Four Paws and Fur Makes the Best Training Partner
Joël and I wake up and check the outside temperature, it's a chilly 12 degrees F. As we meander through our morning routine our dog Clifford follows us, watching closely for those keys signs that we are going for a ride. Joël and I really don't want to ride outside, the warmth of the basement is calling us to ride inside that day. The look of hope and excitement in Cliff's eyes sways us in the direction of the cold. Before we know it we are putting on the layers and heading out for a ride. Cliff is wagging his tail and is ready to go.
I admit, I didn't even want Cliff at first. Our old Golden Retriever Nikki had just passed and Joël and I were checking out a rescue with the intention to just talk with the organizers about adopting a dog in the future. We had seen pictures of Clifford on the website, he was the only of his litter not yet adopted. We really weren't wanting to adopt him right away, this was just a meeting to think about it as a maybe in the future. Why was he not yet adopted? He was shy, fearful, and not socialized. At four months old he didn't even know how to walk on a leash. As the litter was brought in to meet all of their new family members we went to see Cliff. Cliff proceeded to crawl onto Joël's lap and peed. Cliff chose Joël and the decision was made, we came home with a new family addition that evening.
Trail dog training commenced and over the next few months we molded Cliff into the perfect trail dog. It was a two-way effort, Joël and I worked hard and put in our training time but Cliff also showed us he wanted to be out there. The more and more we rode and traveled with him, the more and more it became his thing. Excitement would build when the bikes came out, the van was being packed, or my running sneakers were being put on. Cliff learned how to run on a slack leash right next to us while running or cycling around town, and when off leash he learned verbal cues to help him stay close. Cliff even adapted to travel in a cart attached to the bike so that he could access the trails more readily. Joël and I created a monster, and it's a good thing.So how does Cliff's addiction to the trails affect our training? Well, everything in our lives revolves around Cliff. He impart dictates our training, travels, and races. And we are fine with that.
No matter what the weather, Cliff wants to go out. Cold, rain, wind, snow; he doesn't care. Many days Joël and I are going back and forth about what to do for training that day; stay inside or go out. And then Cliff gives us the look. So outside we go. Cliff prefers the trails or the local park on the bikes but no matter what he always gets us out the door. If it's really cold we may finish up the training session on the hometrainers but Cliff gets us out for a bit first. And what about if it really is just way to terrible out to ride? Then we go for a run or a hike. And this is pretty much every day of the week. Even if we are tired or sore; there is no skipping the outside that day. We at least need to get Cliff out for a bit, he expects it and deserves it.Cliff's chariot is something special Joël made to help get Cliff to more rides and to better trails along with being more time efficient for us. Why drive to the trail when you can ride? Using a pull-behind child cart attached to his bike, Joël will pull Cliff along to the trailhead. This way we can take Cliff to more places along with getting more time on the bike. And of course this is a good workout for Joël, nothing like pulling 100+ pounds behind you. Joël and I enjoy the look on the faces of people as they drive by us and then realize that there is a dog in that cart.
Many of you are familiar with our camper van, nicknamed "The Nankvan". It's a creeper-esq van converted into a campervan. And who was the number one priority when converting it? Why Clifford of course. Cliff goes everywhere with us. Rides, races, camping trips, family vacations; you name it Cliff is there. He has traveled to more states and countries than many people. More often than not when we show up to a cycling related event we always get the question "is Cliff here" because he has become such a staple in our travels. Our van life adventures revolve around what is best for Cliff. Is this camping site best for him? Will there be good trails for him? Can he stay in the van
Cliff has become a regular on many group rides. "Do I hear a ringing in my ears" is not an uncommon saying on rides due the bear bell we have Cliff wear. Riding with friends is a part of cycling both Joël and I enjoy, it's one of the many reasons we ride. Cliff has become an accepted member of many of the regular group rides we attend. If the ride is going to be too long or too intense for Cliff, we will do our "Cliff prologue" and/or "Cliff cooldown". We will take Cliff out for a short loop before or after (or both) the main group ride. While the ride is going on Cliff can relax in the van, eat a snack, get a drink, and recharge for post ride socializing. Overall Cliff is a shy guy, but put on a helmet and ride a bike and he will be your friend.
Trails dogs make every ride better. Having a bad ride? Cliff helps turn that frown upside down. Maybe I'm just not feeling it, just can't clear things that day, or am really not feeling into the ride. Watching Cliff bound along the trail with that happy look on his face makes the ride all worth it. There have been many rides that if it wasn't for having to be out there for Cliff I would have turned around just after starting. And ya know what; after riding a while and seeing how happy Cliff is all of a sudden the ride gets better and better and turns into a good workout. Thanks Cliff for being my motivator!Cliff and cycling, they go together. Cliff is our number one training partner' maybe even sort of our coach. He gets us out for training sessions even if we don't want to go. If we are having a bad ride the happiness on Cliff's face makes it all better. He is part of the family and travels everywhere with us. Joël and I are both happy Cliff chose us; and we tend to think Cliff is happy to be with us. Looking forward to many more miles, many more early morning rides, and many more adventures in the Nankvan with Cliff.
-Jess