Eighteen-year-old Brandon Heim knew his hometown of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, was not going to take him far in life. A scarcity of jobs compiled with low pay sucked the life out of many a dreamer there. Brandon isn’t like the stereotypical lost and ego-based 18-year-old out there. He has ambition—ambition that started in high school.
Enrolled in a program called S.T.E.P, he was able to catapult his success forward. Brandon left high school not only fulfilling the required credits needed to graduate, but gaining many useful trades that he felt would lead to a path of success. He took marine, automotive and marine mechanics classes, as well as welding, cooking and refrigeration courses and earned seven certificates. He was bursting with ambition and knowledge.
“Go west, young man”
Brandon and his family did what many Maritimers do—they headed west in hopes of a better life. The Maritime provinces all have a similar story: low pay and a very high unemployment rate. With some communities in Nova Scotia reporting up to 40 per cent unemployment, the Heim family packed everyone up and headed west.
They are a tight-knit, fun-loving family that enjoy the outdoors. Father, son and mother all work in the booming oilpatch together, creating their own freedom and security. Running heavy equipment was Brandon’s dream job; he knew this and is incredibly thankful for his job and the company he works for.
Brandon has always been a horsepower-and-motors kind of guy. He loves his dirt bike, street bike and ATV, along with his favourite ride of all—his snowmobile. Much of his ride time is spent with his father, Matthew.
Had Brandon stayed in the Maritimes, there would have been no way he could afford these luxuries. Food, shelter and clothing would have been his reality—not horsepower, boost and braaps.
Right now, Brandon is saving up for his dream sled: a 2014 Proclimb. Talking sleds with Brandon, it’s plain to see this guy is obsessed. Wide-eyed and excited, he talks of trips to the mountains with his father—usually Valemount—where the duo make the most of every trip, riding all day and playing much of the night. I had to chuckle at the picture they showed me demonstrating their incredible pool-playing skills while wearing their sled helmets.
Fun times on the trail
I’ve had the pleasure of dirt biking with Matthew and Brandon and they are simply the kindest, most fun-loving pair I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding with. Laughter booms from beneath their helmets as they enjoy each experience out on the trail. Always looking behind them, they are not only great riders, they are supportive and kind. No person is left behind, or in my case, left under a log with a bike on top of me.
I look forward to catching up with Brandon and his father this winter. Something tells me every trip with these two is an adventure in the making.
What is Brandon’s motivator? Why does he ride?
“Pushing myself to my limits,” explained Brandon, “and then a little more after that.”
Brandon truly does make the most of each day. He and his family live in the small town of Ardmore, Alberta, near Bonnyville.
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