Canicross Conversations My First Bikejor Race: Ryan McKee (Episode 168:)
In this episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Michelle and Louise chat to guest Ryan McKee about the world of bikejor.
Ryan shares how he was first an ultra‑endurance mountain biker, taking a break from the sport due to burnout. His love for mountain biking reignited after adopting Rhubarb, their enthusiastic Hungarian Vizsla. What started as a behavioural solution evolved into competitive fun as the pair discovered canicross and then bikejor.
Ryan describes his first bikejor race in Chepstow, talking about his preparation, race‑day experience, and how Rhubarb’s natural instincts helped them excel beyond expectations. From harness training and on‑trail communication to adapting fitness regimes and handling pre‑race nervous energy, Ryan talks us through the world of bikejor racing. Whether you’re curious about getting involved or seeking inspiration to rekindle your fitness with your dog, this episode offers real‑life advice, amusing mishaps and heartfelt reflections. It sets a reassuring tone for beginners and reminds seasoned competitors why fun and connection matter more than winning.
We cover:
- Introduction to Ryan and his mountain‑biking background
- How Rhubarb became his training partner
- First experience in canicross
- Motivation to move into bikejor
- Introduction to bikejor gear and harness safety
- How dog‑pull enhances bike traction and speed
- Pre-race preparation and warm‑up tactics
- Race event recap at Chepstow (NATB)
- Race‑day dynamics: overtaking, direction calls
- Finish results & reflecting on mindset
- Training takeaways post‑race
- Balancing dog’s fitness with self‑training
- Discussion: should dogs follow structured training plans?
- Fun rapid‑fire questions
Key takeaways
- Introduce bikejor gradually; begin with canicross to build trust and communication.
- Harness sports can reveal and address dog behavioural issues.
- Bikejor enhances traction and fun, similar to e‑bike assistance.
- Direction cues (e.g. “left”, “right”) are crucial on technical courses.
- Partner motivation outweighs finishing position—dog‑led enjoyment matters most.
- Training both human and dog should focus on the weaker link first.
- Small, experienced‑led groups work best for beginners.
- Dogs don’t know race length—they'll give 100 % regardless.
Our favourite quotes from the episode
“It feels like you’re on rails when you go around the corner.” (Ryan)
“It doesn’t matter whether you came first or last… you can see in her face she’s had the best time ever.” (Ryan)
“The thing that helped me most was running with someone experienced—but not a big group.” (Ryan)
“Dogs don’t know how far they're racing… they’re just there to give it their all.” (Ryan)
Links