Out of the Blue: Megan Joycey – Presented by Schrader’s
By Jeff McConkey
‘Out of the Blue’ is brought to you by Schrader’s.
Name: Megan Joycey
Birthday: December 19, 1992
Hometown: Maple Ridge, BC
School & Grade or Occupation: Student
Number: 59
Bike: KTM 250 SX
Race Club: PNWMA
Classes: Women’s
Let’s get to know Maple Ridge, BC rider, #59 Megan Joycey. – Megan Griffiths photo supplied by Joycey
How did you get started in racing?
Racing is very new to me but I always loved watching the PNWMA races. Before I had even ridden a bike I thought it would be an amazing feeling, and I was definitely right! Once I had my own bike and got some practice hours on it, a few fellow female riders helped push me into my first race at the Big Kahuna in Kamloops and I had a blast.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
Not even close. I have over ten years horseback riding experience doing show jumping and I started to venture into endurance trail riding. I was starting to get bored with the pace though and it was good timing that I found dirt biking. Riding through trails on a dirt bike is such a blast through the trees, and the challenge of the terrain. The track is so much fun, I can’t wait to try some motocross races. I need to practice some jumping before I race on the track though!
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
As it seems right now, at times, yes. Strength can be an issue with me sometimes, though I am tall and have never had a problem with bike size like some other girls do. On the track I don’t think it’s much of an issue, unless you’re riding a smaller bike because of your height for the right fit and feeling more comfortable. With trail riding it definitely can be for doing technical things, long legs is such an advantage. It has been a very male dominated sport in the past so it can be intimidating but I have found everyone in the riding community is very welcoming and supportive regardless of gender.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
I don’t have a set favourite but my eye is usually drawn to Ryan Dungey. He just carries himself so well on and off the bike – he just seems to be a great guy.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
Ashley Fiolek caught my attention right away once I got into the sport. I did her motocross clinic in Kamloops last summer and she was just such an awesome rider and person! It’s amazing seeing a girl on the bike ripping around the track but she stands out for me because she represents having an obstacle in your way and overcoming it. Regardless of gender, she dedicated herself enough to overcome her own hurtle and rocks the track! [She’s] such an inspiration to anyone facing a struggle with riding.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I am unfortunately not too familiar with Canadian motocross Pros having learned in the off-road world of riding.
Megan’s hero is her grandma. “She is so smart and has an excellent quick wit about her still at eighty-six years old. Sometimes I feel like a bit of a mess riding but I think if she were in my boots, she would laugh and get through it with grace without a doubt.” – Megan Griffiths photo supplied by Joycey
What is your favourite track and why?
So far I really enjoy the Agassiz motocross track, as it was the first one I ever rode on. It’s really nice and in the trees, really beautiful spot.
Who is your hero?
Honestly, my grandma. She is so smart and has an excellent quick wit about her still at eighty-six years old. Sometimes I feel like a bit of a mess riding but I think if she were in my boots, she would laugh and get through it with grace without a doubt. Not that I’m sure she’s really a fan of the sport, or me doing it, but I pretend she’s ok with it. I would love for her to come watch one race!
What are your goals for this season?
First motocross race and get some good jumping practice happening.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
A huge accomplishment for me was finishing my first race. I was so nervous up until the start line, then I started getting into riding mode. I did more laps than I had expected and did better each lap.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Seeing everyone and hearing their stories of their previous rides. People are always working on their bikes, it’s great to see the excitement and feel the riding energy around camp.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Usually, I’m pointing my camera at you! I’ve been planning and shooting some photography projects and been doing some riding shoots as well. I try and ride every week and take my camera along and get shots of whoever I go with. Camping weekends with the bikes will hopefully be more frequent with the nicer weather. Other than that, I’m in school, working, running and trying to get fit for riding.
Coming from the off-road world, Megan’s goal is to race her first motocross event this summer. – Shawn Watson photo supplied by Joycey
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
Now that I’m getting really into the sport, it would be a huge bonus. I don’t think it would ever be overly important but it would just be a blast to do ride as often as we can together. Definitely would be amazing to spend lots of time outdoors with someone who feels the same way about the sport.
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
As long as they enjoy it, of course. It has been such an experience for me learning a bit later in life, I wish I had been shown a bike way earlier in my childhood years.
Who do you want to thank?
I would like to thank Kevin Dyck for teaching me to ride using his bike and dragging it off me when I got stuck. Another thank you for helping me find my first bike. A huge thanks to Megan Griffiths for being another supportive female rider and taking us riding for practice and photo shoots. Thanks to Ken Dyck, Adam Welti, and Kevin and Megan for hauling my bike and me places to get some good practice in. Always a huge thank you to the PNWMA race family for being supportive to the end and everyone else involved in this sport for making it the great community it is.
