Kelowna, British Columbia
Revved and ready to ride
Ellen Clements finds herself in the moment on her motorcycle
Ellen Clements is something of a renaissance woman. She is the director, president and CEO of two mining exploration companies. She is the keyboardist in a band. And she is an enthusiastic motorcyclist.
Ready For The Open Road: Ellen Clements has found that riding a motorcycle gives her peace of mind and an appreciation for her surroundings.—photo courtesy Ellen Clements
“I never was on a bike before, and I decided to do it because I thought it would be a neat way of travel,” said Clements. “I never realized how rewarding it was going to be.”
Clements represents a new demographic in riders: mature, successful women who have developed an affection for the in-the-moment experience of riding on the open road. More motorcycle dealerships are catering to these women by offering lower bikes and accessories. Clubs and websites dedicated to women riders are increasing in number. And there is a greater availability of safety and maintenance classes for new riders.
Clements took her first lessons in an all-ladies class presented by the Kelowna District Safety Council in April of 2007.
“The first day, I was so tired I could hardly lift my legs,” she said. “The bike fell over the second class I had and I got banged up a bit, but that didn’t deter me. I was bound and determined.”
The lessons paid off. Within a month, Clements had a learner’s licence and her own bike, a 2004 Honda Shadow Arrow. Her first experiences tested her strength and focus, but after a memorable ride down a steep hill with a friend leading the way, she had a moment of understanding.
“When I finally got it, it was so good,” said Clements. “You just feel the rush of the wind and it’s exhilarating. You get your adrenalin up but it’s total concentration when you’re on the bike. You have to think of so many things.”
The thrill was enough incentive for Clements to keep going. Before the bike was put away for the winter, Clements had already logged 6,000 kilometres. Through riding she has met some unforgettable people—and she’s inspired other women to ride as well.
Clements recently rode with 500 other motorcyclists as part of a fundraiser, though she mainly travels in small groups or alone. She has also stayed close to home on her rides, seeing previously unexplored parts of the local surroundings and noticing things that one never experiences inside a car.
“What you miss out on is the air, the wind, every noise (and) the smell,” she said. “As you go through areas on the road, you smell things you’ve never smelled before—one of the worst was a rotting dead deer. But you also smell the flowers. You smell the trees budding out. You see things you’ve never seen. You’re in the moment.”
Motorcycle key contacts
Sicamous B.C.
H20 Motor Sports
Located in Sicamous, near some of B.C.'s favourite sledding areas, H20 Motor Sports is the place to go for all your sledding needs.
Whether you are looking for the ultimate touring machine or the most extreme mountain machine, we've got it all!. We are a Bombardier Ski-Doo dealer and specialize in sales and service of the best products Ski-Doo has to offer.
As a recognized platinum dealer, our in-house machining capabilities allow us to provide you with unbeatable service. In addition we have a snowmobile engine dyno complete with Dynomax software, weather station and brake specific fuel flow. We are avid sled enthusiasts and regularly test all our machines, products and accessories to make sure they perform as claimed.
Grizzly Ridge Honda
Situated at Slave Lake, Alberta, Grizzly Ridge Honda is your premier Honda dealer. Our huge inventory features all the latest and greatest sport, utility and youth ATVs, as well as Honda cruisers/Vtwin, dirt bikes, scooters and street bikes; browse our selection of pre-owned products to find your next nearly-new machine. Our parts and accessories department is equipped with the latest equipment and dress-up items on the market.
At Grizzly Ridge Honda, we have a rock-solid reputation of providing excellent service, support and satisfaction. We pride ourselves on giving our customers the best service available, the best parts and accessories, and a staff that understands all aspects of our business.
Grizzly Ridge Honda
DAWSON CREEK, BC
Welcome to Mile Zero Motorsports
We carry a selection of 4 wheelers and ATVs. Your needs may range from the hunting machine to the all-out racing ATV. Come and check out our Honda off-road and street motorcycles. We also carry a large selection of parts and accessories that include gun racks, coolers and pretty much any dress-up item you require. At Mile Zero Motorsports, service is everything and with experienced technical staff and a well-equipped facility, Mile Zero Motorsports is capable of servicing all of the products we sell.
Mile Zero Motorsports
B&F Sales & Service Ltd.
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.
B&F Sales & Service Ltd.
Greater Vancouver Powersports
At Greater Vancouver Powersports, you will find a huge selection of BRP's newest Ski-Doos, from the ever-popular Summit to the ultimate touring machine—and everything in between. Our full-service shop and highly equipped technicians are happy to provide assistance and answer any technical questions you may have. Be sure to check out our hugely expanded showroom and find any accessory or dress-up item you require.
We are an all-season powersports dealer and carry a massive selection of ATVs, PWCs, motorcycles and boats. So if you are in the market for a new toy, seeking the perfect accessory or need some technical help, head to Greater Vancouver Powersports for a superb selection and superior customer service.
Greater Vancouver Powersports#1 18565 96th AveSurrey, BC V4N 3P7, CanadaPHONE: (604) 888-8700
Alpine Country Rentals Ltd.
Explore the alpine
Home to breathtaking scenery, spectacular views and plenty of wildlife, the mountains around Valemount are an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Let Alpine Country Rentals Ltd. take you into the heart of this beautiful country. We offer two- and 3.5-hour ATV tours with experienced guides. Custom, private and more challenging tours are available upon request. For the adventurous who want to explore on their own, Alpine Country Rentals provides hourly and daily ATV rentals. Call now to book a tour or rent a machine and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.
Alpine Country Rentals