YAMAHA STAFF RIDERS: CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY

By Justin Balkos
Marketing Coordinator
Yamaha Motor Canada

Every year, International Female Ride Day is celebrated in more than 120 countries on the first Saturday of May. To mark this year’s global female “JUST RIDE DAY!” we’ve collected stories from some Yamaha Motor Canada team members who enjoy the thrill of two wheels.

Are you ready to ride on May 7??

Tina D.
Inventory Finance - Coordinator - Special Projects
Current Ride: Yamaha MT07
Previous Ride: Two Yamaha R6s

When and how did you start riding?

I always had a passion for motorcycles /off-roading. I started riding in my early teens and when I realized that I had developed a true passion in my early 20s, I decided to get my M licence through Humber College Motorcycle Training School.

Why do you ride? What does it mean to you?

I love the feeling of going wherever I want; stopping at a little "gem" of a restaurant at a wrong turn or at a lookout point to taking in the scenery. There’s nothing like the "feel good" sensation of taking some twists and turns, and just simply enjoying what is around me and what I am doing at that moment. I have always found a strong sense of community and ability to share common ground with others. As you ride down the streets, you will almost always get a wave or peace finger sign to the left saying, “Hi.”

What’s your most memorable ride? Why?

The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia because of its breath-taking scenery.

Do you have any thoughts to share with other female riders thinking about getting into or back into riding?

Whether you’re a new or returning rider, the most important thing is for "you to do you." Do what is comfortable for you in terms of speed, riding solo or with groups, riding gear and type of bike – and take time to build confidence in your abilities by practising. I would also suggest riding with a safe, experienced rider or riding instructor to develop good riding practices. First time "jitters" are natural, so do a "self-check" on how you feel before you get on the bike. A few deep breaths will help, and good nutrition will improve your focus and sustain your energy during the ride.

Nathalie B
Special Markets Coordinator -Inside Sales Department
Current Ride: Sadly, no ride for now... but many options from Yamaha I would love to try!!
Previous Ride: Yamaha VMAX1500

When and how did you start riding?

I come from a family of motorcycle enthusiasts. My parents and brother were all riders at some point in time, and my parents rode well into their 60s. I started in my early 20s (now 50). My first bike was the Yamaha VMAX – it was the actual beast I learned to ride on!

Why do you ride? What does it mean to you?

Freedom, escape from routine, scenery, the adrenaline rush, but mostly the people – the ones you travel with and the ones you encounter on your many adventures. The discussions around rides, bikes, and life. Some of my best friends are in my life because of motorcycling.

What’s your most memorable ride? Why?

Who do you not ride with is more like it! There is always someone to ride with, and sometimes riding by yourself is very Zen too! I was also part of a club called TTSR (Twisted Throttle Sportbike Riders) for almost five years.

Do you have any thoughts to share with other female riders thinking about getting into or back into riding?

Americade Bike week, Lake George, NY. What was supposed to be a relatively straight-forward ride, turned into a very scenic nine-hour drive through very beautiful small upstate New York roads. Also, Laconia Bike Week, where I met up with my parents who were also at the event. It’s pretty cool to ride with your folks!

Delaney B.
Marketing Coordinator – RV
Current Ride: Yamaha YZ125
Previous Ride: 1975 SR500

When and how did you start riding?

I was five days old and my mom had to volunteer at a race so I was bundled up in the fall in the middle of the woods while she helped at the race. So, I started pretty early! My dad actually got me riding, though. He rode and raced his whole life and attended ISDE as a member of Team Canada. I have been lucky enough to spend all 20 years of my riding career surrounded by the people who got me into it – my family.

Why do you ride? What does it mean to you?

I ride because it's what my family did together growing up and now it’s how we all come together. Riding in many ways has shaped me into who I am today. It taught me independence, responsibility and good sportsmanship. I also had volunteer opportunities that showed me I had a love for marketing. Riding is so much more than a sport to me; it has become a part of who I am as a person (sappy, I know!)

What’s your most memorable ride? Why?

My first ever Corduroy Enduro. I decided last minute I was going to ride the extremely difficult two-day event. Long story short, I finished my first ever Cord, but I wouldn’t have been able to if it wasn’t for the group of girls who decided to ride together and help each other out. We were all racing in women’s pro class, but it didn’t matter, we all just wanted to finish.

Do you have any thoughts to share with other female riders thinking about getting into or back into riding?

If there is anything I could say about this sport, it is the community. The number of women on two wheels is growing more and more every year and being a part of it means you have a family to support you on the track or on the trails. It’s more than some friends going riding. The ladies I have been lucky enough to meet through the industry have changed my life and become lifelong friends.

Pauline T.
Inside Sales Support Administrator
Current Ride: Yamaha R7
Previous Ride: Kawasaki ER6N

When and how did you start riding?

My passion for riding started five years ago. I got my motorcycle licence after years of traveling and thinking it would be really cool one day to ride and explore a different country on two wheels.

Why do you ride? What does it mean to you?

Riding to me is a form of therapy, an escape and sense of freedom. It has motivated me to explore new places and meet new people. What I love most is how welcoming and supportive the motorcycle community is and how it brings people together.

What’s your most memorable ride? Why?

My most memorable ride was an overnight trip I planned at a cottage north of Huntsville. The entire trip was over 700 kms with great roads and great company. Nothing beats a getaway with a group of people who share the same passion.

Do you have any thoughts to share with other female riders thinking about getting into or back into riding?

My advice for female riders is to not let people discourage you, sit on as many bikes as you can, and find someone to ride with whether a significant other or family or friend. In my case, I didn't have many friends who rode so I had to step out of my comfort zone and find myself a local community of riders. I definitely became a better rider after riding with people who were able to share their advice and years of experience on two wheels.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY FROM ALL OF US AT YAMAHA MOTOR CANADA!