Backroads Ramble Returns for 2026
There’s no shortage of motorcycle events on the calendar these days. From massive rallies and bike nights to destination rides, racing weekends, and festivals, riders have more opportunities than ever to get together and celebrate life on two wheels. It can be tough to fit all of them in to the far-too-short riding season.
But every so often, an event comes along that fills a gap many people didn’t realize was still there. That’s exactly what happened when The Backroads Ramble launched its inaugural gathering last summer.
Held at Springwater Conservation Area near Aylmer, ON, the women-focused moto-camping weekend brought together roughly 70 riders from across Canada and the United States for a few days of riding, camping, swimming, music, shared meals, and conversations around the campfire. On paper, it sounds simple. In practice, it became something much larger.
Founded by rider and community-builder Orla Kipling, The Backroads Ramble was created around a straightforward idea: build a welcoming space where women riders can connect, explore, learn, and show up exactly as they are. The vision resonated immediately.
The response reflected that demand, attracting riders throughout the North American women’s motorcycle community. Riders traveled from seven U.S. states and two Canadian provinces to attend the first event, with several making journeys of more than 500 miles. For many participants, it was their first women-focused motorcycle gathering. Others arrived without knowing a single person in attendance.
By the end of the weekend, many left with new friendships, new riding connections, and renewed confidence both on and off the bike.
A Different Kind of Motorcycle Event
What makes The Backroads Ramble noteworthy isn’t necessarily its size—it’s the intentionality behind it.
Motorcycling has always been about more than machines. The best events understand that. They create opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences rather than simply gathering around motorcycles. This philosophy was central to the event from the beginning.
Instead of focusing on spectacle, organizers prioritized community. Vendors and sponsors were carefully selected to support rider education, accessibility, and meaningful engagement. The atmosphere encouraged conversation rather than competition. New riders felt comfortable asking questions, exploring gear options, and building confidence without pressure or judgment. The Backroads Ramble offered something refreshingly different: authenticity.
Why Events Like This Matter
Motorcycling continues to evolve, and so does the community that surrounds it. Women represent one of the fastest-growing segments of motorcycling, bringing new perspectives, experiences, and energy into the sport and lifestyle. As that growth continues, events that create genuine opportunities for connection become increasingly important.
The Backroads Ramble isn’t trying to be the biggest rally on the calendar. It’s building something different—a place where riders can develop confidence, find mentorship, discover new adventures, and build relationships that extend far beyond a single weekend. When riders feel welcomed, supported, and connected, they stay engaged. They ride farther. They try new things. They introduce friends and family to the lifestyle. And they help strengthen the culture that keeps motorcycling thriving.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Following the success of its first year, The Backroads Ramble is returning to the Springwater Conservation Area from August 14–16. Organizers say the event will grow thoughtfully while preserving the atmosphere that made the inaugural gathering successful.
Plans for 2026 include expanded attendance capacity, additional workshops and rider education opportunities, enhanced sponsor activation areas, and increased community storytelling leading up to the event. Early momentum is already strong, with ticket sales reportedly surpassing 2025 attendance figures and trending toward a sellout event. Most importantly, the core mission remains unchanged.
The goal is still to create a grassroots motorcycle gathering where women can challenge themselves, build confidence, discover new roads, and connect with other riders who share the same passion for adventure.
In a hobby that often celebrates horsepower, performance, and competition, The Backroads Ramble serves as a reminder that some of the most meaningful experiences happen when people gather around a campfire after the ride is over. The motorcycles may bring everyone together. The community is what keeps them coming back.
Visit The Backroads Ramble event website to get your tickets and learn how to get involved.
Dustin Woods
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