Pooches On Patrol In Proposed Documentary

By Bud Wilkinson

Independent filmmakers Eric Ristau and Geneva Liimatta of Missoula, MT are going the crowd-sourcing route to fund their latest effort – a documentary about motorcyclists who ride with their four-legged friends. The movie will be titled “Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America’s Sidecar Dogs.”

Shooting has already taken place in Washington, California and Montana. “Seeing a dog in a sidecar brings a smile to everyone’s face,” says Liimatta.

“Our film explores the relationship between sidecar dogs and their motorcycle-riding humans. The dogs and humans we’ve met while shooting this project are amazing characters. You’ll love them all.”

Ristau and Liimatta, who are husband and wife, are now looking to find sidecar dogs in other parts of the country. They’re funding the film, which is budgeted to cost $28,000, through Kickstarter. More than $11,500 has been raised so far.

Depending on the donation level, Kickstarter contributors will receive thank-you gifts that include behind-the-scenes photos, bumper stickers, on-line previews of the movie, DVDs, T-shirts and viewing parties.

“It’s a great story,” says Ristau. “The film shows how dogs and their owners came to ride together, the adventures they have and how they connect with the greater community when they’re out on the road.”

For more info, to view clips of the upcoming movie or to donate, go here. Deadline is April 4.

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Link of the Week:

Contributing columnist Bob Rosen scours the web to find interesting websites to suggest to riders. Today, it’s a scenic one operated by the Federal Highway Administration. Check it out on the Link of the Week page here.

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BMW is recalling nearly 4,500 model-year 2013 motorcycles and scooters for a possible electrical problem. The NHTSA reports “water may enter the side-stand switch preventing the motorcycle from starting or potentially shutting off the motorcycle while it is being ridden,” which “increases the risk of a crash.”

Models affected include the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT scooters and F 700 GS, F 800 GS, F 800 GS Adventure, F 800 GT, R 1200 R and R 1200 GS motorcycles. The recall is expected to begin in April and dealers will replace the side-stand switch for free.

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Indian Motorcycle of Springfield in Westfield, MA plans an all-day grand opening party on Saturday (March 22) with music, food and demo rides. And, yes, there will be a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m.