Riding Shotgun in Burlington: A Day in the Life of Jimmy and the BuddyRider®

Riding Shotgun in Burlington: A Day in the Life of Jimmy and the BuddyRider®

If you happen to be driving through Burlington, Ontario Canada on a sunny afternoon, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a familiar sight rolling down Waldoncroft Crescent: John driving his tractor, and Jimmy — his loyal canine co‑pilot — riding proudly in the BuddyRider® seat.

“It was a long day of work,” John says, laughing as he flips through a few photos. “Sorry I’m so dirty in some of them.” Dirt or not, the pictures tell a story that’s impossible not to smile at: Jimmy perched confidently in his seat, ears perked, clearly loving every minute of the ride.

According to John, Jimmy doesn’t discriminate. “He loves riding on the BuddyRider® and it doesn’t matter if it’s on the bike or the tractor.” What started as a practical solution has become a daily ritual. With Jimmy’s eyesight getting weaker, having him safely in the seat is far better than letting him wander around behind the tractor. “It’s actually safer for me to have him in the seat than just running around following me.”

These days, John only has one dog, but he still keeps two BuddyRiders® — one on his bike at home in Burlington, and one up at the cottage mounted on the tractor. “I didn’t get a second receiver, but I may do so this summer,” he says. “It’s not as big an issue now, but having one in each place just makes life easier.”

And the neighbours? They’re fully entertained. “My neighbours think it is hilarious when they see Jimmy coming down the road riding shotgun with me on the tractor.” It’s become a bit of a local legend — the hardworking Burlington duo making their rounds, one steering and one supervising. 

John is always curious about what’s new, too. “Please feel free to tell me about any upgrades you’ve made. If you have a new seat design, I’d be happy to try it out on the tractor with Jimmy and send you photos.”

From long workdays to cottage weekends, from bikes to tractors, Jimmy’s BuddyRider® adventures have become part of the rhythm of life in Burlington, Ontario. 

And if you ever visit the area, and see a dog cruising by like he owns the road — well, now you know the story. 

Jimmy is one of the reasons we love what we do! 

Let’s GO!  Right, Jimmy?