It is has been a long time coming, literally a decade. But Dan has finally replaced the trail bike he lost in the Boundary Fire. (see pictures and read more here) Not sure who is more excited – Dan or the dogs.

In the summer we like to find ways to keep the dogs active and entertained.  We do small team command training with the quad in our field and around the property. We also like to have retired dogs loose outside with us when we are working in the yard. Plus the trails where we live are ideal for free running the dogs, and a motorcycle is a great way to do that*.  OK you can go with the quad**.   And technically you can even run with the dogs***.  Of course the dogs enjoy a hike as well, but nothing is as much fun for them as a good all out blast with some buddies down the trail. And for our trails an off road motorcycle is a great option for free running.  Not to mention Dan really missed having a trail bike out here; so it was great that he found an amazing deal on this one.

*assuming you are Dan and know how to ride & enjoy that kind of thing.
**which is great for me,  but really the quad  can not always keep up with the dogs when they are going all out.
***even in my best shape / wildest dreams I can’t trail run fast enough for the dogs.

Today the dogs got to enjoy the new bike for the first time. Groups took turns on short runs with Dan. The entire yard erupted with excitement each time a group left or came back to the yard, lots of good fun. It was the perfect day for it, cloudy and not too hot. Everyone got in on the action, even the retired dogs took a (shorter, slower) turn. While dogs were out on the trail with Dan I had time to clean and fill water buckets, do some grooming, and even caught some shots of the dogs returning to the yard.  And now everyone is run, watered, and at least for the moment napping or lounging around on their houses. But I am willing to bet all we would have to do to get them jumping and barking like crazy is fire up the motorcycle and drive down to the yard.  Cause after today, they know that means fun!

“The first thing is to love your sport. Never do it to please someone else. It has to be yours.”
Peggy Fleming

“If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm. Life does give back in kind.”
Norman Vincent Peale

A man may smile and bid you hail
Yet wish you to the devil;
But when a good dog wags his tail,
You know he’s on the level.
~Author Unknown