How My Dog Transformed My Cycling Adventures! 

by Edis Hercegovac

The two things that best describe me, in no particular order, are being a cyclist and a dog lover. I discovered road cycling in my early 20s and was immediately captivated by the exhilarating freedom it offered—a feeling that took me back to my childhood, racing down hills with the wind in my hair and a grin on my face. Shortly after, I fell in love with bikepacking and off-road cycling, which only deepened my passion. My love for dogs, however, began much earlier; I grew up surrounded by furry friends.

From a very young age, I remember always having dogs at home and wanting to play with them. I had all types of breeds, ranging from small terriers to large Rottweilers.

When I moved out with my partner, we decided it was finally time to get our own dog, and that’s when Oscar entered my life. This spoodle quickly became my inseparable companion, filling my days with joy and laughter. He went everywhere with me, including to work every day. As our bond grew stronger, I found myself riding less often, choosing to spend more quality time with Oscar because I didn’t want to leave him at home while I went out riding. I realised I wanted to share those exhilarating rides with Oscar, to bring him along on my adventures and let him experience the joy of the open road.

Together, we’ve forged a unique partnership that has deepened my love for both cycling and companionship. With Oscar by my side, every ride becomes an adventure, enriching my life in ways I never imagined.

Joy of Companionship

From our first ride together back in March of this year, I knew we had stumbled onto something special. Oscar was having a blast, his tail wagging furiously as he explored the sights, sounds, and smells of the trail. His excitement was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile, thrilled that he was experiencing this adventure with me.

Riding with a dog isn’t something you see every day, and it always draws curious glances and warm smiles from passersby. People often stop to chat, eager to ask how we manage to bike together and share their own stories of canine companions. These spontaneous interactions add an extra layer of delight to our journeys, transforming our rides into a communal experience filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Having Oscar with me, every ride becomes a unique adventure, deepening our bond while inviting others to join in the joy of exploring the great outdoors together. Each ride not only strengthens our connection but also fosters a sense of community among fellow dog lovers and cyclists, making the experience all the more rewarding.

Finding the right bike: The Omnium Cargo Bike

Once I decided to take Oscar on my cycling adventures, the next big question was: what bike should I get? I’d been following a dogpacking duo, John and Mira, on Instagram and was inspired by their adventures. They were riding a Salsa Blackborow, a fat tyre cargo mountain bike that seemed perfect for our needs. Unfortunately, Salsa discontinued the model in 2019, and they’re hard to find in Australia, especially on the second-hand market.

After months of searching, I started to lose hope of finding a Blackborow. As a last resort, I tried to fit a rack and crate onto my existing Wondercross Titanium gravel bike. However, the basket ended up sitting behind the rear wheel, making it difficult to ride and uncomfortable for Oscar.

Just when I thought my dream of cycling with Oscar was over, I stumbled upon a video on Instagram featuring the Omnium Cargo bike. It had a large front platform that could easily accommodate a basket for Oscar. I knew I had found the perfect bike!

I contacted a local dealer and within a week, I had a brand new Omnium Cargo bike in my garage. The next step was to outfit it for Oscar. I quickly found a crate at the local hardware store. Using some heavy-duty cable ties, I strapped it securely onto the A-frame of the bike. To ensure Oscar’s comfort, I lined the inside of the crate with cut-to-shape yoga mats and surrounded the outside rim with pool noodles for additional padding.

The adventures we’ve had together

We started our journey slowly, with me wheeling the bike up and down the street while Oscar sat comfortably in his crate, getting accustomed to the experience. Luckily, Oscar is a quick learner. Basic commands like “stay” were essential in teaching him not to jump out of the crate while we were on the move.

Before long, we took our first ride together—a short trip down the block to a nearby park for a game of fetch. Once Oscar felt at ease on the bike, the next step was to help him get used to running alongside it. With a bit of practice, more command training, and a running leash, Oscar soon mastered the art of safely running beside me as we cycled.

As Oscar became more comfortable on the bike, we soon created an Instagram account to document our little adventures. Over time, our rides got longer and longer, and before I knew it, I was tackling my regular 60-80 km rides with my best friend by my side. We explored all over Melbourne, discovering new areas and stopping at local parks to play fetch along the way.

In preparation for for our first bikepacking adventure, I practiced with Oscar in our backyard, using treats to help him get accustomed to going in and out of the tent. Soon enough, it was time to load up the bike for our one-night trip—a total distance of 180 kilometers over two days. With our tent, sleeping gear, and all the essentials packed, we hit the trail. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, wondering how Oscar would adjust to sleeping in a tent since he had never experienced it before. Fortunately, dogs adapt quickly to new situations. When we arrived at the campground and set up our tent after a long day of riding, Oscar was eager to hop in, ready for a cozy rest after our six-hour ride. 

I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the companionship and joy that Oscar has brought into my life. Looking ahead, there are so many more adventures on the horizon—more bikepacking trips, new trails to explore, and countless memories waiting to be made.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Years of cycling have significantly enhanced both my physical and mental well-being. There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of being outdoors, moving my body, and tackling challenging terrain. Bringing Oscar along for the ride and sharing these adventures with Oscar has been incredibly rewarding; keeping him fit and healthy is my top priority, and I’ve witnessed the positive effects it has on him as well.

Just like us humans, exercise offers dogs improved fitness and mental stimulation. When Oscar joins me on rides, he gains not only physical exercise but also a wealth of mental engagement from experiencing new sights and smells. By the end of our ride, he’s a very happy boy, returning home ready to relax on the couch.

Beyond the physical and mental benefits, the bond between Oscar and me has grown immensely. Spending the day together creates lasting memories and an unbeatable companionship. My advice to anyone who loves adventure and has a dog is to take them along; it will truly change your world.

My Tips for Biking with Your Dog

Throughout our dogpacking journey, I’ve picked up some top tips that make our adventures more enjoyable and comfortable for both Oscar and me. Preparation is key—selecting the right gear and ensuring we have plenty of supplies is essential. I’ve also learned to closely monitor Oscar’s needs, including taking regular breaks for hydration, adjusting our pace to match his energy levels, and finding ideal spots for rest along the way. 

Hydration and Food:

To keep Oscar happy and safe during our rides, it’s essential to ensure he stays hydrated and gets enough calories. Since our rides can be quite long and I limit his running time—given that he’s a small dog at just 10 kg—making sure he has plenty of water is my top priority. I take frequent breaks to give him water, just like we need to recharge. I’ve also noticed that, similar to humans, the more exercise he gets, the more calories he burns. As a result, I adjust Oscar’s food intake based on our weekly riding schedule to keep him energised and healthy.

Crate Setup:

Finding the perfect crate for Oscar’s comfort on the bike took some time and was a bit of trial and error; I went through three or four different crates before finally discovering the right one. It’s all about striking the right balance—not too big, but not too small. Our current setup provides a snug fit for Oscar, giving him a sense of security when he lies down. Comfortable padding inside is essential (I use two 1cm Yoga mats cut to size), and I’ve added a pool noodle around the rim for extra support, which gives him a cozy place to rest his head.

Harness and Lead Selection: 

As Oscar runs alongside me on a leash, a well-fitting harness is essential to prevent any rubbing at contact points that could cause him discomfort. I strongly recommend against attaching his leash to a collar, as this can be dangerous in the event of sudden stops. This brings us to choosing the right leash. I’ve found that a running waist leash works perfectly; it goes around my waist, allowing me to keep my hands free for handling the bike, while still providing enough length for Oscar to run comfortably beside me without being overly long.

Dog Booties: 

Oscar’s paws have gained strength over time, but the rough terrain we navigate can still be a real challenge on his pads. Investing in a high-quality pair of dog booties has been a real game changer. As we spend a lot of time riding on rough gravel roads. These booties offer essential protection against sharp objects like glass and rocks, which can easily harm his paws during our adventures. Plus, in the warmer months, the pavement can become scorching hot, posing a risk of burns to his sensitive pads.

Dog Glasses: 

Oscar was born with a growth on his left eye and underwent surgery to remove it when he was a puppy, so caring for his eyes is my top priority. While riding, the dust in the wind can easily irritate his eyes. A good quality pair of dog glasses not only protects him from debris but also shields him from harmful UV rays. Plus, let’s be honest—he looks pretty cool in those glasses!

GPS Tracking: 

Since Oscar spends time off-leash exploring in forests, I decided to get him an Apple AirTag in case he wanders off. Although he usually sticks close and has good recall, there are moments—especially when he spots a rabbit—when I can’t predict what he’ll do. While there are better dedicated GPS tracking collars available, Oscar spends most of his time on-leash, so the AirTag provides a convenient option. Being able to track him on my phone gives me that extra layer of security and peace of mind, ensuring I always know where he is.

Conclusion

It’s been just over 7 months since we first hopped on our bike together, and I can truly say that cycling with Oscar has transformed my adventures in ways I never imagined. Our rides have not only deepened our bond but also opened up a world of exploration and joy. Together, we’ve navigated trails, discovered new parks, had countless interactions with strangers, and created many unforgettable memories.

For anyone considering bringing their furry friend on cycling adventures, I entourage you take the leap. The joy and excitement Oscar brings to our rides is truly amazing. With a bit of planning and the right gear, we’ve been able to attack some incredible outdoor adventures.

As I look ahead, I’m excited for the many adventures still waiting for us. From weekend bikepacking trips to spontaneous day long rides exploring the beauty of our forests, I can’t wait to see where the trail takes Oscar and me next.

About the author

Edis Hercegovac is a Melbourne-based marketing professional working within the bike industry. When he’s not immersed in the world of cycling marketing, he’s often out on the trails or planning his next adventure. Joined by his loyal companion, Oscar, he finds solace and adventure in the wilderness, exploring trails by bike and on foot.

Find Edis and Oscar here:

Instagram: Instagram (@edis_and_oscar)

YouTube: Edis and Oscar