In 1972 after three years of saving for a very special 'toy' the day came to pick it up. Friends drove Lauri and I to the motorcycle dealer to begin a trip that would take us for the first time to The Great Smokies. This would be Lauri's first trip on a bike and what soon would be, to date, my longest trip. When we arrived at the shop there standing at the front entrance was a shinny new black BMW dressed for the road, like seeing a great Dobe for the first time.

We wrote the check hardly paying any attention to the dealer telling us about how the bike works. Then right there we packed the bike, jumped on and were on our way. Our friends could not believe we were heading down South and did their best to change our minds. They had all seen "Easy Rider," bless their well meaning hearts. But we knew what we wanted. Actually they (our friends) thought we were nuts to even ride a motorcycle.

The trip was outstanding. We met so many interesting as well as friendly local folks and other travelers who at times also looked at us a bit strange as they stepped into their motor homes, and we roared off on our bike.

How old is too old? Are you too old to bring a great Dobe into your life? Maybe. But probably not since you took the time to check us out. Your age has little to do with being a great friend to a Dobe. More importantly how is your health? Otherwise just get the right Dobe.

How old is too old? I can't answer for you. But, on June 14, 1996 at 9:30 p.m. Alaskan time, Barry Hoytt and friends stepped off their motorcycles in front of a sign that proclaimed Arctic Circle Alaska. Four weeks and 11,164 miles later I was back home (my BMW not quite as shinny as when I left).