Montreal, February 16, 2016 – Make no mistake! In Quebec, motorcycling is no longer just a man’s game! Since 2009, we’ve seen close to a 30% increase in the number of women who own bikes in the province and this growth is showing no signs of slowing down.
The 2016 Montreal Motorcycle Show will showcase and unite several women – authors, racers, adventures, business owners and their fans – who have all made a name for themselves in the industry. This crew is at the forefront of a riding revolution.
Bianca Kennedy (Show Manager) explains, “Their experience and knowledge make them real trailblazers and their passion and commitment are truly inspiring. Regardless of your riding style, age or riding level, their stories, missions and accomplishments are impressive and worth a listen.”
Hélène Boyer, a journalist, who has been writing for more than 20 years and riding motorcycles since 1998, heads up the Association des femmes motocyclistes du Québec. In addition to writing columns for some of Quebec’s major newspapers, she has also authored a number of motorcycle touring guides including Nord-est américain à moto, Circuits de longue durée à moto and Québec à moto, just to name a few. Hélène will be a featured speaker at the Show on Sunday afternoon, where she’ll be talking to conference host Éric Ménard about her publications, including Le Québec à moto, which she co-wrote with Odile Mongeau. The guide outlines 56 different riding trips and itineraries, and suggests stops along the way where riders can eat, stay and take in local points of interest.
Co-owner of Moto-Nation and track instructor Renée Larouche has earned a spot as a high demand riding teacher in a still somewhat male dominated sector of the industry. She will be at the show all weekend long to talk about her racing school and courses, including her newest track courses that are designed by women, for women. “Women who enter a man’s domain often feel uncomfortable or under intense pressure to perform and compete. I try to create training programs that offer a relaxed atmosphere where women riders can simply have fun.”
Natalie Catherine Provost, a rider for 20 years and a competitive racer for 12, will also be on site at the Moto-Nation booth to talk about the courses she offers to both men and women.
Rashmi Tambe, founder of the website Global Women Who Ride (www.globalwomenwhoride.com), will also be at the Motorcycle Show all weekend long, sharing her ambitious project that aims to profile one or more women motorcyclists in every country on this planet. An avid motorcyclist, she has ridden solo across North America, Europe and New Zealand. Her objective: eliminate the stereotype and clichés associated with women riders. To achieve this, she is travelling the world to meet other women who ride and telling their stories on her website. A large mural featuring 20 stunning women from around the world, will be on display at the show to celebrate all the brave and beautiful women who ride and to raise awareness and visibility for this incredible initiative.
Sylvie Brisebois will also be at the show, representing her all-female ride – La Ride de filles – an annual fundraiser that benefits La Fondation du Cancer du sein du Québec. Last year’s ride raised an impressive $58,222, and in July 2016, 225 participants will ride 230 km through the Eastern Townships to support the cause. Sylvie herself took up riding at the age of 45 – living proof that discovering the joys of riding has nothing to do with age. Last summer, she spent 22 days riding solo to California.
Another woman involved in the fight against breast cancer is Lisa Touchette who, in 2013, founded Les Nuances de roses, a not-for-profit fundraising organisation. This group of women riders from Quebec, 180 members strong, are all driven by the same passion: the fight to end breast cancer. Among the many activities they hold each year, their mixed relay is the largest. They have raised close to $70,000 for La Fondation du cancer du sein du Québec, with $28,056 collected last year alone.
She Rides Nite Returns
Back by popular demand, She Rides Nite is once again on the show’s agenda, scheduled for Friday, February 26. Starting at 5 p.m., women will benefit from ½ price admission. In addition to a range of activities designed just for women, the evening will feature a ladies-only bike draw, for a stunning 2016 Kawasaki Ninja 300, courtesy of Canadian Kawasaki Motors and Excel Moto of Montreal.
Great visit!
The Show will also be welcoming a special guest from the Harley-Davidson family. Karen Davidsonis the Creative Director of Harley-Davidson’s General Merchandise Department. In this role, Karen shapes the creative direction for Harley-Davidson General Merchandise apparel and accessory division. Karen has a strong natural instinct about the mystique of Harley-Davidson from a lifetime of living the Harley-Davidson experience. Karen, the great-granddaughter of the company’s co-founder, William A. Davidson, began riding at the age of nine. She officially joined the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1989 and was one of the original co-creators of the branded line of apparel and accessories – Harley-Davidson MotorClothes. Karen will be present on Friday, from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.
The Montreal Motorcycle Show: February 26 to 28, 2016, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal (1001, place Jean-Paul-Riopelle)
Friday, February 26: Noon to 10 p.m.
Saturday, February 27: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, February 28: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets (taxes included)
Adults (15 and over): $15
Seniors (65 and over) and students (upon presentation of a valid student card): $11
Juniors (6-14): $10
Children (under 6): Free when accompanied by an adult
Family Pass (two adults and two juniors): $39
Information: montrealmotorcycleshow.ca
https://www.facebook.com/LeSalondelamotodeMontreal
– 30 –
Media relations:
Julie Gagnon, 514-713-4381 – julie@juliegagnon.ca
Isabelle Fafard, 514-865-8157 – isabelle.fafard@180deux.ca