Father-daughter duo ready to ride

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This article was published 17/05/2016 (3630 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When it comes to a passion for motocross, it’s a case of like father, like daughter for the Houdes.

St. Vital residents Kim and Ami Houde will both take part in the upcoming 2016 Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad on Sat., May 28.

This year, Ami is one of four ride celebrity captains, along with Winnipeg Blue Bomber alumni Doug Brown and Obby Khan, and Winnipeg Jets assistant coach and NHL alumnus Charlie Huddy.  

This is the first year either Kim or Ami has taken part in the event, which is a fundraiser in the fight against prostate cancer and supports research and education through the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation. This year’s ride is the eighth one in Manitoba and the goal is to beat the record for the number of registered riders — 1,437, set in 2014 — and the more than $280,000 that was raised in 2015. To date, the event has raised more than $1.2 million for prostate cancer research and awareness in the province.

Despite the fact it’s the pair’s first time taking part, it’s fair to say the father-daughter duo knows a thing or two about riding bikes. Kim is a local motocross legend and was a national motocross champion, and Ami has earned 11 Manitoba women’s motocross titles.

Kim, 59, told The Lance he’s feeling extremely proud to be riding with his daughter in the event.

“I’m pretty much in awe of my daughter being recognized as a ride captain,” Kim said.

“This is a huge event, as there were 1,400 bikes last year, and they are expecting more this year. To ride with that many bikes in a parade will be pretty cool. And the sound of all the bikes revving at the start will be sublime. I’m very proud to be riding with my daughter.”

Noting that she will feel safer with her dad riding with her, 27-year-old Ami emphasized how important it is for men to get checked for prostate cancer.

“It was cool to be asked to be a celebrity ride captain and, as a female, I get to represent my dad, grandpa, and boyfriend to advocate for getting checkups,” Ami said.

“I think it’s good to have a female in this position, as I get to have a lot of influence on the men in my life, and I’ll probably be the one to push them to do it. And if young women my age know the importance of this, then everyone should.”

Ami said a combination of hard work, following her dreams, and being true to herself has led her success in the motocross world.

“It’s been a long journey, so when a random girl emails you to say you’ve inspired her beats any race win or accomplishment. It’s an amazing feeling to be a role model,” Ami said.

“I worked hard through university and I’ve had a job since I was 14. I’ve worked hard for everything I’ve achieved. My No. 1 piece of advice is to be yourself. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that advice. When I was younger, I was bullied a lot for being a tomboy, which was not the norm, but I blocked it out and didn’t care what people said. If you learn to love who you are, then success will follow that.”

Visit www.ridefordad.ca/manitoba for more information or to register.  

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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