Last Update: 30 November 2025
Back on 4 October, on an early Ontario Saturday morning, I joined about twenty other enthusiastic women trail riders and their motorcycles for a riders’ meeting that would kick off the fifth annual MEG’S RIDE women’s trail-riding fundraiser. And a huge thank you to MOTORESS supporters for your contributions — you helped MEG’S RIDE exceed its fundraising goals!
Women’s Only Trail Riding Event “Meg’s Ride”
This for ladies only women’s trail riding event is hosted by Ontario’s Northumberland Trail Riders Club (NTR) with the purpose of raising funds for the Northumberland Chemo Clinic in honour of their member, Meg Thorburn. Meg’s been battling a rare form of cancer called Leiomyosarcoma (currently in remission). This year the club had to finance the ride themselves as previous sponsors couldn’t assist—but still succeeded in doubling the amount raised in 2007, exceeding their grand total goal of $35,000.
The trails, laid out by NTR members throughout the Northumberland Forest just outside Centreton, Ontario, were brilliant — the men were once again busy handling logistics and supporting the women riders. A big shout-out to the fine fellows in attendance (though not allowed to ride) — it was great to meet you all.
Our route covered nearly 90 kilometres: a full morning and afternoon of the kind of terrain off-road riders dream about. Orange arrows marked the basic routes, pink arrows the more challenging ones, leading us up and down hills and along wide, bush-lined gravel tracks. We rode over fallen trees, stacked logs, rocks and sections washed out by this season’s record-breaking rainfall. Lunch was served at a clearing deep in the woods, about halfway through the ride — that hot soup really hit the spot at 13°C, the chill only noticeable when we stopped.
BMW G450X: BMW Motorrad’s New Off-Road Contender
BMW Motorrad Canada handed me a 2009, fresh-from-the-crate G450X, their newly introduced enduro/motocross model — and it was a joy to ride. Light, responsive handling, smooth power delivery and plenty of torque quickly reminded me it had been two seasons since my last true off-road adventure. The G450X sits a touch tall for me, requiring a bit of technique to climb aboard, but that became a non-issue after a few suspension tweaks. And off-road, without traffic pressures, having both feet flat on the ground matters far less than balance, throttle and momentum.
You don’t have to remain between lines or stop at designated markings — your usual road riding concerns disappear. In the trails, off-road, it’s just you, the woods and scurrying chipmunks along with the occasional rabbit and fellow riders. Initially I thought the bikes weight to be no trouble, its only 120 kg (dry weight) or 265 lbs. But later discovered I did need help getting out of a few falls especially the manner in which the bike ended up on the ground-super funny!
Admittedly, I’m still taking care of the broken back that occurred last year, so wasn’t going to take any chances where’s that concerned.
We could not have asked for a better day!
A perfect sunny Canadian Autumn ride staged amidst a colourful forest backdrop. All this accented by the fabulous camaraderie of the NTR club riders/members. Hope you’ll join us next year!
Special thanks to Kevin Virag for being there and capturing us in his lens.
