Open your eyes to life on three-wheel vehicles with Can-Am life-changing stories. From personal loss to seeking challenge after hardship, each of these riders found Can-Am following their own path. But they all discovered a new way to step out of their comfort zone for a different kind of freedom than they were used to. The open road has empowered them to take that leap and get in the driver's seat of their lives.
Can-Am Ryker testimonials
Bonnie Codlin always felt drawn to adventure. For 13 years, she rode behind her husband on the backseat of a motorcycle. Then, in 2017, Bonnie felt the winds of change calling. At 46, she realized she wanted to ride upfront.
“It was the right time for me to step out of my comfort zone and do something new,” she says. “When you swap the backseat for the handlebars, there comes with that a freedom that you never realized you could have.”
At first, she purchased her own motorcycle. But because of her height (she's five feet tall) and due to certain medical conditions, Bonnie felt unstable when it came time to plant both feet firmly on the ground at stops. That’s about the time she discovered the Can-Am Ryker. The three-wheel vehicle provided the same freedom and carefree fun, but she felt safer and more comfortable riding it.
Dozens of journeys and over 7,000+ miles later, Bonnie is seeing the world in a whole new light! Whether she’s riding to work, zipping around doing errands, or planning her next epic adventure, riding her Can-Am Ryker has pushed her beyond the boundaries of her comfort zone. And she’s loving every second of it.
Up next for Bonnie: she’s gearing up for her next big open-road adventures: first, to Tail of the Dragon, a route in North Carolina considered one of the best for motorcyclists and powersport riders. Then, she’s planning a road trip to Niagara Falls.
Her goal? Ride, ride, and ride some more. “I want to put more miles on this bike, more than anyone can possibly imagine a woman could.”
For anyone thinking about giving a three-wheel vehicle a try, use Bonnie’s empowering story as motivation. “Don’t let anyone stop you”, she says. The freedom that comes with riding is unlike any other.
Being on her three-wheel vehicle has been a life-changing experience for Bonnie. “When I’ve had a bad day at work, I know that, come 5 PM, all I have to do is let my husband know we need some wind therapy. Once you’re back [on the vehicle], the world feels alright again.” Bonnie’s switch to the driver’s seat has changed her life. Nothing compares to the rush and excitement you get from the driver’s seat of your own vehicle.
In 2022, Linda Kemp tragically lost her partner, Rob. His passing was a major wake-up call for her—a reminder to embrace life to the fullest and have fun while we’re here.
Rob left her one of his most cherished posessions: a three-wheel motorcycle. Though Linda wanted to honor his life, the thought of riding admittedly made her nervous. Before deciding whether to keep or sell his beloved Can-Am Ryker, she knew she wanted to give riding a serious chance.
“There was a lot going on in my life and I needed an escape from the day-to-day grown-up life I was in”, she says. Her biggest concern? Linda had never ridden a motorcycle before. In fact, it was as far from outside her comfort zone as she could possibly get. But, something stirred within her. She bravely decided to put herself first and go for it, which she had rarely done after having children at a young age.
In some ways, she says, her late husband’s Can-Am Ryker Rally chose her. Embracing the open road came naturally with this vehicle. Being from mountainous British Columbia, Linda was familiar with riding a snowmobile. In some ways, the three-wheel vehicle felt similar—it had the same stability and control. Equally performant on highways and gravel roads, Linda says she experiences a sense of freedom every time she ventures out.
“The tension in my shoulders is gone, I’m far more relaxed and I feel like I’ve had a mini-vacation every time I go for a ride,” she says. “Even if that ride is to work.”
These days, the journey Linda is most looking forward to is gearing up for an epic road trip all around her home province of British Columbia to visit her youngest son and his family. It’s for this freedom and these adventures that Linda has loved riding her Can-Am Ryker Rally.
Linda encourages anyone thinking about giving riding a chance to take the leap, then reap the rewards. “It will make a massive difference in your life and stress levels. You’ll never look back!”
Minnesota native Nicholas Garren may be new to the world of three-wheel vehicle riding, but he's already in it for the long haul. He's loving life with a Can-Am Ryker.
Before embarking on the Can-Am Ryker, Nicholas knew he needed a change. Since moving to a new neighborhood, he found himself struggling with loneliness. He wanted something that would shake things up. He needed something that would fuel his sense of adventure.
After spending many hours researching, he discovered the Can-Am universe and with it, a Can-Am Ryker.
"I wanted the stability of a three-wheel vehicle and a new challenge for myself", Nicholas says. With its balanced, three-wheel design, he learned that the Can-Am Ryker can provide unparalleled security and premium comfort. For his first riding experience, Nicholas says the Can-Am Ryker was just the initiation he needed. It was exhilarating, catering to someone relatively new to the open road.
The moment he began riding his Can-Am Ryker, everything changed. "I had been stagnant in my life," he says. "I wanted to do something new and exciting, and this hit at the right time."
But beyond the sense of confidence, riding this three-wheel motorcycle has provided him with more than just a thrilling adventure on the open road: it's given him community, friends, confidence, and a fresh start.
"Now I have something to look forward to all the time" he says.
For anyone considering embarking on this new journey, Nicholas strongly encourages them to try riding.
"Go sit on [a vehicle] at a local dealership or a demo. If it feels right, start the process." He advises future riders to ensure they're equipped with the proper gear; if all goes according to plan, they'll become hooked too. Most importantly, he empowers future riders to go at their own pace: "Remember to always ride your own ride", he says.
Nicholas says that riding has reawakened a new passion within him—"I have so many new friends in my local riding community" he says. He adds that his Can-Am Ryker has even helped him spend more time in nature. Ultimately, he feels best about the renewed sense of wonderment the Can-Am Ryker has given him. "I feel like a kid again" he says.
We should all be so lucky!
Tina Oliveri, from Massachusetts, always dreamed of riding, but wasn't sure if it'd ever come true. After achieving sobriety in November of 2018, she decided she wanted to stop waiting and start living— really, truly living. Part of that meant finally making those big fantasies a reality, like riding a motorcycle. Since achieving such a significant milestone in her life, she knew there was no time quite like the present. The following April, she finally hopped on her Can-Am Ryker and has never looked back.
“The main reason I chose Can-Am,” said Tina, “was because it looked so easy and comfortable.” Unlike a two-wheel motorcycle, Tina felt like the Can-Am Ryker was more nimble and easier to handle than its two-wheel counterpart.
Tina wasted no time in sharpening her riding skills. She enrolled in the Can-Am Rider Education Program and learned the in-depth, intricate details of riding a three-wheel motorcycle. A quick-learner, Tina was out exploring the open road before she knew it. To her delight, riding a three-wheel vehicle was easy to pick up. Without shifting or balancing, she could enjoy the freedom of the ride. No worrying, just pure, unencumbered excitement.
Now, Tina says, every ride is an adventure—a journey with no rules but ample thrills. To her, it's about more than just embracing new challenges—it’s about discovering a sense of freedom and regaining a sense of confidence. When she rides, she is present, she lives in the now. For Tina, it's an indescribable feeling unlike any other.
To any woman dreaming of taking the handlebars is to go out and get it, let Tina's words serve as a call-to-action: "Don’t wait. Put your fear aside, take the course, and see for yourself. The time is now."
Next, you can catch Tina gearing up for her second riding season. She’s primed and ready, and encourages others to take the leap, too. Since getting a Can-Am vehicle, Tina says she no longer has any rules. Instead, she plays by her own—well, depending on what the weather has to say about it.
People call him Sask Ryker—keep reading, and you'll see why. Neil, from Saskatchewan, is a passionate rider who’s always had a profound love for the open road. He feels best with the wind in his face and a long, winding road stretching endlessly ahead. For as long as he can remember, motorcycles have been a necessary part of Neil's life. More than a hobby, riding them was a lifestyle. But a recent vertigo diagnosis changed everything. The ride he loved so deeply suddenly felt out of reach.
But Neil wasn't ready to give up just yet. One fateful day, he caught a glimpse of a Can-Am Ryker flying past him on the freeway. Love at first sight? In a way. Intrigued by its robust, stable design, he followed it to an intersection, impressed by how quick it was and how capably it handled the road. He immediately headed home to do some research and became hooked on the idea of riding again. With support and encouragement from his wife, soon after, Neil headed to the dealership and made the decision to purchase the Can-Am Ryker. Riding it, he says, felt similar to a kid getting his first bike—giddy, and like he had just unlocked a whole new world.
“It was what I needed and I knew I would love the experience.”
Now, his Can-Am Ryker is more than just a ride—it’s a happy place. On any given day, you can catch him riding his three-wheel vehicle alongside fellow riders. Oftentimes, people will approach him to ask him about his three-wheel companion. Everywhere he goes, people stop, stare, and start conversations, drawn to his passion for the Can-Am Ryker. It's this same interest that prompted him to share his lifestyle with the world. He posts his three-wheel adventures to his Sask Ryker account—go ahead, give him a follow! By sharing his passion with others, he’s been able to connect with riders all around the world.
How would he describe life on a Can-Am vehicle? “What a rush,” says Neil.
After spending much of her life riding a motorcycle, Debra found herself feeling exhausted and sore after every journey. She was unmotivated and felt discouraged from riding again. She was about ready to call it quits. It was on her last ride that she encountered a vehicle she had never seen before: A Can-Am three-wheel vehicle venturing along the road. Before she hung up her helmet for good, she decided to give riding a three-wheel vehicle a try. Fate, some might call it.
She did some preliminary research online and learned everything she could find out about the Can-Am Ryker. By spring 2021, she finally took the plunge and visited a dealership. The second she sat on it, she knew. The Can-Am Ryker was going home with her. When you know, you know.
Before long, Debra was making big plans with her Can-Am Ryker. She began mapping out future rides and planning what configurations and customizations her vehicle would need.
Since then, Debra has reconnected with the joys of riding—only this time, she's doing it with comfort, confidence, and ease. She’s personalized her Ryker with the LinQ storage system, even transforming one of the boxes into a cooler for her adventures.
She encourages others to chase these thrills because all it takes is one decision to alter your way of life completely. For Debra, riding a three-wheel vehicle wasn't just about freedom or fulfillment. It was about taking charge.
“I feel in control of my motorcycle, just as I do my life.” Up next for Debra is planning more road trips—taking her rides farther and for longer distances. Eventually, she wants to give riding the Can-Am Canyon a try.
What is it about the Can-Am Canyon? Says Debra, given the quality of the build and the engineering that went into the design, a person couldn't ask for a better motorcycle.
As for anyone—especially women—thinking about venturing onto the open road riding a Can-Am three-wheel motorcycle, Debra offers up some words of encouragement.
“Get out, take a test ride, because you’ll never know if you don’t take the chance,” says Debra. “My Can-Am Ryker 900 has plenty of power, she says." “I can keep up with the best of them.”
“When it comes to riding the story of your life,” she says, “don’t let anyone else hold the handlebars.”
Can-Am Spyder RT testimonials
For Yvonne Alexander— a.k.a SilverFox —losing her youngest daughter was a life-altering experience. In the wake of tragedy, she understood life’s fragility and recognized the importance of embracing every moment and every experience. It was a turning point for her.
“I wasn't going to sit at home grieving”, she says. “But instead, I decided to live my life with excitement and adventure.” And so, she made the choice to live her life to the fullest—just the way her daughter would’ve wanted her to.
Yvonne isn’t new to having an adventurous spirit. In fact, her life has been rich with experiences. She’s ventured to numerous countries around the world. You might even say she feels best outside the bounds of her comfort zone. While she hoped to travel again, the COVID-19 pandemic meant travel was stagnant.
Yvonne felt restless. It was only when she met a two-wheel motorcycle rider that she thought about giving riding a try. However, at 72 years old, Yvonne didn’t feel comfortable enough about riding a two-wheel motorcycle. That’s when she discovered there were three-wheel vehicles better suited to her.
Although she had never ridden a motorcycle before in her life, Yvonne enthusiastically started riding the Can-Am Spyder RT. Since then, she’s found endless fulfillment on the open road, meeting friends and embarking on road trips she had only ever imagined.
Nowadays, you can catch her travelling the country and visiting states she’s never been to before. Three years after starting her riding journey, Yvonne completed the coast-to-coast challenge in which she journeyed from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville Beach, Florida in the span of four days. She’s been collecting trophies and earning accolades ever since. Something she’s especially proud of? Being named the Oldest Female Rider at many of the events she participates in.
“Living a joyful life has no age limit”, she says.
One of her biggest accomplishments to-date is overcoming the fear that held her back from riding in the first place. Since riding her Can-Am Spyder RT, she no longer feels afraid of riding a motorized bike. She often tells fellow women riders to let go of their fear of riding, and that a Can-Am vehicle is safer and more comfortable than a two-wheel motorcycle.
She hopes her story can serve as an inspiration to others who might be on the fence. “If I can learn to ride", she says, "so can you.”
61-year-old Claudette Waddingham is no stranger to riding—she’s spent most of her life riding as a passenger aboard motorcycles. When she became a mom in the '80s, her riding career took a backseat, too, so she could focus on raising her children. In the early aughts, Claudette’s life took an unexpected turn and suddenly found herself a single mother. But, she turned this bump in the road into a golden opportunity. Unsurprisingly, she embarked on the open road once again.
“Riding gave me a renewed sense of freedom that I hadn’t felt in years”, Claudette says. “I felt alive and independent again”, she adds.
Initially, Claudette bounced between a two-wheel and a three-wheel vehicle. She quickly realized she felt happiest riding the Can-Am Spyder RT Limited. With its plush comfort and smooth handling, the model quickly became one of the best riding experiences of Claudette’s life.
“It’s stable, nimble, and handles the road like nothing I’ve ever ridden before”, she says. Best of all, it came at a price that was within reach.
These days, Claudette is living life to its fullest. She remarried in 2011, and can often be found embarking on scenic road trips with her husband by her side. She’s rediscovered a thrill of riding and luxury touring, whether that takes her to desert highways, through winding mountain roads, or along coastal routes. Claudette is excited about her next big adventure: a road trip through the panoramic Black Hills of South Dakota.
Riding has been Claudette's saving grace, a part of life that has helped her connect with loved ones and rekindle the flame within. People often approach her to ask her questions about her three-wheel vehicle. Claudette wastes no time in telling them how empowering riding is. The best way she describes her Can-Am Spyder RT Limited to would-be riders?
“It’s truly life-changing!”
Sometimes, a misunderstanding leads to the biggest life lessons. When Trina C Gray's husband told her that he wanted to buy a motorcycle, the project manager from Minnesota agreed. “Cool, I like to ride”, she said, meaning as a passenger. But Trina's husband doesn't like riding with passengers. So Trina faced a choice: get in the driver's seat of her own unit, or stay back. “Fine, I will buy my own motorcycle,” she remembers saying.
This initial challenge has since turned into a lifelong love for the open road. “I am more confident”, she says. “I feel more in control of my ride and look forward to finding reasons to ride.”
But instead, in 2022 came a reason not to ride when her doctor told her she'd have to have right hip surgery and give up her passion for months. And, in a way, the surgery did slow her down...for all of two weeks. On a road trip before the procedure, Trina and her husband discovered the Can-Am Spyder RT Sea-to-Sky at a local dealer. She picked up her own model a few days before the hip surgery and, after a couple of weeks off, enjoyed the rest of the riding season because of how comfortable this model is.
It's been such a hit that, ahead of the 2023 riding season, Trina's husband also upgraded from a two-wheel ride to a Can-Am Spyder RT Limited—inspired by his wife! “It’s a form of freedom that’s hard to explain”, she says. “There is nothing like being in control of your own ride and the freedom to ride when you want instead of waiting for someone to take you for a ride.”
Next, the pair hope to ride their Can-Am Spyder models to Yellowstone and Deadwood. “You won't regret it”, is her advice to folks still on the fence about riding. “Can-Am gave me confidence and freedom.”
You might say it makes her feel unstoppable.
The moment Massachusetts-based Elizabeth J. Murphy first gripped the steering wheel of her Can-Am three-wheel vehicle was the moment she knew the open road was about more than thrills. It offered her a way to regain control of her life—an opportunity she willingly seized.
But the journey to three-wheel freedom wasn’t exactly a smooth one. Before learning to ride, Elizabeth had faced her share of challenges: Recently, she was diagnosed with—and overcame—cancer.
And, as someone who has dealt with lifelong obesity, she lacked confidence in herself. Experiencing and conquering these battles were no doubt a part of her story. But she knew they didn’t define her.
Elizabeth knew she had to put herself—and her wants and needs—first. Valuing her well-being meant she could care for her family and loved ones. Something needed to change, no matter what.
Encouraged by a friend who owned a Can-Am three-wheel vehicle, Elizabeth started her own riding journey behind the handlebars in 2010 with a Can-Am Spyder RT. From that point onward, she never looked back.
From feeling invisible to turning heads wherever she rides, Elizabeth’s life has been transformed into something new.
Now retired after 24 years of working the transportation sector, she dedicates her time to caring for her disabled husband while continuing to chase her own freedom.
She says her Can-Am Spyder makes her constantly the center of attention. It forced her outside of her comfort zone, but thanks to her ride and people’s interest in it, she noticed the fear of how others perceived her started to fade.
As for this year? Elizabeth is excited to continue her three-wheel riding journey—she’s treating herself to the all-new 2025 Can-Am Spyder Sea-to-Sky in the Dusk Metallic colorway. That, along with her desire to help others experience the same feeling the open road has given her, “Being there,” she says, “can light a fire in [your] soul.”
For other women interested in following in Elizabeth’s footsteps, this retiree strongly encourages them to go for it—she even offers would-be riders a chance to sit in the passenger seat and discover the ins and outs of her ride first. She walks them through controls, handling, and beyond.
“Every time I’ve done this, I see the light in their eyes. I tell them that yes, you can do this, too. You are a strong, smart woman, and I have faith in you.”
“I get that you love riding with your partner, but I know you want more.” She says being in control has lifted her soul and hopes to help others follow a similarly uplifting path.
Thanks to her trusty Can-Am Spyder, Elizabeth's life has changed. She’s ready to help others change, too.
For Sherbrooke-based Serge Bolduc, known to his close pals as Sergio, retirement isn't a matter of slowing down the pace. On the contrary, it's the right time to start living and embracing every second to its fullest. To some, that means taking up a new hobby. For others, it's about learning a new skill. But for a long-time rider and Can-Am enthusiast like Serge, it's about riding.
Though Serge isn't new to the world of three-wheel motorcycles, he's every bit as passionate about the activity ever since he first started. In 2012, he purchased his first Can-Am Spyder RT. He enjoyed the experience—he felt it much safer and more stable than its two-wheel counterpart. Over the years, his initial eagerness from his first ride has never waned. He's purchased seven vehicles since his introduction.
Throughout his riding career, Serge has seen some remarkable sights. For starters, he's travelled to every province in Canada, and has visited 40 states! Every winter, he and his wife make the trek down south to Florida so that he can enjoy the experience of riding year-round. Whether riding solo or in the company of his wife, the thrills and experiences he gains from the open road are unmatched. He's not alone, either: Serge routinely rides alongside a group called the Voyage Moto Route 66 du Québec (translation: The Quebec Route 66 Motorcycle Tour).
Then, in 2020, he entered a new phase of his life: retirement! His wide-open schedule offered him new opportunities to ride his Can-Am Spyder and spend invaluable time with his wife, who conveniently also enjoys journeying on the open road.
But beyond the landscapes and the miles, it's the people he meets and the friendships he's made that have helped make riding a Can-Am vehicle an experience all its own. His is a philosophy that urges people to "enjoy life while you can," encouraging them to embrace the present.
We think that's sound advice, Sergio!
Can-Am Spyder F3 testimonials
Nancy Beaulieu, from Quebec, recently entered the empty-nest phase of life. After her kids left home, she and her husband—both former motorcyclists—wanted something that would help them usher in this new era.
While they both loved riding their motorcycle, they craved a vehicle that could offer heightened stability. After visiting a dealership, the two became enamored with the Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited. With little hesitation, they purchased theirs on the spot and took it home. Though she typically rode backseat, the more she rode, the more Nancy found herself drawn to riding upfront. She no longer felt like sitting in the back. Soon after, she decided to take a training course so she could learn the ins and outs of riding herself.
Happily, Nancy got the hang of things pretty quickly on her Can-Am vehicle. As soon as she felt confident enough, she took over the handlebars of the Can-Am Spyder while her husband opted for a sportier model, the Can-Am Ryker 900 Rally. How does she feel riding it? “My Can-Am Spyder reflects who I am,” says Nancy, proudly.
Making the move to the three-wheel vehicle lifestyle felt like the right choice for Nancy and her husband. With their adult children no longer living at home, they wanted to treat themselves to a new adventure.
And because they didn’t need to look after their kids, they could plan short trips of two or three days at a time and see their home province of Quebec. They even purchased a trailer to go along with their three-wheel vehicles, adding to the fun.
Since learning to ride her new vehicle, Nancy has seen parts of the world she never thought she’d ever get the chance to. That, and she’s since bonded with other three-wheel vehicle riders like herself.
“We share the same passion and desire to be free to ride, wherever we want and with whoever we want.” What’s more, Nancy rides to support causes near and dear, including the Ride de Filles organization based in Drummondville, QC.
Coming up next for the adventurous couple is a few fun road trips in Canada, including the Cabot Trail, a scenic loop drive on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, a road trip around Prince Edward Island in July, and a visit to James Bay in the northern region.
For anyone—especially women—interested in driving, Nancy has one very succinct piece of advice: “Go ahead,” she says. “Don’t hesitate.”
Without dreams, she continues, life can be a bit boring.
At 64, Wanda Nelson from Wisconsin, is far from slowing down. Instead, she’s just getting started: Rewriting and redefining the rules.
In June 2023, Wanda was gearing up to retire. Ahead of this new chapter, she craved challenge. At the same time, she saw this new phase of life as the ideal opportunity to get into shape.
So, on the same day she officially retired, Wanda headed straight for her nearest Can-Am dealer and landed a Can-Am three-wheel vehicle of her own. After being a lifelong passenger, she was ready to grip the handlebars for herself.
Why a Can-Am three-wheel vehicle? After participating in a few group rides, Wanda met some people who also rode Can-Am vehicles. After speaking with someone else, she started feeling confident in her own abilities. Shortly after, she pursued a three-wheel riding class and found herself loving the experience. It didn't take much for her to realize that this was how she wanted her life to take shape.
With her husband’s support, she practiced riding her three-wheel motorcycle for roughly two to three hours every day. As she learned how to maneuver, she appreciated the ride’s stability and security. Once she felt comfortable to strike out on longer distances, she and her husband headed for a road trip to the East Coast—the start of many journeys to come!
Before this experience, Wanda says she never had anyone encouraging her to ride. It was only when she told her husband she wanted to learn that she felt encouraged to do it. “He was a huge cheerleader for me,” she says.
Not only did riding renew Wanda's sense of confidence, it even sparked a personal transformation! Because Wanda wanted to feel as comfortable as possible behind the handlebars, she made it her mission to shed some weight—and she successfully lost 50 lbs.! All in all, she is inspired and encourages others—but especially women—to free themselves from whatever is holding them back.
In addition to being a passionate rider, Wanda is something of a proud Can-Am ambassador. Whether it’s chatting with women at gas stations or chatting about her vehicle with onlookers, Wanda can’t help but express the joy she feels riding to anyone willing to lend an ear.
Wanda and her husband have already explored incredible destinations like Maryland, Virginia’s Skyline Drive, the Tail of the Dragon, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana — and their adventures are just getting started! Next on their list is a ride across Canada, taking her vehicle all the way up to Banff. “That would be my dream trip,” she says.
Let Wanda’s story be a reminder that once you decide to do something, there's nothing stopping you.
“The Can-Am Spyder F3 has absolutely changed my life for the better,” she says. “I gained confidence in my abilities—not just to ride, but I know I can do anything if I set my mind to it.”
Is riding a three-wheel motorcycle ultimately life-changing? Yes, Wanda says. But, she admits there are additional benefits to consider. “It’s a pretty nice feeling when your daughter and grandkids think you’re cool because you ride!”