Growing up in Clearwater, BC, Jessie McCoy spent her childhood riding dirt bikes, snowmobiling, and quadding. After moving to Edson, Alberta, and becoming a mom, her motorsports adventures were temporarily put on hold. But when McCoy got back into riding, she noticed something missing: a strong community of women riders who could connect, support, and challenge each other. What started as a small Facebook group quickly grew into She Throttles—a grassroots movement that now reaches across Canada and into the United States, bringing women of all skill levels together to ride, learn, and build lasting friendships.
Today, she is a sponsored athlete for 509, an ambassador for Highmark and Mountain Lab Gear, and a respected leader within the women's motorsports community. Through She Throttles, she's helped countless women find their footing (and throttle control) in the backcountry and beyond. In this interview, McCoy shares her personal journey, how She Throttles took off, the lessons she's learned along the way, and why supporting women in motorsports continues to be her driving passion.
Where are you from, and where do you most love to ride?
I'm originally from a small town called Clearwater, B.C. I grew up guarding, dirt biking and snowmobiling with my grandpa and uncle. Now I reside in Edson, Alberta. A lot of my motorsports summer adventures are around Edson and Cadomin, Alberta. Winter adventures are Valemount, Blue River, and Sicamous, BC.
There is so much terrain within these areas to adventure and learn new techniques.
What inspired you to launch @shethrottles, and what does the brand stand for?
About five years ago I started to get back into motorsports and riding with the guys was great and always put me to a challenge, but sometimes those challenges became more discouraging at times. I made a group on Facebook to connect with other likeminded women within Alberta in hopes to meet up and ride. Not long after, this group grew bigger than I ever thought, and I named it She Throttles. So many ladies were gathering and starting to make so many new connections and friendships. I started hosting ladies social rides here and there, which then turned into monthly and even bi weekly events. It was absolutely amazing seeing all the ladies of all ages and experience connect and learn from one another and gain support and most of all new friendships.
From there, She Throttles has grown not only in Alberta but Canada wide along which ladies in the states as well. Through this adventure I was inspired by the growth and connection of other ladies and watching them grow and conquer goals which I encouraged and supported them on our website or social media. Being part of the women in the motorsports community has been exceptional and rewarding.
Can you tell me a bit about the companies you are an ambassador for?
Currently I am a sponsored athlete for 509 in the winter season and dirt season. 509 has been a huge part of my motorsports adventures for the past four years in both seasons. I am also an ambassador for Highmark and Mountain Lab Gear. Having support from these companies has been absolutely amazing and words can never express my gratitude and thanks for all their support and encouragement. I am looking forward to growing with them in the future.
My go-to dealership is Riderz in Edson Alberta. Riderz was one of the first dealerships to encourage and support She Throttles with generous donations for our events. They have been a huge part of us for four years. The staff is truly amazing and knowledgeable; the service department is always ready and experienced in getting machines running top-notch. If you get a chance to meet Ryder, Jay or Jason, you won't regret it. These three fellas are experienced and knowledgeable and always willing to help fellow riders.
Avalanche Canada has also been a supporter for She Throttles during the winter months. They provide exceptional information daily on weather conditions and terrain conditions along with so much more. They have many features on their website to help provide information and knowledge while in the back country.
Do you remember your first ride? What was that experience like?
After moving away from my home town and taking on life as a young adult and first-time mom, motorsports got placed on pause. After moving to Alberta and settling in, my partner and I got back into it again.
I remember my first rides being good but also feeling defeated. Knowing what I know now, and with the experience I have, (I realize) that was because I was struggling and trying to figure out how to be in control of my machine and not the other way around. The support from other likeminded women within the motorsports community, such as Nadine Overwater, Stephanie Schwartz, Angelisa Edwards and many more ladies is absolutely breathtaking and empowering.
How has your riding style evolved over the years?
Everyone has a different riding style. Learning from several different women in the industry has not only improved my riding techniques and skills, but my confidence as well. There is never a day out on a motorsports adventure when I'm not learning something new or trying to accomplish new goals.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for long rides in technical terrain?
Each riding day my preparation changes. (When I’m) preparing mentally and physically for long days in the backcountry—whether it's flat and easy terrain or more technical terrain—planning out my trip is important. Knowing where we are riding and the conditions, who's all in the riding group, what emergency equipment and experience we all have, these are all questions I ask myself. Having food and drinks along for the ride provides me with energy and hydration, as it can be extremely exhausting out there. Having the right equipment and emergency supplies is an important factor while in the backcountry.
Always let someone know your plans (someone who isn't riding that day) in case anything happens. Mental preparation can be challenging before, during and at the end of the day. Having a strong positive mental game 100% isn't always easy, but never giving up and reminding myself I can do this and reminding myself how far I have come, helps. Having good supportive people around you is a game changer for anyone taking on new challenging experiences.
When did you realize this passion could become a platform and a career?
I never had the end goal of She Throttles being a career per say—but my main focus was building a platform for women within motorsports to connect, support and encourage one another and provide a safe comfortable learning environment for all ladies within the industry.
She Throttles continues to grow in many ways. Winter 2025/26 many will see some big positive changes to come.
What is your current machine of choice?
I currently ride a 2022 Skidoo Freeride Turbo 154. Going from a N/A to this turbo has been a game changer in many aspects. It has also had its disadvantages that I have gained experience with (to change those disadvantages to advantages).
How do you use your platform to support and encourage other women riders?
When supporting and welcoming new women to the industry, I try to reach out in person, online, and via social media, along with attending events to encourage other women in the industry to join our ladies' rides and meet others. No matter your experience we want you to join us and experience the empowerment between likeminded women. We love to watch and be part of your experience and growth—and being able to do so, we follow and share your adventures—so please feel free to follow and tag @shethrottles on social media so we can support you.
What upcoming events or goals are you excited about?
For upcoming future events, a few ladies and I are planning and preparing for the season to come and we are just as excited as many ladies are. We can't wait to have all the details finalized and share with everyone. Please stay tuned for this information on Instagram.
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