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A Legend Passes
by smoke
Posted: Aug 26, 2009
It saddens me to share with you the loss of a giant in the bike community. On Tuesday, August 25th, my best friend and riding partner of the past 10 years passed away at the ripe old age of 15.
Over the past years, Harley had quietly amassed a body of work that rivals that of the great riding stars of our time. Her resume includes more appearances in bike media than I can possibly remember, but some of her more memorable appearances include multiple appearances in North Shore Extreme, Kranked, New World Disorder, the Pist-n-Broke movies, as well as the Ride Guide and Drop In. She also found her way into many print publications in Canada, the US, the UK, and even Japan and Germany.
Over the past years, Harley had quietly amassed a body of work that rivals that of the great riding stars of our time. Her resume includes more appearances in bike media than I can possibly remember, but some of her more memorable appearances include multiple appearances in North Shore Extreme, Kranked, New World Disorder, the Pist-n-Broke movies, as well as the Ride Guide and Drop In. She also found her way into many print publications in Canada, the US, the UK, and even Japan and Germany.
If you met Harley, she made an impression. Actually, on many of you she made scars. Not that she was mean spirited, but she did have a problem differentiating fingers from sticks. The list of people that she bit over the years reads like the cast from a bike video. Harley not only shredded lines like skinny logs and gnarly rock faces, she also rode bikes and loved helicopters.
There are dogs and there are dogs, but Harley was a true one of a kind. Deaf from birth, and full of excess amounts of energy, she was more work to have around than any other dog I've had, but it was all worth it. She always was good for another lap, sang for you when she was happy, and never forgot someone that she had a good ride with. Oh, and she tortured Richie Schley endlessly by herding him into corners.
I've said for years that if you live a good life, you get to come back as our dog. All dogs go to heaven, but Harley made it here on earth.
More pics are over in Harley's Gallery.
158 Comments
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bradwalton
(Aug 27, 2009 at 9:03)
Sorry to hear buddy. She lived the good life for an amazingly long time, and definitely left an impression.
i cant imagen losing my dog 
sorry to here about her, but she has lived a very good life by the sounds of it 
rip
sorry to here about her, but she has lived a very good life by the sounds of it rip
RIP Harley! Her spirit lives on in all good pups. Here's a photo of mine that shares a zest for life and chasing bikes down trails, over jumps, and through the woods...
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/3927876/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/3927876/
Makes me miss my dog! I'm so sorry for your loss...But it seems like she really lived a good life, and had a great owner. RIP Harley. 8/27/08 Harley memorial ride day? I think so. Well, I'll be shreding super hard today for her.
Wow, this comment almost leaves me speachless.
People get very attached to their pets, especially dogs.
People get very attached to their pets, especially dogs.
just a dog is one of the dumbest statements ive every heard. If you have ever owned a dog and got close to it, you would know that it becomes one of your best friends.
I'm really sorry for your loss dude, I know how much losing a pet sucks and i'd sad to say the bound you had with your dog seems much deeper than mine, RIP Harley :'(
Im going to dedicate the trail im building to Harley. I will make a sign at the start so everyone who rides the trail can remeber her aswell. Hey Smoke i'll send you pic's of the trail when it is finished. Everyone knows her and she will live on in memory. R.I.P Harley.
wow have you ever heard of mans best friend i think of it this way you put ur girl friend and ur dog in the trunk of a car drive an hour witch one is goin to dump you and what one is goin to lick you to death
bikebuster
yeah but you are iust a stupid motherfuc***g bi**h, so shut your face.
Sorry for your loss, love your dog...
yeah but you are iust a stupid motherfuc***g bi**h, so shut your face.
Sorry for your loss, love your dog...
Bike buster, Your not a grown man if you keep acting like that. I grew up with my first dog.my parents got my pup the year i was born. he was born a few weeks before me. i had him till he finally died the year i turned 16 (last year) I shed a few tears for my boy!!!! you were obviously a very neglected child if u feel those preposterous(sp?) statments were necessary.
why, why do you have to make that comment. that's cruel. you won't like it when we laugh when your parents die, why laugh when his best friend dies?
R.I.P harley, what an awsome dog she was!
R.I.P harley, what an awsome dog she was!
Merrybike.....Wheres the humour? I was being serious. You don't see me crying when you eat a chicken sandwhich.
show some respect for a man who undoubtedly loved his dog.i'm sure your tune will change when you loose someone close to you.godspeed Harley.
why are people such a*sholes?
its the same as loosing a loved one
someone part of the family
i had my dog die and it sucks
i wish the best to you
its the same as loosing a loved one
someone part of the family
i had my dog die and it sucks
i wish the best to you
BikeBuster, your a f*cking spoon....im as attached to my dog as Smoke was attached to Harley(RIP)
if i ever hear that again mate, i shall recomend you to be banned on pinkbike..its not a nice thing to hear!...so Zip it!!!
Sorry to hear about Harley, Smoke....bet she will will be shreding wherever she is now
RIP Harley!
27/08/09
27/08/10 - First Memorial Ride!...its in my calender, is it yours????
if i ever hear that again mate, i shall recomend you to be banned on pinkbike..its not a nice thing to hear!...so Zip it!!!
Sorry to hear about Harley, Smoke....bet she will will be shreding wherever she is now
RIP Harley!
27/08/09
27/08/10 - First Memorial Ride!...its in my calender, is it yours????
I was fortunate enough to pass Harley unscathed, but she was a great trail dog and more than a little excited for the next lap. Sorry to see the passing Smoke and Barb.
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Sorry to hear of such a eventful lucky dog to have passed away, she be ripping the trails up in heaven now with the greats.
Harley lived the best life a dog could. He will be missed. I'm sure him and the taco bell doggy are running around together right now.
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sorry bout your dogg....If it means anything I would gladly be your replacement, Take me for the next heli-drop and I'l gladly chase you all day long...I'm down for media shoots...I can eat table scraps too, hell I'l even shit outside...seriously tho I feel your pain, good thing is your dog lived a better life than most of the people I know
Sorry to hear about your faithful friend. Sucks to loose them but the good life you had will always make you smile.
keep ur chin up dude, im sure she will be watching you on the trails, a dog is a mans best friend ! and that is fact.
keep smiling:-)
keep smiling:-)
me too i was like whoa somebody died at 15 and whoever it was she was a SHREDDER going in all those movies.... then was like oops dog
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My sympathy to you, I have seen Harley in alot of movies running with you guys, and felt, now thats the way life is suppose to be lived, no trail will be left untouched in doggy heaven for sure. RIP Harley you will be missed.
Sorry to hear of your loss, I know what it's like to lose your best little buddy. Lost one myself 4 years back, now I have an 11 month old Australian Cattle dog that is in training, gonna be the next great one. Hope you guys are feeling OK, looks like you gave her an awesome life, She must have loved you a ton. Best wishes guys, so long Harley.
This story is sad. Sad to hear about the passing of Harley, your next ride will have allot of meaning to it. Be strong.
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My condolences, Johnny. Good trail dogs are rare, but lifelong friends are rarer still. Safe travels on your journey to the great dog park in the sky, Harley!!
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the dog will be with in your heat for ever.
u will never forget about this dog the dog has had the best live it cud ever have.
u will never forget about this dog the dog has had the best live it cud ever have.
some songs about dogs
"old shep" johnny cash
"jessie" paw
i cant listen to "jessie" without shedin a tear
chin up son
"old shep" johnny cash
"jessie" paw
i cant listen to "jessie" without shedin a tear
chin up son
Me too, RIP Eddie. He´s been on "My POD" in my profile ever since he died about two years ago. Still miss him, will always miss him. I won´t even have another dog. He was it, period.
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I think all of us who have a furry best friend who spends time out on the trails or in the woods with us, can empathize with your loss. Sounds like she was loved dearly and will always be an important part of you. I am sorry for your loss.
so sorry to hear about your partner, I dread the day when I have to face this with my ridin partners. RIP.
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RIP, sounds like a dream dog, randomily do i rember seeing a picture of Harley in mbuk in a north shore issue in 2006 or 7? if yes Harley is responbille, and a inspiration to me, for having the best trail dog ever!
thats made it even more sad! as soon as i show and read that article and saw the pictures of Harley on the trails and riding on the bike, i dedcide "that is living the dream", in a sense that article and photos of the dog riding alon made me start biking! consequently i will hope be in canda this time next year!
damn that is tragic. How did you teach your dog to follow you on trails? I wanna train my dog to do the same.
that is so sad =(, she lived a good fun long life though, and thats all you can do, she definetly made an impression for every one to remember
hey dude, sounds like Harley had a great life. Be happy that she lived such a life and that you got to share it with her.
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I am sorry dude: I had a golden retriver when I was living in Spain and he passed away too. At the time I used to do skateboarding instead, but he used to love me and it was pretty much like I was always taking him everywhere. Dunno what to say but that I'm sorry.
I remember seeing Harley so often in movies and magazines, and I always thought how awsome she was to follow you in the trails and all. I think I'm not the only one here who can say that they wished to have a buddy like that. Sorry to hear the bad news.
Sorry for your loss, Smoke. I had seen Harley in movies and mags for years and had the pleasure of riding with you and her in Williams Lake a few seasons back. She had a lot of character and it sounds like she lived a 'dogs life' that other canines could only dream of.
Harley was a real funny dog, everythime when I saw her in vid she put a smile on my face. It´s hard to lose someone who was, is a big part in your life.
Great dog
Great dog
I remember watching all those movies and saying to myself that i'm gonna teach my dogs to do that. Never happened, but sorry for your loss man. R.i.p Harley
Sorry to hear of the loss of your best friend. I dread the day when Whistler will no longer be able to shred the trails with me! Sounds like she had an amazing life (Whistler is jealous!). Belly rubs and ear scratches to your beloved girl.
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hey bikebuster, have a little compassion. srry to here bout ur loss bro, wish my dog would go riding with me.
i really know what u feel, cause it happened to me time ago
now she live for ever in your memory and their remember will make u smile
may be not today, may be not tomorrow but soon...
now she live for ever in your memory and their remember will make u smile
may be not today, may be not tomorrow but soon...
Tomorrow I'll ride for Harley. I'm so sorry. Clearly a worthy and happy life. One cannot ask for more.
I remember Harley alternately growling at me to protect her chosen spot, then snuggling up to me for the shuttle up in your van. She was an awesome dog and one of a kind. RIP Harley.
Wow, so sorry. I was privileged enough to ride with Harley two years ago, she tackled terrain steeper and gnarlier than I ever did.
We'll hoist a few to Harley tomorrow night.
Thanks for sharing her with us, Smoke.
We'll hoist a few to Harley tomorrow night.
Thanks for sharing her with us, Smoke.
for the first couple of paragraphs i thought Harley was a person... and ripe old age of 15 seemed a bit weird but i get it know
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A true legend for all the right reasons, she went fast, hit the gnarly lines and never lost her stoke for the ride. Well lived Harley! Sorry for your loss Smoke.
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Sorry for your loss. I hate to think about going through this someday. My main man Hoot is my best friend and things wouldn't be right without him. It looks like you two enjoyed each other as much as possible with the time you had. http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/3929529/
R.I.P doggy
my dog die to when he was 15 years old his name was spike i got him i was 7 years old and he die i was 23 so know how you feel my dog was my best friend to after 3 years i stil mis him and every time i think of him i get smile on my face
my dog die to when he was 15 years old his name was spike i got him i was 7 years old and he die i was 23 so know how you feel my dog was my best friend to after 3 years i stil mis him and every time i think of him i get smile on my face
What a life Smoke! Harley was a great dog who owned good people! Crazy obsession with sticks even at the end of an epic day. I know you remember Koda (the "same side walker") from our days on the Shore and his passing 5 years ago tore me up bad! He was a great dog as well and I know he was honoured to co-star in Diggers films alongside Harley. I feel for you tonight man! I'll hoist a brew tonight in honour of her good run! take care you guys.... Arden
r.i.p harley sorry for the loss i lost my dog this winter and still miss him. shee had a good life and again sorry
Several weeks ago, I went to see a medium (psychic) as I was curious as to the circumstances surrounding a close friends death. After chatting for a while (she passed on what he was saying, like how i shouldn't have cut my hair, and i have too many toys that just sit around and don't get used!), and feeling rather foolish, i asked her if she knew anything of my dog who we had found, passed away in the forest behind our property.
She said she was unable to communicate with dogs, but sure enough, my friend, who had been there the whole time was able to confirm our suspicions that he had been bitten by a snake. And he was there, happy and free and feral as ever, running around chasing and rolling in things to his hearts content.
I know mediums aren't for everyone, and opinions of what happens after passing varies from person to person, but i truly believe Harley is still with you. I hope my story brings you some consolation, however small.
She said she was unable to communicate with dogs, but sure enough, my friend, who had been there the whole time was able to confirm our suspicions that he had been bitten by a snake. And he was there, happy and free and feral as ever, running around chasing and rolling in things to his hearts content.
I know mediums aren't for everyone, and opinions of what happens after passing varies from person to person, but i truly believe Harley is still with you. I hope my story brings you some consolation, however small.
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Sorry for your dog dude,there is nothing like loosing a friend no mater dog or not. You had your good moments with him , think of them ...
yo jonny smoke. dude that sorry to here the news. all my best. harley was the first dog to ever laugh at me when i broke my wrist on the gimp. haha thanx bud. take care and R.I.P. puppy dog
TL
TL
its cool to see all the support with the exception of one heartless mf. there's always one i guess.
i hope your dog is up in doggy heaven running down the longest single track ever and someday at the end wil be you waiting to catch her and you'll be reunited. rip harley
i hope your dog is up in doggy heaven running down the longest single track ever and someday at the end wil be you waiting to catch her and you'll be reunited. rip harley
I'm sorry for your loss, mate. She sounded like an awesome dog and a very good friend. It always hurts losing a pet, they're part of the family. Hope your sadness doesn't last too long and you can enjoy remembering the good times with her.
R.I.P Harley. I hope you're still running the trails, wherever you are.
R.I.P Harley. I hope you're still running the trails, wherever you are.
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I feel sorry for the people who have never known the love and whole harted joy that a dog can bring. Call me stupid but i only ever get chocked up when i hear a dog is gone. My best friend is now about 9 years old and every day i have with her i count as a blessing. Every time I was a little too tired to make sure she had a good day out i realized that every one of our days is a week to her(dog years)! So everyone out there savor every second you have with your dog because theyll be the best of your life. Rest in peace little harley! My pup thanks you because im takin her to the mountains tomorrow just because of you!
hey sorry
im with phyter23 because they are a beautiful thing to have and when you like stack or sumfin they sum how no exactly whats up
and i no what its like to have an old mate pass it's terrible
rest in peace little mate
im with phyter23 because they are a beautiful thing to have and when you like stack or sumfin they sum how no exactly whats up
and i no what its like to have an old mate pass it's terrible
rest in peace little mate
Harley was such a little cool dog, even though we only knew her for ten days, she made a massive impression on us both (no scars thou thankfully - cheers for the multiple warnings Smoke!). She even kept Oli company after the fall (http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/3929867/). We have fond memories of her making it known that the van was hers and plonking herself right in the middle on the back seat on the way to and from the trails (even though there was someone sitting on the middle seat - she didn't care!), and remembering not to pick up anything that looked like a stick when we were chilling by the lake. She had a great life, a dog couldn't ask for more F x
you should remember her inventing the Harley epic northshore series or somthing like that were everyone bring their dog with them or something like that...
never knew her but i know what ur going through. lost my riding buddy late last year at age 9. used to catch myself still talking to him on the trail for a while after it happened though, lol. got a noob in training!
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Sounds like a great riding companion and loyal friend, good dogs are hard to find but when one comes along and is as great as Harley it's hard to imagine riding without her I'm sure. I lost my riding companion Brodie the Wonder Dog a few years back and you sure miss them by your side. All the best and rest in peace Harley. Hopefully there's a mountain bike dog heaven for them.
I am very sorry for you loss. I too lost my best friend to cancer just over 2 years ago. Its so hard to explain the bond because you cannot talk to them but it is definately there. They are amazing animals and just bring so much joy to your life.
Impossible to forget
R.I.P Harley
Impossible to forget
R.I.P Harley
bikebuster (14 hours ago) (Below Threshold) show comment
"sad, but, ummmm, its just a dog"
And your just a dumb human. What is that statement even mean its just a dog, are you retarded? This man just lost a good friend and you stomp him into the ground. Its idiots like you that make me loose faith in the human race, absolutely no compassion what so ever.
"sad, but, ummmm, its just a dog"
And your just a dumb human. What is that statement even mean its just a dog, are you retarded? This man just lost a good friend and you stomp him into the ground. Its idiots like you that make me loose faith in the human race, absolutely no compassion what so ever.
She was a purebred Aussie Shepherd, but she was also sort of a mistake. You're not supposed to breed to murrle coloured ones (the 'blue' kind) because they carrry a recessive albino sort of gene. They call them 'Lethal Whites' because they are often stillborn or have serious health issues.
Harley was deaf from birth, and lost her eyesight in the past year. It was interesting, to say the least.
Harley was deaf from birth, and lost her eyesight in the past year. It was interesting, to say the least.
To Harley R.I.P. We all raise our glass in honour to a true friend & MTB icon! A dog is one of the greatest things we humans have got going for us I feel your pain as a dog owner and lover. Just know now that you will always have a guardian angel watching over you while you sherd the trails. Love & Respect to you and yours man
Srry to hear about your loss. Australian sheppards and border collies make great riding dogs. I currently have a 5 month old border collie who is well on his way to becoming my riding buddy for many years to come.
So sorry to hear this. I have always wanted a dog just so i can have that kind of relationship. I really feel for you, it must be terrible to lose your best mate. RIP Harley. Looks like you were a perfect dog!
My mutt had her spleen removed on Tuesday after a tumour that was growing on it ruptured and nearly killed her, so I can empathise with your loss.
At least she lived a better life than most.
At least she lived a better life than most.
Sorry to hear that buddy! but I'm sure that her energy will be there along roadsides and I think she deserves a place in the pod!
R.I.P to Harley!!!
R.I.P to Harley!!!
looked a gorgeous dog R.I.P, and bikebuster . . . you might think its just a dog but to 99% of dog owners there youre best freind aswell, being an only child iv grown up with my dog so close that it is my brother show some respect to this guymourning his dog!!
Serious bummer. Awesome friend, life, photos, and eulogy. Heartfelt condolences, Smoke, to you & Barb. From an old old friend and her two dogs: Andy, Sally Sweet & Bam-Bam Bigelow with lots of love from way up here on Ellesmere Island.
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Amen and Dog Bless! I will cherish her life through our own fuzzy kids Ghost and Freida here. all our best!
One Ghost Industries.
One Ghost Industries.
i remeber harley from the tour i went on, the first night i was scared to death couse she kept biting my heals, then we finally got used to each other, R.I.P harley
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