From Melbourne to Wodonga: Brad and Henry’s Life on Two Wheels

By Brad Hodson-Baker and Henry

Brad and his 6 year old pug/Jack Russell, Henry, spend most days doing what they love…cycling together around Melbourne, Australia. From quick spins along local trails to longer weekend rides, they’ve built a routine that’s rewarding and adventurous. We chatted with Brad about their gear set-up, favourite memories, and what it’s like to explore the world with a spirited sidekick who’s been riding since he was just 10 weeks old, and who thinks he’s a fish.

What kind of adventures do you and Henry love to do together?

Henry and I are passionate cyclists and adventurers, we cycle multiple times a week together usually on local single tracks or bike paths. On weekends we like to go out for longer trips on the bike all over Victoria. Living in Melbourne we are surrounded with amazing spots and trails, most afternoons during the week we ride the trails down along our local creek.

What inspired you and Henry to get started on adventures together? 

I have been a BMXer since I was about 7 years old, that is where my passion for bikes comes from. I’ve also had dogs my entire life. I moved to Melbourne in 2015 from country Victoria and around 2017 I brought a 1989-1990 Shogun GroundBreaker and a set of CrustBikes Clydesdale cargo forks in anticipation for when I would get a dog, Knowing I would love to cycle with my dog as I had seen a few people in Melbourne doing the same.

In late 2018 I went to a farm near my sister’s house and picked up little Henry, I had the bike all built for him and the day he came home we began training to get him ready for going on the bike, so you could say Henry has grown up on the bike.

Henry and I get a whole heap of inspiration to get out on the bike together from dogpackers we follow on instagram. We love all dogs on bikes!

How has dogpacking changed your relationship with Henry?

Honestly, Henry was pretty much born to be a dogpacking superstar, he has been on the bike since he was 10 weeks old. The love and connection gained for each other from many of thousands of hours spent in solitude and in the freedom of nature is something you just can’t get doing anything else.

What’s one of your most memorable trips or moments together?

Our most memorable ride is probably waking up well before sunrise and cycling to the Hume Weir from Wodonga (my home town) for an early morning swim and to watch the sunrise together before the Australian summer heat set in. North East Victoria has the most amazing picturesque views especially on summer mornings.

Tell us a bit about Henry’s personality and how he adapted to outdoor adventures.

Henry is a small fellow but very independent, staunch, loud and loving. He adapts to most situations so well, he isn’t really scared of anything or any distance of riding we have done so far. Henry loves to sit in his basket and take it all in as well set the pace as he runs in front of the bike.

Were there any gear or setup tips that have made things easier?

Having a quality cargo set up has been key for Henry to join me on the bike  – I personally use Crust Bikes Clydesdale forks. A good quality frame bag, panniers and a waist leash have been exceptional and make long rides much more comfortable. Also having enough water & bottles for both dog and human (I have run out of water in the middle of nowhere which isn’t ideal at all).

What challenges have you run into—and how did you deal with them?

My biggest challenge that we still have trouble with is Henry’s prey drive. If he sees or hears a rabbit he is off and his ears seem to stop working which can become very frustrating. I am constantly on the lookout for any wildlife and getting him back on leash and on the bike before we get too close to anything, thankfully he has never caught anything.

What tips would you give to someone just starting out bikepacking with their dog?

Just enjoy being with your dog and building a strong bond together, training,  collecting the right gear for your chosen activity, research and prepare before you leave – find what works for you and your dog! Everyone is different. Henry and I started off with small trips to build each other’s confidence and there’s been lots of trial and error.

What’s your next adventure?

I have been dreaming of riding from Melbourne to my hometown of Wodonga through the back roads of north east Victoria which is about 350+ kilometres. I would ideally like to do this trip over 5 days, this is still something I’m researching and planning for – hopefully this will happen in the near future!

Follow Brad and Henry’s adventures @ jugventures_of_henry on Instagram.

This story is part of Dogpacking Stories, our series featuring people and the dogs they adventure with. Want to read more? Click the Dogpacking Stories tag below.

About the author

Brad Hodson-Baker is an avid recreational cyclist and dogpacker from Melbourne, Australia. When Brad and Henry aren’t cycling together, they can be found walking, hiking, swimming/snorkelling, cooking bbq’s, exploring new places, enjoying the Australian sunshine or anything to do with the great outdoors—or eating Vegemite.