Attention all mountain bikers! Forget about trail dogs and say hello to the newest members of your adventure squad: trail cats. Yes, you read that right - trail cats. The ultimate combination of feline agility and mountain biking mayhem. But before you run out and adopt a lion or a tiger, let's talk about the pros and cons of trail cat ownership. And trust us, there are a few cons you should be aware of.
So, let's dive in and talk about why trail cats are the next big thing in mountain biking.
First, let's talk about the pros. Trail cats are natural climbers and jumpers, making them perfect for navigating tricky technical sections on the trail. Plus, their small size means they won't weigh you down on those grueling climbs. And let's be real, who doesn't love a cute little ball of fluff tagging along on their ride?
But before you go out and adopt a kitten, let's talk about the cons. Trail cats, like all cats, are independent creatures. They will not take commands or follow commands. They do as they please and that means that if they decide to take a nap in the middle of a difficult section of the trail, you're going to have to carry them. And let's not forget about their love for climbing. If you're not careful, your trail cat may decide to make a break for it and climb to the top of a tree. Good luck getting them down.
Let's face it, trail cats are not for everyone. If you're the type of person who needs constant affirmation and attention from your furry friend, a trail cat is not the pet for you. They'll be too busy napping in a sunny spot on the trail or stalking a butterfly to give you the attention you crave.
And let's not forget about the other dangers of having a trail cat as your adventure partner. Imagine this scenario: you're cruising down a fast descent when suddenly your trail cat decides to leap off your shoulder and chase a bird. You're left alone, hurtling down the trail at breakneck speed, with nothing to hold onto but your handlebars and your sense of impending doom.
Or how about this one: you're halfway through a grueling climb when your trail cat decides to take a break and curl up on your lap. Suddenly, you're struggling to pedal with the extra weight and your trail cat is purring contentedly, completely oblivious to your suffering.
But despite the risks, some brave souls have already taken the plunge and adopted trail cats as their adventure companions. And who can blame them? After all, trail cats are the ultimate hipster accessory for the discerning mountain biker. So the next time you're out on the trails and you see someone with a furry friend in tow, don't be too quick to judge. They might just be on the cutting edge of a new trend in mountain biking.
So, is a trail cat right for you? Only you can decide. But if you're up for the challenge, a trail cat just might be the purr-fect addition to your mountain biking adventures.
The photos in this post were taken during our road trip last fall, where we packed up our cats and our bikes into a trailer and traveled around the States for a month. Stay tuned for a future article about that adventure, with more bikes and fewer cats.