Walkies is for wimps: Smudge loves nothing more than riding motorbikes around Europe with her owner Rob FullerAny biker will tell you there's nothing like the thrill of the wind rushing through your fur on the open road.
While your average Jack Russell is more at home with walkies, Smudge has taken to motorbikes like a real road dog.
The three-year-old terrier has clocked up more than 11,000 miles biking around Europe by riding side-saddle with her owner Rob Fuller on his Triumph Tiger.
Easy rider: Smudge has toured Europe on the Triumph Tiger Smudge, who travels on the bike attached to Rob in a leather pouch, has seen everywhere from the French Alps to the Czech Republic.
Not to be outdone by her human counterparts, the punky pooch even dons a pair of 'doggles' when she hits the road to protect her eyes.
'Smudge must be one of the most popular dogs in Europe. We've been invited to visit fellow bikers in countries all over the world by people we've met on our ridesSeasoned biker Rob, 50, from Hull, has been taking Smudge biking with him since she was a puppy.
He said: 'Smudge loves being on the bike, and it's a bit more fun for her than getting stuck in kennels for a month while I'm away.
'She took to it like a duck to water. I don't know how she does it, but she knows how to ride a bike.
'She knows how to lean in when we go round corners, and she's got great balance.
'I used to work as a lorry driver, and I took her with me as a pup for a bit of company in the cab. She was with me 24 hours a day.
'It seemed a shame to leave her behind when I went out on the bike, so I thought I'd try her on the bike. Luckily, she loved it.'
Ron's wife, Lyn, often joins the pair on their European rides but is forced to ride alongside on her own bike, rather than jumping on the back of her hsuband's machine.
Biking for hours at a time can take it's toll on a little dog's bladder - but Smudge has a system for letting her best friend know when nature calls.
The little dog will raise a paw and tap Rob on the elbow as the pair are speeding through the countryside - and doesn't take her paw off Rob until he's pulled over to a suitable stratch of grass.
Rob, who has been biking since he was a teenager, said: 'It was something I was slightly concerned about the first time I strapped her onto the bike, but I had nothing to worry about.
'I'm probably the only biker that has to carry a roll of plastic bags in my leather jacket though.'
Smudge's unusual form of transport has sparked interest from other bikers - who all think Rob is barking mad. He said: 'We always get a lot of attention wherever we go, from other bikers and members of the public.
'Smudge must be one of the most popular dogs in Europe. We've been invited to visit fellow bikers in countries all over the world by people we've met on our rides.
'So far, Smudge and I have ridden through Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Italy and the Czech Republic - and we're not stopping anytime soon.
'Everyone thinks Smudge is great, but they all say there's no way they'd ride with a dog strapped to their chest.'
source: dailymail
Posts
