The next Profile of a Female Motorcyclist Meet Kellee shows how the internet has made the world smaller. Because of blogging and Twitter I’ve met and been introduced to lady riders from around the world all with the same passion for two wheels. I only wish I could met each and every one of them face-to-face!
My next guest Kellee a.k.a. @KelleeI from North Vancouver, BC, Canada and I “met” through Twitter. She is an avid motorcyclist! Okay, that maybe an understatement. Read on . . .
Profile of a Female Motorcyclist Meet Kellee
How long have you been riding a motorcycle? 44 years. Yes, since I was five.
How did you learn to ride? I grew up as 3rd generation rider in a motorcycling family. My grandfather started the family retail motorcycle shop in Ontario in 1937, which my brother still runs today.
What was your first motorcycle? Honda Z50
How many have you owned? 35 or so
Why did you want to ride a motorcycle? I grew up riding and competing in trials and then enduros starting at age 14. At 19, I walked away from riding other than riding on the street and the occasional track day or enduros / off road ride.
I went back in a significant way at age 30 simply because I missed riding and I missed the riding community.
Tell us about your riding. I retired once again from competition (national and provincial enduros after being in the top 3 in the women’s class for 9 years) at age 38 but continue to ride both off and on road for fun and adventure.
I must admit by heart is in the dirt and love exploring new riding areas from Nevada to Baja to Morocco.
What advice do you have for women who ride or want to ride a motorcycle? Take a course. But take the time to find the course that is right for you. Always be improving your skills.
What is the longest trip that you’ve taken on your cycle? Last year. Eight days and 2800 kms around Morocco including two days off piste [had to look that word up here] through the Sahara.
Do you belong to any motorcycle groups? Off or online? I belong to a few. Currently, I am the Chair of the Motorcyclist Confederation of Canada, which is a national motorcycle advocacy and safety group pursing a better rider experience for all.
And I am Past Chair of the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. I also belong to a few off road clubs both on line and off line. I am passionate about giving back to a sport that has given so much to me.
Do you have a favorite riding story? Many. One fun one is after riding in the in the Sierra mountains in Baja, myself and few female riding buddies had a serious debate. Are we tomboys with princess moments or a princess with tomboy moments.
Also, riding across the Sahara desert last year over two days and only getting stuck once gave me a great sense of accomplishment.
What do you do when you’re not riding? I am lucky to have a great career as the Vice President, Insurance and Driver Licensing for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. I love my job and have a great team.
Living in Canada, I also downhill ski in the winter plus throw in the odd spa appointment of course.
Profile of a Female Motorcyclist Meet Kellee has an extensive motorcycling background! Kellee sure nails type 1 and 4 on Types of Women that Ride Motorcycles!
3 Responses
I love that humorous question in the penultimate answer! And I’m amazed at the length of Kellee’s riding career. I thought I’d been riding a while but she’s been out there three times my number. Wow.
Shybiker – Kellee is sure the experienced rider on so many fronts!
P.S. I had to look-up penultimate! You rock!
So nice to see a lady rider with over 30 years of riding. I like your tomboy v princess debate. I’d have to say I am a tomboy with princess moments. My damn Shoei didn’t come with a tiara.
Thanks again for profiling these ladies Pam. In fact this last Wednesday I have the honor and pleasure of meeting Colleen and her hubby in person as they was on their way to the BMW rally in Salem. You profiled her last April I believe. She is one terrific lady. So thank you again.