Rider Profile - Anissa Burachynsky
Meet Anissa Burachynsky, Parts and Accessories Manager at Brampton Cycle.
Anissa has always liked bikes and liked working on them. Her earliest memory was going with her father to the gas station, watching him pump gas in the tank and being fascinated with the motorcycle. Growing up, she remembers holding the trouble light and fetching tools for him.
She took auto mechanics in high school and although her heart was set on being a mechanic, she reluctantly set out to pursue a career in law. She completed her undergrad degree and the pull became too strong. 5 years ago, she took the Basic Rider course at Humber and “after the first 30 seconds I knew I was going to get a bike”. ‘It's one thing to be a passenger, but when you're on that bike and you're in control, there's no other feeling like it”. She hasn't looked back.
She was a customer at Brampton Cycle 4 years ago when she was approached to work in the Accessories Department and that was her start. It's important to her to know the basic functions of the bike and be able to troubleshoot and fix it so her interest and natural curiosity often took her to the shop. When an opening became available in the Parts Department, she made her intentions known and was given the position. This February she was promoted to Department Manager.
This year she'll be attending RACE school and then racing her SV650 in the Women's Cup Challenge at Shannonville. When she's not working or racing, she loves to get out on her Z750 and ride, often with her partner Michel on his SV650. Her favourite local ride is around Elephant Lake . It's not unusual for the 2 of them to ride 1000 km. in a day.
Her advice for people who are trying to decide which path to follow: “Whatever you decide, there's nothing stopping you. Find something you love to do, read a lot of literature and introduce yourself to people who will help you. They love to tell you what they know and the more you know, the more you enjoy it. If you like motorcycles and want to learn more, don't be afraid that your questions will sound stupid. Everyone's been there and appreciates that you want to learn. The more you are an active participant, the more it helps you continue the process."
Anissa exemplifies her own words. Her excitement and enthusiasm are evident as soon as you start speaking with her. We can't wait to see her racing debut this summer.