In North Tyneside, amidst the sea breeze and cheerful beachgoers, a unique sight captures attention: a dog comfortably riding on a cyclist’s back. Meet Gib and David Majarich whose biking adventures have become a delightful blend of transport and community connection.
“Why carry a dog on your back when you ride?” David chuckles at the question. “Why not? It gets us places faster, especially to dog-friendly spots in summer. But the main reason? It’s the smiles.”
Gib, a lively pup with floppy ears, rides snugly in a bright orange backpack on David’s shoulders, charming everyone they pass. “It feels like a community service,” David adds, “spreading joy one ride at a time.”
Their journey began when David’s family adopted Gib, named after Gibside National Trust. Inspired by social media posts of dogs in backpacks, David found a second-hand pack for £20 to kickstart their biking adventures.
Training Gib was gradual. Starting at 12 weeks old, Gib initially resisted riding on the bike but soon grew comfortable with short trips. By six months, he upgraded to a specialized dog backpack with paw holes for comfort, associating it with fun outings, especially to the beach.
Reflecting on memorable moments, David recalls a bustling Sunday at the Fish Quay where Gib stole the spotlight from a sports car worth £75,000. “People were more captivated by a backpack with a cute dog than the expensive car!”
Reactions to Gib riding vary from heart-warming to humorous. David fondly remembers helping a visually impaired man cross the road. “He sensed Gib and calmly said, ‘Well, that’s a first—a dog on someone’s back helping me cross.'”
“People often say ‘how cute!’ and I joke, ‘but what about the dog?'” David laughs, noting the mixed reactions.
For those inspired to bike with their dogs, David advises starting young, using rewards and ensuring both rider and dog are secure. “Be a confident cyclist,” he suggests, “and invest in a good-quality backpack like the K9 Sport Sack.”
Follow Gib’s adventures on Instagram @gib.k9 for snapshots from their explorations in North Tyneside.
