Rev it up, ladies!
International Female Ride Day fosters awareness of women in motorsports
Get out and ride:: This event encourages women all over the world to pursue their passion. — Image courtesy of Motoress
_On May 7, 2010, women everywhere are encouraged to celebrate International Female Ride Day, a global event put on by Motoress. This campaign evolved as a means of building awareness for female motorcyclists, and to empower and encourage them to pursue this engaging pastime. Betty van der Veen, communications assistant for Motoress, was kind enough to answer our questions about this meaningful endeavour._ h3. How did this tradition get started? It was the brainchild of Vicki Gray, the director and founder of Motoress. She felt (the need) to highlight the huge number of women riders that existed, and also to demonstrate their diversity. This would underline the fact that women riders are a strong group and the activity is enjoyed by all ages/types of women. Furthermore, by encouraging countries and various cultures around the world to join in on the same day, it underlined the fact that women around the world shared this passion for motorcycling. Granted some cultures have more challenges than ours in North America. By celebrating women riders, having their numbers out on the road—especially on this one day—would demonstrate to other women how easy and enjoyable motorcycling is. Each woman riding on Female Ride Day is a role model. She plays a key role, (whether) riding alone, or with friends. h3. Please tell me a bit about your own experience with International Female Ride Day. Vicki expressed…a most overwhelming feeling, particularly when the photos started to arrive just after the first Female Ride Day in 2007. She observed with each image a strong, enthusiastic woman, depicted with her friends or just her motorcycle, beaming with happiness. “This is what it's all about,” she said, “the pleasure, the pride, the ownership.” Each woman also included a comment with the photo submission form, detailing their passion for riding and for the invention of such a great day just for women. Vicki said she became quite emotional in reviewing the terrific (togetherness) of women riders the campaign created. This was all about the women—not about what they rode, where they rode or how. Another fun part of the evolution of this campaign was the first time we needed to translate our logo into another language. Italian, Polish and Dutch followed French. This year we’re adding Hungarian. h3. What makes this event so special and unique? The fact that it is free to do as you wish. It’s all brands of motorcycles, types (cruiser, sport, scooter, etc.) and all forms. The other factor is the pleasure women take knowing that on this first Friday of May, women in Australia, in Poland, from west coast United States to the east coast of Canada, are sharing the ride together. h3. Do you feel that the experience of female riders in general has changed significantly since the first Female Ride Day? Definitely. Not only female riders themselves, but the avail of products and activities. International Female Ride Day has spawned incredible amounts of activities, now considered yearly happenings all due to the introduction of this campaign. There were women’s clubs created just because of Female Ride Day. Women have encouraged others, and new riders have joined the activity. Harley-Davidson decided to make May Women Riders Month inspired by this campaign. There is more awareness to the woman rider than ever before. Even in Israel’s city of Tel Aviv, the first ever women’s motorcycle club took to riding through the main streets of the city for this day—not ever done before—nor were there so many women on motorcycles seen at one time. This in the country’s history! h3. What would you like to see change, in terms of awareness or acceptance of women involved in this activity? There is a lot of acceptance and inclusion of campaigns from manufacturers directed specifically to women now. This is a huge improvement in the last decade. As we are still the minority gender, there are still challenges to be treated equally and not patronized. Unfortunately, we can’t place blame entirely on men for that—there are many women who still see themselves in an activity that’s done by men versus an activity that women do. h3. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know? Simply that the day is “everywhere you are”—that’s our buzz phrase for this year. Many women still misunderstand and think that the day is not happening in their town/city/region. It’s a day she participates in by simply getting on her motorcycle—be out there and JUST RIDE!
Motorcycle Zone key contacts
Hit the road, Jack
Over 15 years ago, Jack Industries designed and manufactured the Seat Jack. Today, we create 25 different passenger seat models to fit all Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha snowmobile sport models, from 1992 and up. They’re easy to install, durable, comfortable and safe.
Another invention of ours—Retrack Jack—offers a safe and secure option for loading your recreational machines. This system features telescoping ramps that fasten in the box of a pickup truck. The ramps, which are made of galvanized steel, can be adjusted for loading and unloading a snowmobile or a four-wheeled vehicle. They are designed with Teflon runners and anti-skid supergrips. Visit our website for more information about Seat Jacks, Retrack Jacks and all other Jack accessories.
Your Honda headquarters
At B&F Sales & Service Ltd., located in Grand Forks, B.C., we specialize in superior customer service. Our large supply of Honda products includes ATVs, motorcycles, lawn and garden wares, generators, snowblowers, walk-behind mowers and water pumps.
Equipped with a fully stocked parts department, we'll help you find all the accessories and dress-up items you've been searching for. Our qualified technicians are ready and willing to help with any question or concern you may have.
Let our friendly sales staff and competitive service be the reasons why you choose B&F Sales & Service Ltd. for all your recreation needs.
Saskatchewan
Give your seat new life with SaddleSkins
Snowmobiles have special cover requirements. Extra cold weather can cause ordinary vinyl to split and crack. Travelcade SaddleSkins for sleds are made of a heavy-duty cold weather material that is impervious to cold down to more than minus 40 degrees. All features of the original seat are retained rear compartment, lights, side buffers all duplicated in our replacement covers.
SaddleSkins are available for motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles with original manufacturer s fit and design. Their weather-resistant vinyl endures all sorts of riding conditions, and replaces duct tape and unsightly tears at an economical price.
WARN XT and RT Winch Series: the best winches in the world are now even better.
The complete line of WARN Powersports winches lets you ride with confidence knowing that when you need to pull yourself out of the muck or move a heavy load, you'll be up to the task time and time again. Both the XT Extreme Terrain and RT Rugged Terrain winches are designed specifically for powersports vehicles. Standard features includes weather-resistant sealed construction; rugged and reliable three-stage planetary geartrains; patented disc brakes for enhanced control; efficient electrical systems for less battery drain; easy-to-use clutch dials; and legendary WARN quality. You can be assured these winches are the best on the market.
Both the SaddleSkins and WARN Powersports winches are available at Recreation Supply Co. Ltd. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
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Mighty Peace River, AB
Come join us on the wide open roads
The Land of the Mighty Peace stretches across northwestern Alberta, from the British Columbia border along the Northwest Territories border, deep into Wood Buffalo National Park. The Peace River has created a magnificent theatre of nature, inspiring scenery, rolling hills, and stunning river banks.
Riding through this magnificent territory is an experience you will never forget. Find yourself surrounded by breathtaking boreal forests and stop along the way to visit one of the many fine attractions in the area. The Mighty Peace Country offers something for all; urban exploration and nightlife, a vast and relaxing nature, history, fishing, camping and adventure. The Mighty Peace Tourism Association is now offering a waterproof circle tour map featuring plenty of roadside attractions and icons, as well as discounted accommodations just for our rider friends. 
Manitoba, BC
The fun starts here, at Enns Brothers Powersports
When a person in Manitoba wants to have fun and enjoy the pleasures that power sports and vehicles have to offer, they come to Enns Brothers Powersports
Located in three locations (Winnipeg East, West and Portage La Prairie), Enns Brothers will be Manitoba's first choice for motorized products, accessories and servicing. Our customers and suppliers trust us for honesty, knowledge, fairness and professionalism. Our dynamic team can help you with all your powersport needs in a friendly and efficient manner, and you will feel welcome and supported in every one of our locations.
Tumbler Ridge, BC
Discover the wonder and beauty of Tumbler Ridge
Tumbler Ridge is unique, as it has all the amenities of a larger town, while retaining its small town culture. With its beautiful geographic location and rich history, this is truly the perfect location. Tumbler Ridge has plenty of activities and events occurring regularly to help keep you involved in the community. If you’re looking for other ways to stay active, our local terrain will be waiting for you to bring out your ATV or off-road bike, and witness the exquisite scenery of Tumbler Ridge.
Grande Prairie, AB
We are your four-season destination!
Stanford Hotels & Resorts are the ideal accommodations for riders! Take advantage of our $89.00* rider rate which includes a complimentary bike wash. The Grande Prairie location offers ground floor rooms, meaning you are never far from your pride and joy. As well, the inner courtyard parking lot gives you peace of mind during your stay. Choose Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie if you are looking for that home away from home feel and great service! We are your four-season destination, so check out our winter rates for sledders.
*Taxes and applicable fees will be added to this rate
Get in on the action
If you consider yourself a powersports enthusiast and are interested in breaking into the industry, the Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Program or Motorcycle Mechanic, Pre-Employment Program is right for you. Offered at GPRC Fairview College Campus, these programs provide students with the skills that are in demand by North America’s recreational powersports industry. Students obtain the current knowledge of emerging technologies, combined with relevant, hands-on experience—and that’s exactly what employers are seeking.
Furthermore, students in either program are eligible to write the Alberta Apprenticeship exams—their first step towards obtaining their Journeyman status in the trade. For more information about the career opportunities – with job openings available across the country following graduation, call Les Ashton or Brad Chorney at 1-888-999-7882.
East Central. SK
The destination for every level of rider
You will find a surprise around every corner in Saskatchewan’s East Central region. The stunning transformation of the landscape from prairie to boreal forest showcases nature in its most grand form. Vast numbers of birds migrate through the area, making this an incredible destination for bird lovers. Unique communities are part of the mix, including four vibrant cities and a dynamic Ukrainian culture. Add a natural healing spa and a host of exciting events, not to mention a landscape that is truly an off-road enthusiast's dream. It is no wonder that our area won nine Rider’s Choice Awards for our spectacular ATVing terrain.
Radium Hotsprings, BC
Adventure is yours to define and discover
Bighorn Meadows offers luxury resort accommodations on the Springs Golf Resort in Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada. Enjoy recreation and relaxation with one of the many activity providers in and around the Village of Radium, Kootenay National Park and the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Bighorn Meadows is far removed from the bustle of big city life with its natural hot springs and abundant wildlife. It's a short scenic walk to the middle of friendly Radium Hot Springs and only a few minutes' drive to Lake Windermere. Nearby Panorama Mountain Resort and Kicking Horse provide alpine and heli-skiing opportunities. The valley provides an ideal setting and terrain for ATVing and other outdoor activities.
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Big River, SK
Convenient, comfortable and affordable
Ride from your door and enjoy an overabundance of ATV trails.
The Timberland Motel is located in a woodland setting with more than 20 lakes within 12 miles of our front door, but in Big River you can fish right where the town dock extends into Cowan Lake.
We are located on the Trans-Canadian Snowmobile Trail, so you can snowmobile right up to the door of your comfortable room. The Timberland Motel features a range of amenities, such as air conditioning, wireless high-speed Internet, an outdoor hot tub and much more.
The motel itself is also for sale, so rent a room now and see the incredible potential in this modern, clean facility.
The small shop with big service
Season's Edge Recreation has been serving Nipawin and surrounding area for more than 12 years, and we are dedicated to our customers' needs. Like our customers, we are also snowmobile and ATV enthusiasts.
Here at Season's Edge we ride what we sell so we are able to understand and respond to your needs. We know how important it is for you to have a great experience every time you ride.
On our days off, we look forward to jumping on our toys and hitting the trails or venturing out into the back country, so don't be suprised if you meet up with us next time you're out for a ride.
Cranbrook, BC
There is always something to do in Cranbrook
The City of Cranbrook is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and offers visitors an array of fun activities. For winter guests, this warm and welcoming community is conveniently close to a full range of sledding locations. With literally hundreds of excellent sledding trails nearby, snowmobilers can experience everything from beginner to extreme mountain riding in the area. Cranbrook is also known as the sunniest city in B.C., so expect to find brilliant blue skies and sunshine to top off the mountain vistas you will enjoy while out on the trail.
Kootenay Rockies
Warm up after your sledding adventure
Prestige Hotels & Resorts are elegant, full-service hotels and resorts, located in the Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies—destinations known for some of the most renowned snowmobiling terrain. The Prestige offers deluxe rooms and amenities, executive and designer suites. All guest rooms feature quality comforts such as voicemail, data ports, high-speed Internet access and pay-per-view movies. Facilities also include a pool, hot tub, athletic club, restaurant and lounge—so there are several relaxing options to choose from upon your arrival. We are proudly 100% smoke-free. Inquire about our getaway and recreation packages, and make us your first choice in accommodation when you plan your next sledding excursion.
Cranbrook, BC
A quality motel in the heart of the Kootenay Mountains
Surrounded by the pristine Kootenay Mountains, the Travellers Motel features newly remodeled suites that will make your stay a quality one. We are conveniently situated just 10 minutes from the airport, and offer special rates for seniors and corporate guests. Also for your convenience, we have complimentary parking, a laundry facility, direct dial phones, smoking rooms, wireless internet and a continental breakfast. Kick back and enjoy our barbecue area, or one of our two new bubble tubs. Bring your four-legged travelling companion, because our motel is pet-friendly.
Cranbrook, BC
We go to great heights for you!
At the Nomad Motel, we offer several amenities to make our guests feel comfortable. With a 46-inch heated outdoor pool, large family suites and a children's playground, our facility is ready to welcome you and your family. We also offer corporate, group and senior rates, free high speed internet, and fax and photocopy services to suit your business needs. Take advantage of our guest laundromat, free VCR and movie usage, continental breakfast and cable TV with movie channels. Pet-friendly rooms are available as well. All of our rooms are air conditioned and have refrigerators and other basic necessities to make your stay fun and relaxing.