This is Maggie on her first major road trip! We road from West Hollywood to Paso Robles. A three and an half ride took four hours because as we rode we had to work out the kinks. I stopped four to five times to check on her and adapt the crate to the weather. I also, wanted to make sure she wasn't too hot or cold. So let's start with the rig. I have ridden Maggie up to my folk's house a few times. On those rides she rode in my Timbuk2 messenger bag. She lays in it and I close it on her so she was secured to my body while her cute little head hung out the side with her Doggles.
Maggie is about nineteen pounds and did not want to put that weight on my lower back for three to four hours. I had been looking online for different type of set ups but some of them are very costly. There was this one stainless steel rig that connects to the body of the bike and extends over the back fender. This rig is designed for bikes and the pets that want to ride, too. It has flames on the side and great vents cut into the sides. The pricing starts at $400.00 and goes up. I just plain don't have the extra cash for that great item.
The idea came to me when I was at the pet store. Get a travel crate made of heavy duty materials and strap it onto the back of the bike. This action would make Maggie truly, "Bitch on back." This crate is made of very study plastic and metal and fit perfectly on the passenger seat. I strapped it down with ten bungee cords. I tested the cords by pulling on them and checking the metal hooks. I wanted to make sure nothing popped loose with my best friend on back. I then loaded the inside with her favorite blankets and pillow with treats to make this new situation as welcoming as possible.
First ride day:
We left West Hollywood at 9 am on a Sunday morning so we hit zero traffic. My biggest concern as with some bikers is the weather but with Maggie that worry doubled. So here was the first kink to be worked out. Maggie and I jumped onto the 101 freeway and I opened up the throttle. I turned around and saw the metal top was open and Maggie was still laying down. I pulled over by the Universal Studios off ramp and jumped off and check the top door. The wind had shaken loose the latch. So I carefully closed the latches. They stayed closed and did not fly open again.
We stopped again on the 101 just past the Harley Davidson shop. We stopped at the Wendy's there for coffee. I let Maggie run around on the grass and do her business. I checked the crate and it was stable and sturdy. I was concerned with the wind and vibration but this set up worked great!
We hit the 101 north again and were having a grand time. I was very happy that the weather was cool and there was no traffic. Well, I knew as soon as I thought that traffic would hit and it did right at the edge of Santa Barbara. A small plane crashed on a white car on the 101 south and it caused a great amount of traffic both ways. We made it through that pretty well then we stopped at the 76 station to fill up and check on the Mags.
I forgot to mention as we were riding people were taking Maggie's picture and waving at her! I was too busy watching the road. I noticed that a car was driving right next to us. I looked over and a family was smiling at us and waving. I could see their big smiles. I got a kick out of it. I threw a piece sign at them and the little girl in the back seat went nuts. (Maybe a futre biker?)
Back to the 76 station, we pulled up by the grass first and I let Maggie out to pee and stretch her little legs. The RV'ers checked us out instantly. We received warm smiles and long waves from the them. It was fun. Then I put Maggie in the crate with her sitting up to pull up the pump. What fun! The attendant came out and started talking to Maggie and we had a conversation about the rig. As I was topping off the tank three bikers pulled in to fill up. They all went crazy for Maggie. Louise, her husband and Josh. They took pictures with Maggie. I remember Louise's name because she was so exicted. She kept telling her husband that they were going to bring their dog on rides from now on. My favorite memory is when I went inside to buy some water and I watched a very large biker with a goatee and tats up and down his forearms walk up to my bike. I watched out of curiosity. This large daunting man walked right up to Maggie then leaned over and started talking "doggie talk" to Maggie. He patted and rubbed her back while her tail wagged wildly. That was my favorite image. I could go on and on about the bikers and Maggie at the gas station but let's move forward.
That was our last stop and it was all open beautiful road! Ocean view rides to wide open country side dotted with cows and trees to ocean views to wine country! Wow what a ride!
Total cost for trip:
- two tanks of gas: 22.00
- one red bull: 3.00
- one coffee: 1.09
= 26.09 one way
That is not too bad for traveling nearly 400 miles! In the next blog I will write about the return trip that had a few bumps in the road.
Rubber to the road!
