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

You can also read the event info below on this Google Doc.

Volancy Dogs is delighted to announce a new bikejoring/canicross challenge on the beautiful Delaware Canal Towpath along the Delaware River in Pennsylvania (with the option to complete it virtually)! This event, which participants can complete at any time, 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. I will be renewing this event each year, so there is no rush if you won't finish it by the end of the calendar year! Our event is intended to motivate mushers, bring people/dogs into the sport, foster community, and inspire friendly competition.

Course

The course starts at the Delaware Canal 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 (turn on satellite view); you will pass the small bridge leading into New Hope and Odette’s River House on your left. NOTE: There is currently a trail closure about 2.5 miles from the 20-miler turnaround point. The remaining distance can be completed by passing the finish for half of the leftover distance and then heading back to the finish or anywhere else on the trail you choose.

10-Mile Challenge Short Video

20-Mile Challenge Full Video

Check out this Google Doc for more precise course information and how to prove that you completed the challenge. This document shows the exact spots to start/turn around (including photos)--to ensure fairness for those wanting to compete for the fastest times. The 20-miler turnaround information and photos will be uploaded soon (the trail closure currently prevents this).

Awards/Swag

To see the finisher awards, check the "Awards" section on the Google Doc!

All participants who complete either the 10 or 20-mile course will receive a medal and a dog tag to proudly display on their dog's collar/harness, each with a custom design specific to the challenge distance. The medals, made with recycled bike chain, detach from their ribbons and become keychains. Each medal will have a personalised plaque on the back with your name, the name of your dog(s), the distance, whether you did canicross/bikejor, and the date you completed the challenge. I also have an option at sign-up where you can pay extra to put whatever text you want on the back of your tag(s). If you sign up for a 2-dog class, you will receive two tags. If you sign up for the 4-dog class, you will receive four tags.

The 10-mile version has Dryas with the bridge at the Stoney Run Aqueduct (the 10-mile turnaround point) while the 20-mile version has Valerian and Aury with Odette's Riverhouse (seen just before the 20-mile turnaround point).

For participants who would like to compete with one another, times will be recorded and tracked on this spreadsheet (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. :]

Because this is the first time I am running this event, I don’t 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 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 volancydogs@gmail.com.

Mission:

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, which I have completed with my dog Valerian.

New to Canicross/Bikejoring?

IF YOU ARE NEW TO MUSHING–IT’S OKAY! I will be offering free training (reach out to schedule) 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.), don’t worry–I 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 and join the Facebook group so we can connect! You can also e-mail me at volancydogs@gmail.com.

Schedule

Training sessions and group rides will be scheduled according to participant availability. If you are interested in learning how to bikejor or would like to ride together, please let me know! Follow us on Facebook and join the Facebook group or e-mail me at volancydogs@gmail.com.

I typically do basic training at a local park, such as Columbus Township Park, and shorter training rides at a nearby trail like the one in Bordentown (trail entrance next to Riverview Studios). If you have a local trail near you in mind, let me know and I may be able to meet you there!