Out of the Blue | Jordana Clark | Presented by Schrader’s

Out of the Blue | Jordana Clark | Presented by Schrader’s

By Jensen Amyotte

Name: Jordana Clark 

Date of Birth: February 19, 1986

Hometown: Brule, Alberta 

School/Grade or Occupation: Graphic Designer 

Race Number: 186

Bike: Husqvarna TE 250i

Race Club: AMSA Off-Road/Second Gear Club

Classes: Ladies Junior 

Who got you into the sport? 

My brother and my dad. I didn’t ride as a kid, and as a teen I was in a bad ATV accident, so I was a little weary, but they both encouraged me that a bike was the right choice. It was basically love at first ride.     

When not on a dirt bike, how do you keep yourself busy?

When I’m not riding bikes, I am usually still thinking about them. A few years ago I decided to combine my love for bikes and graphic design to form Ride Hard Designs which has me doing custom graphic kits and rider promo packages. It’s a passionate gig and so rewarding when I see people even more stoked on their bikes.

Aside from that, my two dogs keep me on my toes, along with multiple art projects and finding new adventures in the mountains.

As someone who has raced, are there any obstacles you feel a female racer has to deal with that maybe a male racer does not?

I don’t think there are as many as there once was. Women are really stepping up their game in the sport and it is so amazing to see the community of support that has developed. I think that has given us a platform to encourage each other and helps us to overcome obstacles that we might not have had an outlet for before.

If anything, and this goes for men too, I think the biggest obstacle is getting out of our own head and just enjoying the ride and the experience on a bike.

Who is your all-time favourite rider?

Honestly, I don’t think I could even pick one. There is such a high calibre of racers out there now, and I look up to all of them! They deserve all the admiration for everything they have put back into this sport.

I will say, I love the riders who do it for the love of the sport. The ones who look completely lit up no matter what happens out there. Locally that always tends to be Stephen Foord and Melissa Harten, the dream team. I also like seeing Shelby Turner get out there go for it. She has been through a lot with her race career, but she has never let anything slow her down.

On a larger scale, it’s a little left field but Justin Bogle. His happy-to-be-there, so-stoked-to-ride-and-race-a-dirt-bike attitude is awesome! I remember him placing third in a Supercross race and his stoke level was so high that you would have thought he won the championship. That excitement and attitude is what it’s all about!                       

Considering all the different terrains you ride on, which do you feel you excel at the most and why?

Single track! It’s just so fun! You find your flow, start jamming in your helmet and everything else just falls away. I don’t think I excel at it but I do like the technical stuff, too. I don’t always clean it but when I do it makes it all worth the struggle. We have such an amazing assortment of terrain between Alberta and BC that we are fortunate for, and it is mind blowing every time you get to ride it. 

Is there an event you look forward to most every year?

All of it! All the racing, riding, events and the community of people around the sport. 

Who has been your biggest inspiration/hero on and off the track?

There are a lot of people I admire and am so grateful to have in my world as a rider and a friend, but most definitely Margot Kirkwold (AKA The Cookie Lady). She is one hell of a rider, the kindest human, and an amazing friend. I love riding with her, she continuously pushes me to go further and try harder than I think I am capable of. Not to mention, not only does she bring the most yummy cookies to the races but is also a beacon of positivity and determination.                   

Tell us about your 2020 season and your plans for 2021.

2020 was a lot of winter riding and trail cutting with Margot before COVID took over, followed by an incident with barbed wire that dampened my time to ride. Overall though, I was pretty happy with the time I did get on the bike. I felt like I was pushing hard to learn and go bigger.

2021, I just want to get as much seat time as I can, race and “have a time” on my bike with my friends.  

What are your biggest accomplishments to date?

Stepping out of my comfort zone and racing the Endurocross at the 2019 Silver Star Rev Limiter. Stephen Foord gave me an epic pep talk – which helped me step out of my head and just ride. Not only did I do it, but I had an amazing time too. I think it was one of the most fun races I have ever done. 

What is the biggest lesson that being involved in motorsports has taught you so far?

After health and getting your head in the game that attitude is everything. Things wont always work out how we hope but staying positive makes it a lot easier. Of course, also that this sport is tough, it can beat you up and knock you down physically and mentally but you just have to get out and ride. Have fun and race your race or ride your ride – for you. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Well, within 5 years I would like to host a ladies ride weekend similar to Mudhunniez and the Triple B Rally, only have it here in Alberta. I had great companies and people lined up to help with the event in 2020, but COVID had other ideas. So, I would like to try again when I can to bring something like that together. I think it would be amazing for the woman in Alberta’s riding community.

And of course, simply riding! Riding dirt bikes, pedal bikes, snowboards – all the fun things. I do have some riding goals I plan to achieve but for the most part in 5 years, I am aiming to just have a lot of fun and a lot of adventures.                      

Are there any sponsors or people you would like to thank?

I am grateful for so many people. My family for always picking me up when I am down (and I do crash a lot), Team JKS. All the amazing racers/riders who support Ride Hard Designs. Kyle Puhlman and Amber Giroux for all the help with getting my bike up to par. And all the amazing companies that help me look good so I can ride hard: FXR racing, Reynolds Brother’s Racing, Flowvision Canada, Beduro, FMF & Twin Air. Also, AMSA Offroad & the Second Gear Club for creating dual series where we can get out and race!