Rally Pack

Rally dog Riley helping with final packing, Pittsburgh

Long-time rally watchers know that there is always time devoted to faithful rally pups. Our 15 year old chihuahua mix Riley is a pro. He has ridden some (shorter) miles with Kirsten in his own seat and was known to jump into his riding bag as soon as he saw her put on her gear. Riley flew with me to the IBR 2015 finish in Albuquerque and has been at many other rally Starts and Finishes. 

Sir Frederick Pepperbottom joined the pack in 2020 and took the IBR 2021 pre-rally prep in stride. He is a fast learner and appreciates the concept of the Iron Butt Hotel - if you have time to sit, you have time to lie down, if you have time to lie down, you have time to wrap yourself in a blanket, kick your legs in the air, and take a nap.   

This year, Jana joined the crew for her first rally road trip to Pittsburgh, announcing herself to all as she excitedly scoped out the goings-on in the parking lot of rally HQ. Bela sees a gathering of motorcycles and riders and her tail and ears go on high alert. She can pick Kirsten out of the gaggle in a second and was with Riley and I at the finish of IBR 2017.  

Jana practicing Iron Butt Hotel naps

Chris has two rally dogs cheering him on at home - Bella and Toby. In true rally dog style, they are alert and calm, keeping Chris’ wife Denise company over these long days of distance.  

Bella and Toby await Chris' return in Ireland

The rally pack enjoys visiting with other rally dogs - Blue (Connie and Randy Gabrick) and Jake (Lisa Erbes, RIP sweet Jake) were in residence at the 2021 Dog Daze Rally. If you can’t get enough of good riding, you should come to northern Michigan in August this year for the final running of the Dog Daze Rally. Hosted by skilled Rallymasters Connie and Randy, Dog Daze covers some beautiful country and provides an awesome place to gather with friends and pups to enjoy riding and an awesome view from the top of the mountain in Wakefield. 

Riley, Bela and Frederick at the Dog Daze Rally, 2021

But the clock is still ticking (loudly), and the rally pack and I are heading back to Pittsburgh. Penalty points accrue for riders one second after 8:00 a.m. on Friday morning. We’ll have fresh water and a treat waiting. 

Rally pack in transit