosen according to the weight of the dog. I took a trailer for dogs up to 40 kg since my dog is already almost 30. Oréo is very comfortable in it and lies down without any problem when he wants to. We can see that he finds his trailer very comfortable.
To travel with our dog, we took a first aid kit for him, his folding bowls for the trip, poop bags and its croquettes. We also took one of his many tennis balls to play with him and, of course, we also took his papers.
Regarding our equipment, of course we had our bikes equipped with panniers for bicycles to put our stuff in. We have been careful to always balance the weight of the items between the two panniers of the bike so as not to unbalance the bikes.
How to choose a dog bike trailer
Musher and Sophie : Choosing the right dog bike trailer is not always easy. Here is a very useful dog bike trailer comparison. And some tips for choosing the perfect bike trailer for your dog.
A bike trailer hitches to the back of the bike and has a cockpit to protect your dog from rain or wind. He thus travels in complete safety and shelter.
Why use a bike trailer for your dog? The bike trailer is ideal for long distances like the one Fleur and her dog traveled, but also for walking an older dog or a young dog. They will not be able to follow you over long distances. It is therefore a good way for him to accompany you without hurting himself or getting tired. And then, even if you have a healthy and super athletic dog, he won't be able to run long distances by your side... It's also very practical for crossing a risk area with your dog if you have to go along an edge. road, cross a city center... And in the trailer, you can also slip a few things.
To choose a bicycle trailer, you must take into account the weight and size of your dog. The trailer should be comfortable for your dog and convenient for you.
It must be easily attachable to the back of your bike and equipped for your dog's comfort and safety.
Here are 3 bike trailers that have it all:
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The Trixie Trailer : This is the trailer used by Fleur and Oréo. This dog bike trailer is in the top 2 sales. It is suitable for small dogs and medium dogs. It comes in 3 sizes: S, M and L. The Trixie trailer in size S is made for dogs weighing up to 15 kilos. The trailer in size M for dogs up to 22 kilos and the bicycle trailer in size L for dogs weighing up to 30 kilos. The trailer is equipped with several reflectors in order to remain visible at night, and it is foldable. There is also a mosquito net to let air through for the dog without letting in pests such as ticks or mosquitoes. The little extra of the Trixie bicycle trailer: it is insensitive to heat!
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The Homcom bicycle trailer is the best-selling trailer. It has very good value for money. It is a bicycle trailer that will also be very suitable for slightly larger dogs. Indeed, the maximum load for this trailer is 40 kilos. It is available in one size and equipped with 8 reflectors distributed on the wheels and the 4 sides of the bicycle trailer in order to be visible at night. The advantage of this trailer is that it has a safety hook to be able to attach the dog, and a mosquito net like the Trixie trailer. The trailer does not fold, but is very easy to assemble and disassemble.
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The PawHut Trailer : This is a very good bicycle trailer that will be suitable for small and medium dogs, up to 40 kilos. This trailer is sturdy and also foldable. The PawHut bicycle trailer is also equipped with 8 reflectors present on the 4 sides and on the wheels. The dog can enter from the front or the back of the trailer because there are two openings and there is a safety harness in the trailer. The trailer is made of 600D waterproof fabric and has mosquito nets like the two previous bike trailers.
Depending on the weather, if it's a little cool and your dog is chilly, it's better to equip the trailer with a blanket to bring him some warmth or even equip your dog with a dog coat. And if it is very hot, a refreshing mattress or an cooling jacket may be perfect for your dog.
Either way, remember to make regular stops so your dog can stretch his legs and give him something to drink. If you want to multiply the outings in a bicycle trailer with your dog, you will have to get him used to this new accessory little by little. He can be stressed being locked in this gear for the first few miles. Take short trips at first and go gradually with a mix of rest and walking by your side.
Ride the Flow Vélo with your dog
Our trip lasted 4 days. Here is our itinerary:
1 Day: Chateauneuf-sur-Charente → Cognac (34.91 km)
Day 2: Cognac → Saintes (40.80km)
Day 3: Saintes → Rochefort (62.04 km)
Day 4: Rochefort → Fouras (37.98 km)
During our trip, we slept in tents and at the hotel.
When we have bivouaced with our dog, Oreo was sleeping between us in the tent.
The Flow bike is accessible for all dogs without any problem. All you have to do is get your dog used to the bike trailer.
For those who would like to do this route by bike, or other routes for that matter, I advise you to prepare your itinerary well, to look in advance at the places where you will be able to sleep and if dogs are accepted there. Fortunately, for this there is TakeTonDog.com !
Musher and Sophie : “Indeed, if you also want to take a trip with your dog, go see all accommodation who will accept your dog with great pleasure on our site!”
I also advise you to check that your dog's vaccinations are up to date before leaving. Above all, do not hesitate to ask questions on facebook groups or on the website of the Flow Bike.
On the Flow Vélo, there were places where you could drop Oréo. We took regular breaks so he could relieve himself, drink a little and stretch his legs.
For the little anecdote, Oréo was the star of the trip. We have often heard the phrase: “Oh, the dog has the best place!”. And yes, our dog travels like a king in his trailer and he loves it!
For our next bike trip with our dog, we would like to do some of the canal des deux mers cycle route. It is an 800 km cycle route that connects the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. I can't wait to tell you about our next dog friendly adventure!
Thank you Fleur for the story of your cycling expedition with your dog. We're all looking forward to your next adventure!
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