The first annual ‘Backroad Ball’ is being held in Penobsquis, N.B. June 17-19, 2016.
The event aims to bring together women from across New Brunswick and the surrounding area, who share a love of riding motorcycles.
Backroad Ball attendee Stephanie Steeves will be one of at least 100 people at the event.
“We’re meeting all kinds of new people. Everybody is in a great mood. Everybody has so much energy, and it’s going to be a great weekend,” Steeves said.
Organizers tell Global News the rally is based on events held across North America, such as California’s “Babes Ride Out” and Washington’s “The Dream Roll”.
Event co-organizer Krista Munro says the event aims to create a sense of community amongst all female motorcyclists in Eastern Canada, as well as those who are in attendance from the United States.
In New Brunswick, four people have died this year in motorcycle-related accidents and safety was a hot topic at the event, in light of the recent tragedies.
Erin Robertson was killed on May 19, 2016 near Moncton. Her death is still fresh in the mind of many.
Saturday, staff from Safety Service New Brunswick spoke, reminding riders about the importance of passenger safety, proper clothing and other important topics.
Attendee Verna LaPointe told Global News she lost two friends in motorcycle accidents. LaPointe says she knows the dangers of the road, but she will be riding this weekend.
“Why do I do this? Well, we do this because we love it. It’s total freedom. It’s all the camaraderie, all the friends that you make. And that’s not going to stop us, but we’ll be more aware of course,” LaPointe said.
“A lot of people don’t think about it until they know someone, right? Just remember these are your sisters, your brothers, your mothers, your fathers. These are people that you care about,” Munro said.
A ‘minute of thunder’ was observed in memory of Robertson.
Munro hopes the fatalities will serve as a reminder to bikers and drivers that everyone needs to pay attention on the roads.
“Look! Every time you’re going to make a turn, just look more than once because it’s actually psychological that you won’t see or recognise a bike sometimes because it’s smaller. So just be aware of that. And in the summer, in the nicer months, just be aware. Don’t look twice, look three times please,” Munro said.
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