The off road industry has seen some of the biggest growth in a single year this season. More families have chosen to live their lives outside in a variety of ways. As the industry expands with new riders, Polaris has created the Empowersports Women’s Riding Council made of 12 powerful women from all backgrounds to aid in ushering in the most diverse off road community.
The Empowersports Women’s Riding Council is composed of distinguished women who are riders, adventurers, leaders and entrepreneurs who bring unique perspectives and insights to the powersports space. They are champions for advocacy, empowering women, building community, sparking adventure and fostering safety. They include:
- Michelle Barraza – RZR Racer
- Carrie Barton – Klim & Timbersled Brand Ambassador, Dirt Bike Racer & Tour of Idaho Finisher
- Julie-Ann Chapman – She Shreds Mountain Adventures Founder & Professional Snowmobiler, Team Polaris Athlete
- Amy David – Professional Mountain Athlete, Skier, Guide, Polaris Snowmobile Ambassador & Content Creator
- Gevin Fax – Actor, Musician, Educator & Speakers Bureau Ambassador
- Vicki Gray – International Female Ride Day & Motoress.com Founder, Road & Race Instructor
- Lisa Lockhart – Rodeo Champion, Rancher & Polaris Ranger Ambassador
- Kristen Matlock – Professional RZR racer & SCORE Baja 1000 Champ
- Jody Perewitz – Racer & Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Famer
- Porsche Taylor – Black Girls Ride Magazine Founder and Cross-Country Rider
- Kelly Yazdi – Wild Gypsy Tour Creator, PolarisAdventures Ambassador, Actor & Host
- Jolene Van Vugt – Stuntwoman, Nitro Circus Action Sports Athlete, Canadian Woman’s National Motocross Champion & RZR Ambassador
Jolene Van Vugt is one of the recognizable faces in the action sports community. Famously known as the first CMRC Women’s Canadian Motocross National Champion, first woman to backflip a full-sized dirt bike, holder of multiple Guinness World Records and one of the most bad ass members of the Nitro Circus crew.
“Honestly if I didn’t say yes to when Travis (Pastrana) came to me wanting to get me to backflip a dirt bike, my life would be completely different,” said Van Vugt. “You have to learn to say yes to new adventures in life. Even if they are intimidating, you build a plan and you go for it. You never know where that decision will lead to. I have always wanted to show by example that you can push yourself and get to a place you didn’t think was possible. You also learn how to have gratitude. Having world records and traveling the world is great, but inspiring a new generation is the best part of what I have been able to accomplish. I always wanted to encourage others to never be afraid of attaining your dream.”
The name picked for these ladies is not one without thought. They are the Empowersports Women’s Riding Council, and while the play on words is not lost, being empowered to chase dreams and be the best individual you can be is one of the messages Van Vugt wants you to learn. But before she can empower others, she wants you to empower yourself first.
“You can be someone who is passionate and driven, but sometimes that platform for you to fully blossom into the best you might not be there,” said Van Vugt. “I can use this platform to grow those areas and give others the opportunity to grow and let them discover how to empower themselves. To help someone realize their goals is so important to me. Helping someone to unveil a goal or a dream that they didn’t even know was their goal or passion is a feeling unmatched.”
Van Vugt, while still a legend on two wheels, is a magician behind the wheel of a RZR and can’t wait to see all of the new drivers out on the trails.
“Driving a RZR and being a part of this community is the best,” said Van Vugt. “Growing up around dirt bikes and racing, you learn about the value of community and being a part of something more. When you race, everyone is there to support you even though you might be competing against them. It is the same with the RZR community. No matter what it is, be it racing or just driving around, you are a part of a community that wants to support each other. From mellow rides to pushing the machine to the limits it was built for, driving a RZR opens up the world. I love introducing people to the RZR. When I ask them if they have ever been in a RZR and they tell me no, I get giddy. Being a part of the off road community is the best.”
So if you run into Jolene on a trail and you have never been in a RZR, BUCKLE UP you are going for a ride.