Julia on a bike

Braaap, braaap. Brrrrr brrrrr. Vuuuuuu vuuuu. I still find it rather complicated to describe the sound of a motorcycle, given the diversity of engine sizes and designs, not to mention the peculiarities of exhaust pipes and mufflers. Or rather, their absence.

Let me continue.

Braaap, braaap. Brrrrr brrrrr. Vuuuuuu vuuuu. The throttle’s on full blast. There is smoke and dust flies into your eyes. It smells like gasoline and hot rubber. It’s what we often think of when we think of two-wheeled gatherings. It’s true that I’ve had this image three times over the weekend: when I arrived with other riders (yes, you have to identify yourself right?), at the start of Saturday’s ride, and for the big departure on Sunday morning. But there’s more to a motorcycle rally than that. And that’s not what the Backroad Ball is all about.

The Backroad Ball, held on July 7, 8 and 9, is an event for female motorcycle enthusiasts, riders, passengers and mechanics. But above all, for women. Indeed, as organizers Kristin and Heather pointed out, the dynamic is different when women organize and participate in an event without men, be they husbands, brothers, cousins, uncles or friends. There are plenty of mixed-gender events, and plenty of events dedicated to men, but too few dedicated to women and identified as women. That is how The Backroad Ball has been unique. At least on Canada’s east coast.

In particular, it draws its inspiration from gatherings such as The Dream Roll, in Seattle, or, the Babes ride out, organized every year in California since 2013. The latter even has an East Coast edition now and an off-road one. At both the Backroad Ball and the Babes ride out, there’s just one goal: to grow the community of women motorcyclists, without discrimination of any kind and regardless of the type of two- or three-wheeler you own. And it really is about bringing together those women who share the same passion.

For this fifth and final edition, the Backroad Ball took place in River Glade, New Brunswick, on the MX Park motocross course. A fitting venue for the 200 participants and their bikes. The anticipation and excitement were palpable on site. The event had been postponed three times, due to covid-19 and the multiple constraints that followed in 2021 and 2022. This time was the right! From 19 to 75 years of age, young license holders or those with 46 years of riding experience, it was clear from the outset that this weekend would create unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. Kristin and Heather had accepted my application as a volunteer two months earlier. Assigned straight away to the welcome desk, it was the perfect opportunity to meet the newcomers and quickly break the ice.

This is how, on Friday July 7, shortly after starting my shift with Amy, who has a stentorian voice – but I’ll find out about that the next evening at the karaoke party – I ended up helping out Jodi. Not yet accustomed to all Canadian accents, I stammered as I asked her to repeat her question. Three times. She needed to re-inflate her dirt bike, a Honda CRF250 that I’ve been eyeing since I started getting serious about motocross. Hallelujah, I’ve had my mini-compressor since I started the journey across the country. However, it was in my bag at the campsite. Amy beckoned me to go, she could manage without me. I rode behind Jodi even though « I am not sure it’s meant to have a passenger, but let’s do this« . And here I was, able to join (or rather meet) the Brap Titties, a group of women motorcycle enthusiasts in Nova Scotia, just by helping out one of the co-founders. And how proud I was to be able to help in my turn, after having been in the opposite position for the last 5 weeks.

At Backroad Ball, you can arrive without knowing anyone, but you’ll never be alone. I met up with Cassidy, whom I’d met in Trois-Rivières, who left her job as an aviation mechanic to cross Canada on her Varadero 500, two weeks after me. I also met up with Nancy, who had hosted me in Quebec City, and what a joy! I met up with Josée, who had advised me on luggage – and seriously reassured me about wilderness camping. I also met Sophia, a journalist from Toronto, sent to test the new Kawasaki KLR 2023 S, s for small. A bike so fun to ride and with such low off-road clearance that my feet finally touch the ground. I swear that if the brand agrees to sponsor me, I’ll ride it around the world. I discover the many groups of riders, or rather, riders who have become friends, from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and even Ontario. These groups often stem from Litas, an international movement, while others are independent, like the Brap Titties, or linked to brands, like the members of Harley Davidson Chapters.

Above all, I meet countless extraordinary women.


Throughout the weekend, numerous activities enabled these women motorcycle fans to share their passion, for a short while and far from prejudice, with a mutual respect that is not often seen. From organized rides to a women’s equipment market, a karaoke night and yoga sessions, everything was done to encourage encounters and keep the spirit of camaraderie and mutual aid alive. SISTERHOOD was the word used by most people to describe the event. And I don’t mind admitting, it was true.


The Backroad Ball is drawing to a close after five editions, but the idea is there and it’s not impossible that it will return under a different name, in a different form, but always with the same essence: to highlight and celebrate women motorcyclists.

To Kristin and Heather, Kira, Dill, Tanya, Kate, Jess, Anna and Adrienne, merci (for letting me part of this adventure and for the hoodie) et all the best for what comes next!