Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Kai Immonen is a world champion kickbiker. The kickbike is also great for doing activities with your dog.
I got a chance to learn the basics and here's how it looked.
Hi! Hi! Looks like that's one way of taking your dog out,
but I guess we could check out some alternatives.
Yes, Andy and I got really excited about this at the PetExpo when we got a chance to try it out.
So why is this such a great hobby for dog enthusiasts?
Because it's a diverse workout. You both benefit from it.
If you go running with your dog, they might not get enough of an exercise.
Or if you go with a bicycle, you might not get enough of a workout for yourself.
Kickbiking is a great compromise where both you and your dog get a good workout.
Isn't it so that you can also go kickbiking on various terrains, not just asphalt?
Of course, and I'd suggest that people avoid asphalt as much as possible.
Even if the dog is not pulling hard, their nails will suffer and it's just better to use dirt roads.
And how about proper off-roading?
It mostly just comes down to the kickbiker's abilities, because off-roading is not an issue for these bikes.
Kaitsu, let's show these things off.
Ok, let's start by choosing the right model for you.
I usually suggest a sturdy model that works well on dirt roads for dog enthusiasts.
You look like a sporty person, so I think we should pick the Cross MAX.
Ok, sounds good.
Should I have a helmet?
Absolutely. Whenever you're kickbiking, you need to remember to be safe.
Of course. This is a special occasion though and I don't really have the proper outfit or a helmet.
Well, let's just take a few little laps then and go through the basics.
The main thing in kickbiking is to remember to change the leg that is kicking. You should switch legs every 5 to 10 strokes.
Rookies should do the basic switch.
Turn the foot on the footboard to the side, and bring the toes of your other foot in front of it and then just turn.
Secondly, when you're kicking, use long strides.
Take a long stride, bring it back in and stay relaxed.
One important thing is to remember to straighten the leg you're standing on after each stride, to give it a little break.
When you're kicking, your heel should never touch the ground.
On different terrains, you need to adjust your technique a little bit. When accelerating use more of a rolling stride.
In a tight corner you should kick with the leg that is on the inner side of the turn.
At a turn you should use a rolling technique so it'll go as smoothly as possible.
Good, I'll try and remember all of this.
So to get the best workout, everybody should do as you suggested, right?
Yes, that's how you've got to do it.
Like putting money in your own bank, right? -That's correct.