Delaware Canal Dryland Mushing Challenge (By Volancy Dogs) | Canicross & Bikejor

YOU CAN ALSO READ THE EVENT INFO BELOW ON THIS GOOGLE DOC [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HzZQXdxilXzHfREZ0TrVZyZQihTgWsiqCvrYUwbXAU0/edit?usp=sharing].

Volancy Dogs is delighted to announce a new bikejoring/canicross event on the beautiful Delaware Canal Towpath along the Delaware River in Pennsylvania (with the option to complete it virtually)! This event, which participants have until the end of the year to complete, is a distance of 20 miles, with a 10-mile alternative for participants who find that they need a shorter distance. Participants can do the challenge on their own or in the company of other mushers; optional group rides will be scheduled. The end of year deadline was chosen to encourage new mushers who may need time to train up to this distance.



The course starts at the towpath entrance across the street from the 1799 House (GPS to Yardley Park and Ride); both the 10-miler and the 20-miler are out and back routes. The 10-miler turnaround point is at the Stoney Run Aqueduct. The 20-miler turnaround point is where the towpath ends upon reaching the river, just past Odettes River House. More precise information about the exact spots to start/turn around (including photos)--to ensure fairness for those wanting to compete for the fastest timeswill be uploaded soon!



IF YOU ARE NEW TO MUSHINGITS OKAY! I will be offering free training on the specified dates (or within my availability) to anyone who really wants to try this with their dog. I can also advise you on what gear/equipment to buy. If your dog does not currently have basic training (listening skills, good behavior in public, etc.), dont worryI am a dog trainer, and I will help you! It will require effort on your part, but most dogs can learn some variant of this activity. I encourage anyone interested in this event to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/volancydogs/] and JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12MhdqiqE3g/] so we can connect! You can also e-mail me at [email protected].



The purpose of this challenge (and future challenges!) is to provide dryland mushers in the NJ/PA area with an endurance goal, similar to what is available to runners. As a runner myself, I know that runners have access to events ranging from the 5K to the marathon distance without even needing to venture outside of their state. Conversely, there is only one bikejoring event in our area annually (a sprint race of about four miles). There was an online league where mushers could do various challenges, but it shut down. Our Delaware Canal challenge was inspired by the DELAWARE RIVER LOOP SERIES [https://www.uptowngentlefriends.com/home/delaware-river-loop-series], which I completed with my dog Valerian this year.



Our event is intended to motivate mushers, bring people/dogs into the sport, foster community, and inspire friendly competition. Participants who complete at least the 10-mile course will receive a tag with a custom design to proudly display on their dogs collar/harness and a medal specific to the 10-miler. 20-mile finishers will receive a custom tag and medal specific to the 20-miler. If you sign up for the 2-dog class, you will receive two tags. If you sign up for the 4-dog class, you will receive four tags. DESIGNS HAVE BEEN COMMISSIONED AND WILL BE POSTED AS SOON AS THEY ARE COMPLETED, BUT I WANTED TO GET THE EVENT UP HERE ASAP!



For participants who would like to compete with one another, times will be recorded and tracked on a spreadsheet (this is optional). IF WE GET ENOUGH MUSHERS, THERE WILL BE AWARDS FOR THE FASTEST TIMES! Proof of times via Strava, Garmin, etc. and photos to show that you actually did the event with your dog(s) will be required for this. Granted, it will not be possible to 100% guarantee no cheating, but we will operate under the assumption that everyone here is a good sport. :] If it gets competitive enough where people with super close times are duking it out, I can always come out in person to spectate and verify a run.



Because this is the first time I am running this event, I dont know how many people will sign up. Rather than including basic t-shirts in the registration fee, I am choosing to keep the fee as low as possible and offer the option to pay extra for a t-shirt, long-sleeved technical tee, or hoodie. This is a dog sport, and you seldom get a dog-specific award from any event/race, so I wanted to prioritize the tags.



IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DONATING TO/SPONSORING THIS EVENT TO MAKE MORE SWAG AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPANTS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! MY E-MAIL IS [email protected].

SCHEDULE

All dates listed below are flexible pending the weather and the training needs of the participants. Please note that this is just a rough outline and that it is never too late to start or ask for training help. Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/volancydogs/] and join the Facebook group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12MhdqiqE3g/] so we can connect! You can also e-mail me at [email protected].

Basic training is to help people with all aspects of training that translate into more successful and safer bikejoring.



***BASIC TRAINING, BIKEJORING TRAINING, OR SHORT RIDES WILL TAKE PLACE IN COLUMBUS (COLUMBUS TOWNSHIP PARK) OR BORDENTOWN (D&R CANAL TRAIL ENTRANCE NEXT TO RIVERVIEW STUDIOS) UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED.***



BASIC TRAINING: MARCH 15TH

BASIC TRAINING/BIKEJORING TRAINING: MARCH 22ND

BIKEJORING TRAINING/SHORT RIDE: MARCH 29TH

10-MILE BIKEJOR GROUP RIDE: APRIL 5TH

20-MILE BIKEJOR GROUP RIDE: APRIL 19TH

10-MILE BIKEJOR GROUP RIDE: APRIL 26TH

20-MILE BIKEJOR GROUP RIDE: MAY 3RD



FUTURE TRAININGS/RIDES TBD!