forward too much . It was the same weight as a DRZ400 , but with 2-1 / 2 times the horsepower . It had ABS brakes , which kept us safe from sudden stops that might send Deacon flying over the bars . It also turned out that it was easier to pick up than my KTM500 , because of the low center of gravity facilitated by the fuel tank under the seat .
Deacon and I could pack the paniers and ride to where we wanted to go . The annual KTM Adventure Rider Rally , typically held at ski resorts , became our favorite event to attend . Our first two weeks ’ ride away from home was to venture down Baja California with a small organised group of riders , led by Lawrence Hacking ( a past Dakar racer ). Everyone was Canadian , except me .
With the extra weight of Deacon on the bike we had the most trouble with deep sandy sections . Two riders who ’ d suffered injuries took easier routes , I joined them .
In Mexico , our greatest challenge is finding a place to stay that will allow Deacon too . There is not a whole lot of house dogs down there . Deacon would often perform tricks and play with the motel owner ’ s children ; we ’ d became enamored to the staff . I promised them that Deacon always sleeps on the floor , never on the bed or furniture and that no one would know that he was in the room . As part of his hearing dog status with the Veteran ’ s Administration ( VA ), he only barks if someone knocks on the door or an alarm goes off . With one other exception .
Mexico has an overabundance of stray dogs , loud music , and fireworks . Once , whilst walking down a side street , we found ourselves surrounded by street dogs . A young Mexican boy that was playing in a courtyard spotted us . He couldn ’ t have been older than eight and no taller than 100 centimetres . He simply picked up a large stone and held it over his head like he was ready to throw it . All six dogs disappeared . I gave the kid 20 pesos for teaching me this trick , which works on every unfriendly dog in Mexico .
The sound of fireworks reminds Deacon of his early years with thunder and me , of my two deployments in Vietnam . On the first report he would hear , he would uncharacteristically start pulling me back in the hotel ’ s direction . He can also foretell the presence of thunder before the rest of us can hear it . How he knows which motel to return to perplexes me to this day , but as soon as we arrive at a new place for the night , he seems know his surroundings .
In our first-year riding together , we ventured to a local short track race to watch the action . The announcer asked over the loudspeaker if anyone wanted to enter the knobby class , held for motocross bikes . They needed one more rider to make a race .
“ My bike has knobbies ,” pointing to the 690 , even though it was street legal .
“ Okay ,” he said . “ As long as you disable the front brake .”
“ No problem . Can I bring my dog ?”, I questioned . “ He rides in front of me .”
A quick discussion amongst the organisers decided to allow Deacon on the track . After all this small venue was notorious for having an anything-goes , hooligan class .
I made a few practice starts in the pit area , but the gearing was too tall to do anything besides feather the clutch and launch .
There were four of us , the others were three 250cc motocross bikes ridden by 18-year-olds . We all lined up , amidst grins from the other riders and laughter from the spectators in the stands . When the starter dropped the flag , my 690 almost flipped , it was enough for the other three to scream into the first corner without us .
As we settled into second gear , Deacon would lean into the corner as we chased the pack . Now is the other time when Deacon barks when we are behind another rider . My riding buddies always push us up to the front so he will be quiet . I think he considers them prey .
With Deacon barking , we passed the third-placed rider on the second lap . Then on the third lap I dived to the inside of the unsuspecting second-placed racer , who looked to his left to see where the barking was coming from , he slid high into the marbles , we passed and set after the leader .
We were directly behind the leader ’ s rear wheel on the last lap , the barking kept him looking over his shoulder . The young man was laughing so hard , that he became squirrelly through the final corner . It was surprising that he held on for the win . Deacon had won a second-place trophy , and I was offered the third-place prize . Only fitting as I was behind him . MK
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