Photo of the Week (POW) - January 26, 2011

 

Aileen and her 1999 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom.
Nikon D80 with 18-200mm VR. 2x SB-800 flashes
to camera left and camera right.

Say hello to Aileen and her 1999 Yamaha V-Star Custom. This photo was taken at the 6th annual WROAR (Women Ride Out Against Rape) Ride on June 13, 2010. WROAR raises money for the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape. Aileen was not only a participant but a volunteer. She wasn't able to commit as much time as she wanted but was able to help out at the WROAR booth during the off-season motorcycle shows to help promote the event and cause. She also assisted during the event with signage and parking logistics.

(More after the jump)

Aileen embodies a spirit of giving back of which this world needs more. By her own admission, she wishes she could've done more to help out. If everyone had a heart as big as hers, we'd be living in a world with a lot less need. Most of us riders will admit our motorcycles are more for leisure than utility. Aileen found a great way to combine her pastime with helping others. There are literally 100's of charity rides that need volunteers and more importantly, need money for their causes so why not help out? There's the Amazing Ride for MS, a Ride for Dad (for various prostate cancer research facilities and cancer care facilities), Ride for Progeria, Ride for Sight, and even a Ride for Pets! If there's a cause that's dear to your heart or a ride that fits your schedule, consider showing up and going for a ride like you would anyways and give some time and money to those who need it.

Aileen told me she "only" rides 10,000 km's a season. Pretty respectable if you ask me! I've seen sportbike riders hang out at Tim Hortons that think 2,000 km's a season is a lot and have chicken strips the size of the Yellow Pages, but that's another story. If she had a choice, her butt would be on that leather seat all day everyday. "My favourite thing about riding is 'unplugging'. Something we all really need in so many ways ..."

This blog entry was a 2-for-1 special -- you got to enjoy the visual feast above and you learnt a lesson (or was it more like hearing me preach?) about giving back. If you read this far, you deserve to see another photo.

"My favourite thing about riding is 'unplugging'.
Something we all really need in so many ways ..."
--Aileen