The Phantom Cyclist

Toting 'doggies' in baskets.

One of neatest things I've encountered while riding the bike trails is people carrying their dogs in baskets -- either fore or aft. It gives me the 'warm fuzzies' all over to see that they share their love of the bike trails with their favorite pet.

But, this presents a dilemma of sorts -- for those of us who are new to 'doggie toting' while cycling. How big a dog should you carry in your bike basket? I really don't have the answer -- and I'm sure the decision rests with the individual cyclist/dog owner. So let's see if we can sort this out and set some kind of standard.

Starting with little frou-frou dogs: These take up no space at all -- you could even carry two in a basket. And, if your butt gets sore from sitting on that rigid narrow seat, you could always plop one of the little critters down on it to cushion your ride. Be sure to switch them every few miles so the ASPCA doesn't get on your case.

MY VOTE: YES for little frou-frou dogs.

Cocker Spaniels: These loveable little dogs have the greatest ears. It's neat to see them dancing in the wind like dish towels trying to escape. You could even train your Cocker Spaniel to lean to the left or right giving turn signals for you. One per basket (fore or aft) should be a standard carrying load. Or, use a dual pannier system on the back and place a 'signaling' Cocker in each one.

MY VOTE: YES for Cocker Spaniels.

Scotties: These children's sweaters with legs have been one of my favorite dogs for a long time. I can't really explain it -- and if I did, I might embarrass myself. Suffice it to say that Scotties are perfect bike basket companions.

MY VOTE: YES for Scotties.

Miniature Poodles: I'm not going to go there.

Chihuahuas: A true yap-fest in a fur suit. Chihuahuas are great safety devices. Train 'em to yap at cycles and you won't have to constantly yell out "On your left..." all the while you're on the bike trail. You can even dress them up in Mexican hats to add a festive aire to your bike riding. Or dress 'em in some primo attire and sunglasses -- and have a 'chichuahua'. 4 per basket is a reasonable content limit.

MY VOTE: YES (But, with a caveat. I've seen several chihuahuas that look like they've bulked up on steroids. I'm not too keen about that idea. And suddenly, my ankles feel very vulnerable.)

Dachshunds: Possibly. But you'll have to fold them double to fit in a bike basket. You might want to use an umbrella stand instead.

MY VOTE: Maybe.

Now, let's look at the results:

Frou-Frou's, Cocker Spaniels, Scotties and Chihuahuas all fit nicely into the niche of 'totable doggies' on the bike trails.

Dachshunds are a 'maybe'.

What about larger dogs? Well, only you can answer that question. Picture yourself riding with a Boxer, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Retriever, Rotweiler or St. Bernard on you back or in a basket: It looks pretty silly -- doesn't it?

And hauling that 55 gallon 'pooper bin', plus a 'doggie' mit the size of a Rawlings or Wilson baseball glove, tends to lessen the pleasure of cycling.

None of the larger breeds are ideal 'basket dogs'. But, if you're going to haul one, you might want to put a helmet on it --

-- and ride a tandem.

Or, get your large dog his -- or her -- own bicycle.

So, there you have it. I hope I've been able to help set some standards. Let's try to tote doggies within that framework.

~ The Phantom Cyclist