Scootering, gone to the dogs

I think it can be said that Dog Scootering has finally arrived in the UK, after using them for a few years and having talked to various event organisers, this season saw events held by three of the race organisations in the country.

The UKSC held one event this year offering the class, this attracted a single competitor, in a recreational capacity. SDAS offered this class at most of their rallies, but unfortunately did not draw that many entries. Devilla, the first rally of the season, attracted two entries, with one person competing. The next entry was seen at Tentsmuir, just the one competitor again, which was a shame as this venue is ideal for scooters, providing flat trails with excellent surfaces. Unlike rigs the surfaces preferred should be sound and not slippery as with just having two wheels, keeping your balance is a bit challenging, and as for taking corners sideways, as you can on a rig, I think not!! So to the final event of the SDAS calendar, another small entry, but the trail length was a daunting, the scooter class became encompassed within the Recreational Class!! The most successful scooter series was seen at BSHRA, who ended up with the same number of competitors in the scooter class and in their 6-dog class, and interestingly the closest result of the season was from two SDAS members at the Kinshaldy event where on the second day the difference between first and second place was less than half of one second. The busiest event was one of their R2 events in Norfolk, which attracted 16 entries and resulted in 14 competitors, so roll on next season, and more competitors. There are various scooters out on the market, however in my opinion, the best value for money is the Cross Country from Kickbike, which has also taken in the region of 85% of the 1st places at the scooter events this past season. For those insterested in who has been burning up the trails on two wheels this season and taking the honors, at UKSC it was Mike McRae, it was myself at SDAS and over a third of the BSHRA events along with Christian Ulf-Hansen, Shane Wilkinson, Steve Rooke, Shafi Ratani and Simon Stackhouse. In the final championship results for the BSHRA season, three of the top four places were won by competitors using Kickbikes, including first place, which went to Shane Wilkinson. For additional information on the Cross Country, have a look at their site www.kickbike.biz . Do not be put off by all the talk of the competitive side of using a scooter, using a scooter is just as much fun in a recreational capacity, it is ideal for going out with one dog for a quick short run during the summer to keep you and your dog in shape over the summer, and it is much quicker and easier to put a scooter into you vehicle than a rig. Another advantage of a kickbike or scooter is the amount of new trails which become accessible, like cycle paths, plus another bonus is that as a Kickbike is similar in appearance to a bike, no permit is needed on forest trails, however unlike a bike if you do need to get off quickly then there is no crossbar to get in the way.

Over the past years I have used my Kickbike on varying terrains including forest paths, cycle paths, parks and canal tow paths, I have even used it to get to work in the summer. The Kickbike does not have to be used with dogs, Demi Moore uses one to keep fit, and they are also becoming invaluable for tri-athletes in training. Have a great summer, and see you on the trails next season.
 

Ewan