Cassidy Harder and Darryl Faurschou share a very special bond. These two 18-year-olds from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, share a passion for the sport of snowmobiling and have been riding together since they became a couple about a year ago. But it's not just the riding that's brought them together. Four years ago, Harder's father Quentin passed away after a snowmobile accident. She and her father were very close.
"I was the biggest daddy's girl in the world and losing my dad put my world upside down along with my family's," said Harder. "I was always with him, whether it'd be in the garage handing him tools while he fixed up sleds or going out riding with him every weekend. My life has been very hard since my dad passed away, until this year when I met my boyfriend."
Faurschou is an avid snowmobiler and has a passion for competing and simply just getting big air. He has been riding since he learned to walk and learned his skills from his father as well.
"I love snowmobiling because I like to be free," said Faurschou. "When I'm riding, it gives me a feeling I can't quite explain. There are endless possibilities to it and always new things you can try."
Harder stopped riding until she met Faurschou and he helped her get back on a sled.
"Because of what happened to her dad, it has created a huge bond between us and we will always have that connection," he said. "I'm glad I can be there to support her and get her out riding again. It makes me happy."
What does the future hold?
Currently Faurschou is simply riding for his own pleasure, but his number one passion is sno-cross and he hopes to compete again. Two years ago he went undefeated in the season. He currently rides a 2011 Summit X 800. His style of riding? According to him, it's steep and deep, high and far.
"One of my favourite riding areas is McBride, B.C.," said Faurschou. "There are different mountains for different skill levels and endless possibilities. I love going off cliffs and playing in powder."
Faurschou hopes to make a career out of snowmobiling and is working hard to pursue his dreams. Until he gets noticed, he hopes to make the most out of his time sledding with Harder and push himself to conquer new heights.
"My dad is my inspiration and Darryl keeps me strong," said Harder. "Darryl is so incredibly talented, it will just take the right person to notice him."
