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Originally Posted by BellarousasMom  Here's a question. How do you handle riding in the rain with Lexie? Bella would freeze to death, even in the summer. We haven't gone on any long rode trips since we've had her. For one, I'm afraid if it started raining she would get sick. Thanks. |
Well each dog will be different, but Lexie currently rides down to 40 degrees. I have heated gear in the works for her full winter riding, but as far as the rain and cold temps you have to understand that I have customized both the bike and her gear so she stays as dry as I do (yes I stay dry).
First requirement is Eye Protection. Its a must! Lexie hates her doogles...unless we are riding. She knows that when on the bike, they must stay on. Also, be sure to clean them often. You too would hate looking through dirty sunglasses.
Next is proper gear. I have both a rain coat for Lexie and a wind breaker which is semi rain resistant.
Then comes the layers. The colder it is, the more layers she wears. I know I have done it right when we stop and I remove the layers and her body is warm.
This year I added a customized tank bag. (My pouch is for sale if anyone is interested) Lexie now gets tethered into the tank bag and can sit up, move around and lay down. Best part about this is that now I can actually cover her in heavy rain with a clear rain lid for the tank bag. She can still see out and yet stays dry.
We only use the cover in heavy down pours. If its a light drizzle, she dons the Rain Coat or Wind Breaker.
Finally, don't forget those ears! They are huge and can catch a lot of wind and rain. I currently use a doo rag for that, but I also have a Full Face helmet in the works along with real riding gear that will cover her completely. That includes paws, under the belly and around the face.
Be sure to check out all her travel pics on her web site. Click on my profile and then home page to see them all.