Ruby always in the lead; Tess always staying close.
I have to give a big shout out to all of the courteous bicyclists I encountered recently while taking Ruby and Tess for a run at the Nature Conservancy Rail Trail. I've been utilizing the multi-use trail at the end of Nine Mile Road for many years now and for the most part, runners, walkers, dogs and bicyclists share a harmonious love for the wide open spaces, the width of the trail (formally an east/west spur), and the wow-factor of the blue, blue skies.
It's easy to get lost in the views while aligning your breathing to the cadence of your feet repetitively striking the red earth. Tuning in and tuning out can make you oblivious to the stealth-like approach of a commuter or fat tire enthusiast zipping up from behind. I choose to not listen to music while running in the outdoors; it's a whole different story running on a treadmill.
But there it is...a faint little brrRRrrring! sound, followed by a directional "On your left!" exclamation. That all-too familiar bell tone can simultaneously take you back to your bad-ass banana seat and monkey handlebars on the Schwinn Stingray (red) bicycle you got for Christmas one year, as well as knock on the part of your brain that tells you to get the hell out of the way. But I didn't find it offensive or intrusive - the jingle spurred me to gather up my childhood memories and dorky smile to join my four-legged pals on the side of the trail. To my surprise, I got a "Wow - good dogs! Thanks!" and the flash of a smile as the bicyclists passed by us. I returned the compliment with a "No, thank YOU!" and motioned to the dogs that we could continue on our way with an enthusiastic, "Let's go!"
To give credit where credit is due, Tess and Ruby have been taught "wait" and "side" cues that are oh-so handy in environments where two-wheeled and/or two-legged passerby's are present. If the dogs are already sniffing off to the side of a trail or path, a "wait" will suffice. If they are trotting along beside me or like Ruby, up ahead in her own private Idaho, then a "side" - move to the side of the trail - is in order. They have been routinely reinforced for this behavior since they were pups, so even with the startling presence of a bicyclist or runner, they are pretty good at getting out of the way. I use both cues for on-leash encounters, too.
The point being is that we can coexist - bicyclists, runners, walkers, gawkers, and dogs - with a little common courtesy and trail etiquette. One doesn't have any more right or privilege to use our fantastic New Mexico spaces unless of course, there are restrictions placed on one or more of the aforementioned users. Train your dog to come when called. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't let your dog rush up to bicyclists, runners or walkers, or other on-leash dogs. And for Pete's sake, clean up after your dog.
I am grateful for the mindful bicyclists with their pleasant bike bells. I can hope that others will follow suit. Sometimes what was old can be new again. And cool. And endearing.
It's easy to get lost in the views while aligning your breathing to the cadence of your feet repetitively striking the red earth. Tuning in and tuning out can make you oblivious to the stealth-like approach of a commuter or fat tire enthusiast zipping up from behind. I choose to not listen to music while running in the outdoors; it's a whole different story running on a treadmill.
But there it is...a faint little brrRRrrring! sound, followed by a directional "On your left!" exclamation. That all-too familiar bell tone can simultaneously take you back to your bad-ass banana seat and monkey handlebars on the Schwinn Stingray (red) bicycle you got for Christmas one year, as well as knock on the part of your brain that tells you to get the hell out of the way. But I didn't find it offensive or intrusive - the jingle spurred me to gather up my childhood memories and dorky smile to join my four-legged pals on the side of the trail. To my surprise, I got a "Wow - good dogs! Thanks!" and the flash of a smile as the bicyclists passed by us. I returned the compliment with a "No, thank YOU!" and motioned to the dogs that we could continue on our way with an enthusiastic, "Let's go!"
To give credit where credit is due, Tess and Ruby have been taught "wait" and "side" cues that are oh-so handy in environments where two-wheeled and/or two-legged passerby's are present. If the dogs are already sniffing off to the side of a trail or path, a "wait" will suffice. If they are trotting along beside me or like Ruby, up ahead in her own private Idaho, then a "side" - move to the side of the trail - is in order. They have been routinely reinforced for this behavior since they were pups, so even with the startling presence of a bicyclist or runner, they are pretty good at getting out of the way. I use both cues for on-leash encounters, too.
The point being is that we can coexist - bicyclists, runners, walkers, gawkers, and dogs - with a little common courtesy and trail etiquette. One doesn't have any more right or privilege to use our fantastic New Mexico spaces unless of course, there are restrictions placed on one or more of the aforementioned users. Train your dog to come when called. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't let your dog rush up to bicyclists, runners or walkers, or other on-leash dogs. And for Pete's sake, clean up after your dog.
I am grateful for the mindful bicyclists with their pleasant bike bells. I can hope that others will follow suit. Sometimes what was old can be new again. And cool. And endearing.
Courteous bicyclists on the Rail Trail.
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