My trail dog Zoe (above) and I have had many adventures together, both on and off the bike (see Instagram). I continue to learn valuable life lessons from her and could not image my life without her. As a trail dog, she is energetic, attentive and runs with wild abandon and joy. One other such trail dog is Ruby – and if you have not meet Ruby before, you are in for a treat! Enjoy! NG.

Dogs and trail riding just go together – it’s a universal pairing.

For a long time, I have been a strong advocate to have more MTB locations that allow dogs and to have more rider-dog events and competitions.

This blog continues to promote more dog-inclusive cycling, like:

Xiaosa, the tiny intrepid Chinese dog that spontaneously joined a group of cycle tourists on their epic 20-day, 1,833km long trip and kept up with the 60kph pace for the whole time she was with them, outlasting some of the cyclists!
Riding for Rescues, which is an inspirational US program where bike riders raise money to help, rescue and sponsor animals (many of them dogs) to get them out of a high-kill shelter and be re-homed instead of being put down. Amzing work!
My #bikes_CISTA Instagram project, which I started last year, is a way to recognised and celebrate people out and about on their bikes with their dogs. #Bikes_CISTA stands for Cycling Interspecies Team of Awesomeness. There is a lot more to this project, but essentially, my criteria for including a photo in this collection is to have at least one rider, one dog and one bike – and that the subjects are strangers.

Coincidentally, the #Bikes_CISTA project was initially partly inspired by a photo I saw of Ruby ages ago (below), which was so exhilarating, that I used it as my first contribution to kick off the project…and that was how I found Ruby!

Ruby the trail dog

Ruby is a 5-year old Vizler. Ruby’s owner, Tom is a wicked photographer, keen MTBer and has created an impressive business brand and following based on Ruby.

Ruby has her own website which is filled with her adventures, extra material and more info about her. She is also on Twitter and Facebook.

My recommendation (and favourite) is Ruby’s beautiful and inspiring Instagram account @rubythetraildog. This is where I first encountered Ruby – and I am still an avid follower.

This account is exceptionally well curated and has endless stunning shots of Ruby out on trails, with mates, chillaxing, spending time with family and friends, celebrating holidays and just goofing around.

I have loved watching the development of Ruby over time. Her Instagram photos are not only a beautiful collection of images in and of themselves, but they also tell a warm and personal story of the various ages, stages and places that have contributed to making Ruby who she is – and her sunny personality just shines through.

Kudos to Tom, who has not only successfully and strategically developed Ruby into a successful personal brand that supports his craft and hobbies, but has done so in a way that is balanced and inspiring, and allows him to do what he loves most – wicked!

Why I love Ruby the trail dog

Well, er…. just look at the photos!

Who can argue with the happy, positive, healthy, outdoor, active and social sentiments that each picture so beautifully represent? Don’t we all long for such quality time? On our bikes, in nature, with our four-legged besties and a few mates riding somewhere spectacular with nothing else to do but to fully enjoy life.. hells yeah!

As a trail dog owner, I love seeing dogs out with riders. After moving to Brisbane, this became more difficult due to the militant dogs-on-leads rule. But we still manage to ‘be creative’ and get time riding tails with Zoe, although not as much as I did in Melbourne, or would like.

Ruby is my favourite go-to if I am ever feeling overwhelmed, disheartened with the news or the way the world is heading. Ruby reaffirms for me all the good things the world has to offer.

For me, Ruby is a salient reminder (as are all dogs) to live in the moment, enthusiastically enjoy riding bikes, have more fun, frolic in nature, rest when you need to, and love unconditionally.

So, grab a four-legged friend (or someone else’s!), ya bike and get out there!

Life on a bike is better with a trail dog.

Living the dream!

(*sigh*)