Rider Profile - Chantal Cournoyer
Chantal Cournoyer embodies adventure and living life to the fullest - whether it's organizing an annual BMW GS challenge, preparing for an African desert rally , teaching an on-road course, or promoting other motorcycling events.
The Rally Roses des Sables is a women's only event that takes place in Morocco and is based on the pure tradition of an African rally. This year, Chantal Cournoyer and her rally partner Stephanie Chagnon aka Team Tumbleweed will be the first Canadians to attend this rally on motorcycles. The objective is to navigate each day's route with the aid of a road-book, map and compass. The extremely challenging terrain varies from lava beds to sand dunes. The last two days are spent solo in the dunes with only maps, a sleeping bag and some food.
Chantal became involved in motorcycling professionally 6 years ago when health problems forced her to leave her career as a chef. At that time, she had already been riding a Harley Davidson for 13 years and was fortunate to land a job as the Manager of the Harley-Davidson boutique at Harley-Davidson Montréal/ Moto Internationale BMW Motorrad. She continued in that role for 4 years and was then promoted to her current position of Manager of Marketing, Promotions and Events.
Chantal who is now 41, got into motorcycling when she and her boyfriend at the time both bought Harley's as a result of the influence of her boyfriend's brother. She recounts that her best motorcycle experience was going to Milwaukee for the 100 th anniversary. “There were so many people and HOG chapter patches from all over the world - it was an absolutely incredible experience.”
More recently, she has developed an enthusiasm for more adventures riding and her current favourite motorcycle is the BMW 1200GS because “it gives me the opportunity to do off-road also”.
Every autumn, her role at Moto Internationale BMW gives Chantal the opportunity to organize a GS challenge at Pourvoirie du Lac Beauregard, a beautiful woodsy setting with the chalet by the lake. Participants, who come mostly from Quebec and also from Ontario and New York , are arranged into teams of 3.
This year Chantal will participate in the GS challenge not only as an organizer but also as a rider. Their 3 woman team “PIT'ounes” has designed their own logo, purchased the same BMW motocross shirt and are printing their names across the back. Last year was the first and she can't wait to go back because of the ambiance, the fun and the friendships that develop. “It's all about networking and friendship”. The event will be held from September 19 to 21. All women are welcome. You don't need to be a pro!
Earlier this year, a woman came into her store and was speaking about trophee roses des sables which she had completed with a 4X4. As the conversation progressed, Chantal thought this would be interesting to do with a motorcycle. She called her friend Stephanie who had done the GS Challenge the year before and would make a good partner. As fate would have it, Stephanie had just registered and was considering withdrawing because of the difficulties getting funding. Chantal's call came at precisely the right time - “we have a similar character and work well together”. They need to because this challenge requires teamwork to raise the money and they are together day and night through some extreme conditions during the 10 days of the rally.
The adventure has captured them but they are also going for humanitarian reasons. Each team has to bring 50 kg of humanitarian material for the children of the desert foundation www.enfantsdudesert.org . A portion of the entry fees is donated directly to the foundation which over the years has assisted hundreds of children receives an education.
Chantal and Stephanie, we wish you well in your adventures and noble endeavours and look forward to following you in your adventures.