Born to Ride: A Jack Russell's Life on Two Wheels in Alaska

Pete is a long‑haired Jack Russell with a personality that seems far too big for his small frame. Enthusiastic, playful, and always ready for action, he became part of Jill and her husband's family when they adopted him from a rescue group in Wasilla, Alaska. He was about a year old then, and in the nearly three years since, he has filled their days with energy, laughter, and a surprising amount of adventure.

For 25 years before Pete, Jill and her husband Carl had German Shepherds. Their big dogs loved running alongside them on bike rides, keeping pace with ease. When Pete arrived, they assumed he'd follow the same tradition. And at first, he did. But it didn't take long for him to reveal his true preference. Pete didn't want to run next to the bike — he wanted to ride on it.

Every time they rolled out of the driveway, Pete would jump at the bike, barking insistently. When the bike stopped, he'd leap straight into his owner's arms, ready to go. He'd balance with his hind paws on a lap and his front paws on the handlebars, a tiny co‑pilot with a huge sense of purpose. It was charming, but it wasn't safe. After a few falls and several attempts to engineer a better setup at home, Jill's husband realized someone must have already solved this problem. A bit of research led him to the BuddyRider©, and everything changed.

The moment the BuddyRider® was mounted on the bike, Pete hopped in without hesitation. It was as if he instantly recognized it as his rightful seat. Now he rides securely and comfortably, perched in his own little cockpit with a perfect view of the world. Every morning when the garage door opens, he runs straight to the bike and puts his paws up, clearly asking to go.

Most days, Pete and his humans head out on wooded trails and along river beaches. A typical ride is four to five miles, though they've gone as far as twelve. They ride to the river, explore the shoreline, play fetch, and continue on. Some of the most memorable outings happen in March and April, when the rivers freeze into smooth, rideable surfaces. With studded fat‑bike tires, they glide across Windy Creek, Jack River, and the Nenana River — nearly ten miles of frozen terrain along the western boundary of Denali National Park.

For Pete, these rides are pure joy. For Jill and Carl, they're a reminder of how a small dog with a big spirit can transform everyday life into an adventure.

For Pete's sake, let's go!