Fast Babes Featured Rider: @dirtcop
Name: Allison
Instagram: @dirtcop
We met Allison at Sturgis. She rolled in on her 2022 Road Glide ST as part of a 10 day solo trip. She’s been some pretty epic places and has some pretty cool stories about riding in Canada. If you’re looking to do some riding in the Great White North, hit up Allison!
📸: @prairiecoastphotography
Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?
I grew up in New Sarepta, AB Canada and my home base is in Sherwood Park, Alberta. My career has located me across Canada, I am currently working and living in Burns Lake. British Columbia for the next year.
How did you initially get involved with motorcycles?
I've always known that I wanted to ride! The movement began after an ex told me I couldn't, it sealed the deal for me and I've never looked back.
When did you get your first bike and what was it?
I purchased my first bike in 2012, which was a Honda Rebel. I owned that puppy for a hot 12 hours as I realized my knees hit the handle bars! Swapped her out for a Yamaha V-star 650CC.
What do you currently ride and why?
In 2018 I purchased a 2009 dyna lowrider, which I rebuilt and made it my own. Like lays chips, you can't have just one, in 2020 I purchased a 1977 Iron head, which I'm currently working on chopping out. This year I purchased a 2022 Road Glide ST which I've put 15,000kms on since May!
What is your happiest memory that involves motorcycles?
On one of many solo trips to Sturgis I decided to ride the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana. I had many moments of feeling total freedom while soaking in the open road deep in the mountains, it was a turning point in life where I found complete peace. It's like, no matter what happened or could happen, I could always come back to that feeling of peace. That moment brought me a confidence in life that I've never felt before and I have carried it since.
Outside of motorcycles, tell us a little about yourself?
I am an environmental and regulatory consultant for the oil and gas industry in Canada, with a current focus in Pipeline construction. My friends tell me I don't have a stop button as I am always on the go and adventuring. When I'm not working shift work, you can find me either working on motorcylces or renovating houses. I have successfully taught myself electrical, plumbing and many aspects of home renovation. I love taking the time to master many crafts. Some may call me a crazy cat lady. Truthfully I am a cat lady, though being crazy is up to your interpretation.
How have you become a more confident rider? Things you’ve done to help you gain confidence?
I'd have to say solo riding. My work often brings me to remote areas across Canada for months or years at a time. I have always brought my motorcycle with me when I work in locations riding is capable. Continuously moving to unknown territory and unknown people, you could say I didn’t have mentors available to me. In my early years of riding my only choice was ride solo or don’t ride at all, so obviously I chose the solo part. By choosing to ride solo it’s allowed me to meet people and network with riders across Canada and well, turns out there’s some pretty cool people out there. Once I was living in Moosejaw, SK for work, a place where the wind never stops. If I wanted to ride there, I had to learn to ride in the wind. I was afraid for a while, though I pushed through and learned how to ride in the windiest conditions. That was a huge confidence boost in my riding life.
What is your dream trip/bucket list ride(s)?
A dream trip of mine is hands down riding in Ireland! I've always felt the desire to ride there, I have this connection to the land that I can't explain and can't wait to experience. A bucket list ride for me is Stelvio pass in Italy, it has 60 switch back hairpins leading to the peak!
How do you think motorcycles have changed your life?
It's completely changed my life! I don’t know where I'd be without them and I don't want to ever think about it. Buying my first bike carried me out of a dark place and gave me space to grow into the person that I am today. Thanks to motorcycles I'm now at a point in my life that all my female friends ride, my life is literally built around the moto community. I can confidently say that motorcycles have been an important feature in every single path that I've taken and steered me to where I am today.
Do you have any upcoming motorcycle trips/rides planned?
I have accomplished my planned trips for this year. I completed a 16 day solo trip along the west coast from British Columbia to California and a 10 day solo trip to Sturgis. Being in Canada will soon bring our riding season to an end. I'm keeping books open for 2023, Sturgis being a staple!