Our very own BMW Master Tech, Katie Nelson, recently made the journey out to Joshua Tree, CA for the 6th Annual Babes Ride Out. We caught up with Katie to find out how she enjoyed the event!
Was this your first time going to Babes Ride Out?Yes, this was my first time! I had heard about it before but never looked into it until David (Lindahl) approached me and asked if I’d be interested in going. I said “of course!’
Was this your first time going to Babes Ride Out?Yes, this was my first time! I had heard about it before but never looked into it until David (Lindahl) approached me and asked if I’d be interested in going. I said “of course!’
I got there on Friday so I missed the first night of activities on Thursday night. Friday night was pretty mellow. I explored the vendor area, visited with our friends from Westside Motorcycle Academy who were there, and checked out the Babes Ride Out merch booth.
There was a DJ playing music and they had sumo suits that people could put on for some sumo wrestling — that was fun to watch. This was all part of a festival area that was separate from the campground.
What did you ride out there? Was there a lot of riding throughout the weekend?
I rode my R 1200 GS out there. The organizers had some maps with a few popular rides in the area. One went up to Big Bear, one was more local around Joshua Tree. On Saturday I rode into Joshua Tree National Park, met up with some other riders at the entrance and tagged along with them.
I rode my R 1200 GS out there. The organizers had some maps with a few popular rides in the area. One went up to Big Bear, one was more local around Joshua Tree. On Saturday I rode into Joshua Tree National Park, met up with some other riders at the entrance and tagged along with them.
Saturday afternoon Triumph held some Moto Games, which was a lot of fun to watch. Anyone could enter and participate. There was a cone weave, a slow race and some other games. There were some BMWs out there competing! I didn’t compete though – I’ve only had this bike for a couple of months and I don’t have any crash protection on it, plus this was my first time riding on sand or dirt!
You were recently certified as a BMW Master Tech! Congratulations!
Thank you! I’m a little surprised by how quickly it happened, but I’m grateful to Dave and Charles for sending me to trainings and encouraging me to continue my education as a tech.
Thank you! I’m a little surprised by how quickly it happened, but I’m grateful to Dave and Charles for sending me to trainings and encouraging me to continue my education as a tech.
Any final thoughts?
It was eye-opening to see how the range of women riders varies. There were riders of all ages, from all backgrounds, so it was awesome to see everyone out there.
It was eye-opening to see how the range of women riders varies. There were riders of all ages, from all backgrounds, so it was awesome to see everyone out there.
