The need for a safe, encouraging space to learn has propelled the creation of a new local snowmobiling group for women.
Nadia Cote, the co-founder of Braap Babes With No Limits, said that learning the ropes with her friend and fellow co-founder Angelisa Edwards was part of the reason the group started.
“I met her and we became friends,” said Cote. “She’s been snowmobiling way longer than me, and I’ve been going with her a lot with her last year, and she really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I built a lot of confidence with her.”
After the experience, Cote figured it would be good to start a women’s riding group. It turns out this was an idea that had been brewing in Edwards’ mind for the last three years.
So the pair took the plunge, and Braap Babes With No Limits was born.
The group just had its first meeting in October, and is looking for a second meetup on Nov. 10, 6 p.m. at No Limits Motorsports in Squamish.
It will be offering a combination of events that will teach riders of all levels various skills. This includes learning about equipment, social events and group rides.
Differences between female riders and male riders can make it helpful for women to learn in their own group, Cote said.
For example, women may fare better with shorter bars and softer shocks, she said.
Then there’s also the experience of learning in a more supportive environment.
“I built so much more confidence by being with other women, and we’re all going through the same things together.”
She said learning with male friends was less smooth.
“They’re more rough and it’s all like, ‘Pin it! Pin it! Pin it!’” said Cote.
“We really felt the difference learning with other women.”
The events are open to any level of skill.
A fee will be charged to cover insurance costs. More information can be found about each event at: https://www.facebook.com/braapbabeswithnolimits/
