EmaLee Rains grew up with mud on her boots and throttle in her blood.
"Growing up we had mini bikes and quads and would put tracks on in the winter to ride all year long," she said. "I always loved it and the freedom it gave me as a kid."
EmaLee Rains grew up riding—a passion she went on to build a community around.
Then, life had other plans. After high school, Rains moved to Vancouver and gradually lost touch with the pastime she loved. It wasn't until her late 20s that something pulled her back, and she listened to the call. For her 30th birthday, she made a decision that would change everything.
"For my 30th birthday I bought a 2024 850 Can-Am Outlander XT and it was the best birthday gift I ever got myself," she said. "It's given me a sense of joy back that I had been missing."
That joy didn't stay private for long. Inspired by coworkers and friends in the small town she calls home, Rains launched 4 Wheels North—a social media-driven community built around one simple idea: get out and ride, no matter the season.
"4 Wheels North represents a community that encourages everyone to do as much riding as you can, in every season and to be there for each other through all levels of experience," she explained.
What started as a way to connect locally quickly grew into something bigger. Through social media, Rains found a network of women riders (@throttle.chicks on Instagram) who lift each other up. "It also has helped me find a great group of women riders online who enjoy it and support each other," she said. "It's a community I feel greatly appreciative of."
For Rains, returning to the trail was a must-do.
On the trail
Ask Rains where her favourite place to ride is and she won't hesitate.
"So far Hornepayne, Ontario has been my favorite place to ride," she said. "It has it all—skeg, trails, mud, pits, etc. It is the geographical centre of Ontario and has one hotel that sits right at the head of the trail!"
For riders looking to explore beyond their backyard, she also points to the sand dunes near Silver Lake in Michigan. And for anyone wanting to tap into the local riding scene, she has a tip: go small.
"I do feel that any bingo or poker run or mudding events in small towns are the best," she said, naming Hearst and Hornepayne, Ontario as standout examples. "There are great small local mudding events all over the U.S. and Canada that you can usually find on social media."
Out on the trails with her crew, this is what it's all about.
Gear, mods, and maintenance
Rains is currently in the middle of upgrading her Outlander—a rad relocate and snorkel are first on the list, followed by a fresh set of mud tires mid-season. On the gear side, she keeps her advice practical: "I highly recommend waterproof gloves and if you don't have a cargo area, to invest in a good waterproof backpack."
For new riders trying to keep costs manageable, she swears by doing your own maintenance. "It can be a costly pastime but you will have higher self-confidence when you learn to do as much as possible on your own," she said. Her tool of choice? An app called Look Over PowerSports Maintenance. "It's been a game changer for me."
Wherever there's a trail, there's a community ready to ride it.
Growing into the ride
Even as she builds a community around riding, Rains is honest about where she's at in her own journey. "I'm working on my skills right now and gaining confidence to try new things," she said.
Her next goal is close to her heart—hosting a trail event in her hometown, with hopes of using it to raise money for local animal rescues if the interest is there.
Her advice to anyone just starting out is characteristically generous: "Don't be shy to ask questions from others starting out. It's a great community and we all know what it was like starting out." And one rule above all others: "Wear your helmet—concussions aren't fun to collect."
Follow EmaLee Rains and 4 Wheels North on Instagram @4wheelsnorth to keep up with her rides, events, and community updates.
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