Rider Profiles
Al Jones - As a child, Al saw an advertisement in the Sears catalogue for the Allstate motorbikes and dreamt of one day riding his own machine. People like Mike Duff, Mike Hailwood and John Surtees became his heroes. He remembers the day in grade seven when...
Barbara Wynd - Imagine yourself a newly licensed rider, taking your first ride on your first motorcycle – a 450 Honda - being 700 km on the German Autobahn. That was Barbara Wynd's experience and at the end of it she was “totally mentally and physically exhausted - and proud as could be!"
Steph Laroche is an all out motorcycle enthusiast whose passion for the sport is obvious within seconds of meeting him. By day he is a Harley-Davidson Technician at Clare's Cycle in Fenwick which has enabled him to learn the many ins and outs of motorcycle maintenance not just for Harley's but for all bikes. When not working on bikes in the shop, Steph can usually be found riding one of his own bikes all across the province.
Patti P. - Since she began riding in August 2005, Patti has experienced almost 80,000 km. of riding – and every one of them memorable. This is even more admirable given the fact that she is in her early 50’s and has never even driven a car.
Learning to ride was a huge triumph for her and she considers the day she got her M2 as her “proudest riding accomplishment”. We’re honoured to know Patti and are confident you will find her story as inspiring as we do.
Peter B. is certain that the influences of Marlon Brando and James Dean were responsible for getting him started in motorcycling. He got his first bike and started riding in 1963 - an old army bike...
Sabina Moed discovered her knack for selling motorcycles when she was asked to help Cycle City at a motorcycle show. Her husband, Rob, a firefighter and licensed mechanic, began working part time for Cycle City in 2000 and they needed extra help in their booth. Initially, she thought it was a joke but when she realized they were serious, she immediately researched all she could about Yamaha and Suzuki bikes. Excited and expecting to only sell a couple of bikes, she soon found out that this was something she not only enjoyed, but something she excelled in.
Mandie Crawford - Founder of Roaringwomen.com and is a speaker, author, trainer and entrepreneur who dedicates her time to the motivation and promotion of businesses, entrepreneurs, and the self employed. An award winning ex-police officer, mother of four and expert on networking are just a few of the hats she wears.
The best learning Mandie ever had while riding occurred this summer. “I was riding the (Yamaha) Venture for the 3rd time and I wondered if I could do it. And then I realized that the only one who wondered if I could do it was me”.
Hazel Carson - Hazel started riding ten years ago – she had been riding on the back of her husband's Goldwing and thought that it could be helpful if she knew how to ride it in case of an emergency. “I was such a novice that I actually thought that if I got my license I would be able to ride a ‘Wing. One day on the 125's at Humber cleared up THAT little misconception! “
Carol Taub - It’s a challenge to find Carol Taub off her 2005 BMW R1200GS. She rides – a lot! Carol describes herself as retired from the health care field, “old enough to do whatever I want and young enough to enjoy it!” She’s widowed with 2 sons and 4 grandchildren.
Doris Maron - Doris began riding in 1989 at the age of 41. From August 2001 until the end of June 2004 Doris traveled mostly solo into 44 countries on 6 continents, often staying in the homes of local families.
Catherine Naslund - Met her husband, Nathan Naslund, GM of Corporate Communications at Suzuki Canada at a race track in 2000 and soon discovered that “if I was going to be anywhere but on the back of a motorcycle, I'd have to learn to ride”. Discover how an earlier ride as a passenger changed her attitude about safety, and her view about the sport.
Stacey Hatch - After many years of riding experience, three years as a Canada Safety Council certified Instructor, and six years producing and editing TSN's Motorcycle Experience the longest running and highest rated television motorcycle magazine for men and women in this country, Stacey has been promoting women and men in motorcycling for many years. Read more about her fascinating story.
Kelly Patterson McGrath - A trainer, business and personal coach who speaks to a variety of groups and organizations on personal development, team building and work/life balance.
Bridget Reynolds - A 2004 Trophy Femme (Women's Cup) participant, read how Bridget balances motherhood with the sport of motorcycle racing.
Sylvia Spice - We were deeply saddened to learn of Sylvia's passing. I was honoured to have known her and to speak with her the week before she left us . She was a role model and leaves a legacy to be proud of. This article is now a tribute to her.
Anissa Burchynsky - Former Parts and Accessories Manager at Brampton Cycle, and Women's Cup Challenge participant at Shannonville race track.