About Garry & Pedal Pals | Vet-Backed, NZ-Owned

Hi, I'm Garry — I run Pedal Pals here in Tauranga, and I'm the person you'll actually talk to if you call or email.

How it started

My wife Kathy and I have always loved getting out and about — cycling, and holidaying around New Zealand in our caravan. The trouble was, we didn’t want to leave our dog Truffle behind and needed to find a way to bring her along that was comfortable and safe for both Truffle and me, the rider.

That's how we came across BuddyRider®. And we’ve never looked back — Truffle's been our riding companion ever since, joining us on trips all over the country, from local rides around the Bay of Plenty to bigger adventures like the Southern Lakes, Central Otago Rail Trails and the Alps to Ocean (315km over four days).

Truffle has now travelled over 7,000kms with us in her Buddyrider. And when it’s safe to do so she can gallop alongside us until ready to get back in her Buddyrider. You can follow along on our Pedal Pals NZ Facebook page to see more of our adventures — that's genuinely us, out there living it, not stock photography.

I've been supplying the BuddyRider product to Kiwi dog owners for five years now. I had been riding with Truffle on my new e-bike for two years prior to this and was often being stopped and asked “where can I get one?” so, I approached Buddyrider International, was interviewed then welcomed into the family as an Accredited Buddyrider Retailer.

I am passionate about the Buddyrider product. It has been lifestyle changing for us and I love seeing my customers come to enjoy the same.

46 years as a vet

I spent 46 years working as a companion animal veterinarian and am now retired. That background means when I talk to you about whether BuddyRider is the right choice for both your dog and you — comfort, safety, fit — it's coming from real experience.

Try before you buy

If you're anywhere near Tauranga, you're welcome to come and see the Buddyrider suite in person. Bring your dog and cycle.

I recommend taking a ride on one of our ebikes firstly with an empty Buddyrider. We are down a private driveway where it is very safe to ride. Now that there’s the choice of the original rigid arm and now the flex-arm, the rider can experience the riding dynamics of each. Then we strap your dog into the Buddyrider four-point harness and you go for another ride down the drive.

Most visitors worry if the dog will like the Buddyrider but in my experience they very quickly realise “this is fun” and they’re sitting up looking cute as they come back up the drive to the house!

We can also check your bike(s) to ensure the Buddyrider will fit — All this before you spend a cent!

I am delighted to see the smiles all round as a new Buddyrider family heads away to start their own adventures. It's genuinely one of the things that sets us apart from other suppliers.

I'll be honest, I love a challenge too. Over the years I've helped fit a BuddyRider to some pretty unusual setups, including a tandem bike and an electric scooter. My customers have proven highly inventive to make the Buddyrider work for them. So, if you've got something a bit different, don't assume it won't work, bring it along and let's have a crack at it together.

If you're further afield, that's no problem either, give me a call and I'll talk you through everything so you know exactly what you're getting. It may be possible to put you in touch with someone close to you who has a Buddyrider that you can see. Buddyrider owners are usually as enthusiastic about the product as I am.

NZ-wide, NZ-owned

Pedal Pals is a proudly NZ-owned and operated business, and we ship nationwide — with free shipping on orders over $150. Louise helps out with orders when Kathy and I are away, and Robert covers distribution in the South Island, so you're always looked after no matter where you are.

Real dogs, real riders

Have a browse of our customer reviews and photos — real dogs, real bikes, real trips. If you've got a BuddyRider yourself, I'd love to see how you and your dog get on. Please keep those photos coming in!

Get in touch

Got a question about whether BuddyRider will work for you and your dog? Give me a call — send me a text, or an email — I'm more than happy to talk it through.