Over the years here at RidersWest, we’ve had the chance to chat with some substantial Rad Riders. We’ve covered everything from dads teaching their kids how to ride, resilient riders overcoming the odds, and even mega stars like Keanu Reeves and Al McBeth—amazingly talented guys fulfilling their need for speed.
So how do we decide which Rad Riders are the best? You already did! These are our most popular and most-read Rad Rider articles that we’ve ever produced. That means you must like ‘em. A lot. So here they are, all in one place. Enjoy!
— Photo courtesy Kirsten Patton
Take control of your confidence with tips from this goal-conquering Rad Rider
Confidence. It’s one of the biggest obstacles a rider can wrestle with. Conversely, overcoming self-doubt can be one of the most uplifting and empowering experiences that a rider can achieve.
Building confidence and removing doubt isn’t easy, but it is doable, as snowmobiler and dirt biker Kirsten Patton explains.
— Photo courtesy David Lawrence
Nothing bonds father and son like four wheels and a mud puddle
David Lawrence and his son Aiden are mucking it up in Canadian Championship Mud Racing
Raising kids is tricky business. Do we push our interests and hobbies on our children or let them figure it out on their own? Perhaps they just need a nudge and they’ll show us which way they want to go. For David Lawrence, introducing his son Aiden to ATVs at a young age has been a wise decision.
— Photo courtesy Al McBeth
UTV superstar Al McBeth knows how to hop, skip and jump his Polaris RZR into the record books
Al McBeth sets the bar for reliable UTV products and distance-jumping world records.
Many extreme riders live life on a razor’s edge. Sometimes, it’s the razor itself that can change a life’s course. For Al McBeth, four-time distance-jumping world record holder from Abbotsford, B.C., the release of the Polaris RZR in 2008 changed everything.
Cassandra Mainville isn’t afraid to get dirty on her 2018 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE (aka Mama Bear). This photo was taken in Mattawa, ON in the VMUTS (Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System) in Mattawa, Ontario. “We went on a last minute spontaneous trip with another couple and it was one of our best trips to date. That trail system had technical trails, great views, caves to explore and awesome mud.” — Cassandra Mainville — Photo courtesy Cassandra Mainville
Social media stars Kyle and Cassandra Mainville chronicle their powersports escapades
“I love spending time on the trails with my husband, who very much shares my passion with the sport.” — Cassandra Mainville
Many couples have aspirations of outdoor adventures on their powersports together, but the reality doesn’t always match the dream. That’s not the case for Kyle and Cassandra Mainville, however. This husband and wife duo do all things all terrain all together. The Mainvillles have their own website and business, Mainville ATV and Outdoors, and a plethora of social media profiles where they chronicle their escapades.
Alysha “Axxe” Vlahovich currently rides a 2010 450 Kawasaki KLX dirt bike with Rekluse clutching. “I plan to get a 450 KX next season with a Timberkit so I can ride a snowbike when those foggy days hit and I want to tree ride more than hill climb with my sled.” — Alysha “Axxe” Vlahovich — Photo courtesy Alysha Vlahovich
Disability can’t restrain this axe swinging, derby pounding, dirt bike jumping, snowmobile rescuer
“Motorsports fuel my soul. I don’t often think about the pain I’m in while riding.” — Alysha “Axxe” Vlahovich
There aren’t many women who can hit a bullseye with an ax, knock around the competition in roller derby, jump a dirt bike, or rescue injured skiers on a snowmobile. Indeed, Alysha “Axxe” Vlahovich is an exceptional talent.
Steve Chestolowski's children (L to R) Spencer (10) and Peyton (13). — Photo courtesy Steve Chestolowski
Raising the next wave of watercross racers
This man is one of the best at his sport, president of the WCWA and his kids are following in his footsteps
What do you do once you’ve proven you’re an elite performer at a sport? Most of us will never have a need to answer that question, but for Steve Chestolowski—winner of five Canadian championships in watercross racing—it’s all about passing his skills on to his kids.
Ridin’ Alberta is a business, Facebook blog and riding group founded by Craig Oldfield. — Photo courtesy Craig Oldfield
Craig Oldfield is Ridin’ Alberta, highlighting which routes to take and essential pit stops to make
“I call this ride and the blog Ridin' Alberta since that is what I set out to do.” — Craig Oldfield
When the world shut down in March 2020, many individuals like Craig Oldfield found themselves out of work. Having suddenly lost his contract as a tour guide in the Canadian Rockies because of the pandemic, Oldfield found himself with spare time and an urge to go riding. That’s when he came up with Ridin’ Alberta, a business, Facebook blog and riding group.
Keanu Reeves has been a motorcycle enthusiast since he was 22 years old. — Photo courtesy Interview Hub
Keanu Reeves and his love of motorcycles
Hollywood star Keanu Reeves is a crazy two-wheeled enthusiast who has started up his own motorcycle company
If you’re a fan of the movie Speed or The Matrix, it’s quite possible that you are also a fan of Keanu Reeves. This Lebanese-born Canadian actor is also known for his starring roles in Point Break, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and the more recent John Wick.
But what does Keanu Reeves have to do with motorcycles?
A lot, actually. The action hero is an avid rider who’s logged thousands of kilometres behind the bars of his favourite bike, the Norton Commando.
“Riding your bike is one of the greatest things you can do to clear your head and just feel the speed and the motion,” said Reeves.
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Are you a Rad Rider—someone who shows off their love of riding in a fun, positive way? Do you have photos of you and your buddies riding trails and splashing through mud? Tell us about it! We’d love to hear about your awesome adventures.
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