So, the main reason for adding the Ural to our garage was so that the dogs could join us in our motorcycle adventures.  As mentioned in a previous blog, my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kai, was a frequent passenger in the Wastsonian sidecar I once had attached to my Triumph Bonneville.  He loved it so much and I saw his recent disappointment every time I left the house without him to go riding.  After years of coveting a Ural Gear-Up, we finally bought one in nearly perfect condition from our neighbor.
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Now came the challenge of making sure the dogs were safe in the sidecar since it wasn’t nearly as deep as the Watsonian and now I also have a Great Dane who sits much taller than my Ridgeback.  As usual, I did a ton of research.  I read blogs about gear, harnesses, strategies of securing said items into/onto the sidecar, etc.  I also reached out to fellow sidecar riding dog lovers via Instagram.  I was so glad when we heard back from Waffles, a very famous social media side car Great Dane.  Unfortunately, by that time I had already made the commitment to purchase gear from RuffWear.  I am a HUGE fan of RuffWear.  I’ve used many of their products in the past since we love taking our dogs on adventures.  We’ve used their backpacks, collapsible food/water bowls, leashes, collars, etc.  They all have lasted years, been durable out on the trails and camping.  So I didn’t have much hesitation selecting this brand to keep my dogs safe in the side car.  My only dilemma was which harness to select.

Sooo Worcester, MA….have you ever visited?  Well after our first stop there when we dropped off the Ural, we didn’t think it would be a bad place to stay the night before picking it up.  I made Friday night reservations at a very reasonably priced hotel with gorgeous modern décor.  It had great reviews, so I figured we’d have a relaxing night away from home, like a mini vacation.  And we did….even drinking some mezcal (my FAV) at a small taco joint a few blocks away…and then the walk back to the hotel. 

​I’m soooo overjoyed with the new addition of the Ural to our garage, I hardly know where to begin this blog.  This is probably the closest I’ll get to understanding how new parents feel (of course, other than when I welcome a new pup to the family).  Adding this very special, unique bike to the fleet, has been such a fun-filled experience – everyone who’s seen it, ridden in it, or has discussed it with us, has admired it with wide-eyes and been brought to laughter.  While at times it feels like we’re riding in a circus prop, this crazy bike is actually a pretty tough, loud, raw, machine.  We consider it beautiful, like a typical adoring, new parent.  But I suppose to others, it might seem more like an international military machine – well maybe, because it sorta is.