My good friend Risa Hustad went bike camping recently and brought their 80-pound Malamute, Bandit, along with.
Bandit is such a good boy and loves to be included in all activities. Planning to bring the Malamute camping is a much larger undertaking than it would be for a purse Pomeranian — but it’s possible!
Risa retrofitted a mountain bike they had on hand to add an Argo bakfiets to the front, which Bandit was willing to be helped into. They towed a Burley trailer along behind them, packed full of all the treats and comforts a human and a dog could want for a weekend away.
I never would have thought it was possible to take a giant dog like this bike camping, but my friend Risa proved me wrong by being the best dog dad on the face of the earth. It was perfect weather for riding the Midtown Greenway to the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail, and it’ll be even nicer as soon as the connection through Hopkins on the Cedar Lake Regional Trail is done.
And the joy! The joy, the huge grin that spread on everyone’s face. When they were going past, the recognition that “yes! That is a dog in there! They are doing it!” was simply incredible to witness. So many smiles as realization came on people’s faces on the busy trail.
Thank you, Risa, and thank you, Bandit, for bringing everyone who saw you so much happiness.
Photos by Pine Salica