Name: Riley Vocat
Lives in: Cranbrook, B.C.
Hometown: Cranbrook, B.C.
Age: 21
Occupation: Marketing and advertising consultant
Sledding since: 2011
First sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit
Current sled: 2007 Polaris Dragon, a.k.a. the Fuchsia Beast
If money wasn’t an issue, what would you do to your sled? If money wasn’t an issue, I would be riding a snow-checked 2015 Polaris Pro, but I’m sure every part of my Dragon would be powder-coated pink to match my springs and back bumper. To be honest, I usually leave the technical components and modifications of my sled to my boyfriend, Aaron. However, from my experience last year, I would love to put on a set of the Float 3 Burandt Signature Series Fox Shocks.
Where do you usually ride? I usually spend most of my winter up in Lumberton, B.C.
What’s it like up there? Riding in Lumberton offers you the best all-around riding experience. It offers terrain for every type of rider, from beginner to advanced and groomed trails to backcountry. There is such a vast area to cover that you could be riding different places and finding fresh snow every time you head out. Getting around is simple and makes it less stressful for people who aren’t from around here. The locals are very welcoming and make the whole riding experience enjoyable.
What’s your favourite place to ride? My favourite place to ride so far is Revelstoke, B.C. I have big plans to travel to some new areas this winter and to try out new terrain to challenge my riding.
Are you a member of any clubs? I belong to the Cranbrook Snowmobile Club and the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation. Also, I am part of an amazing female group called, Off-Road Vixens. Check them out—you won’t be disappointed!
What was your most epic sled whoopsie? Oh boy! You mean I only get to pick one? The one “whoopsie” that sticks out the most was one time I was carving through some sick pow and—just kidding—launched my sled off the trail, down a bank and smoked a tree not even 15 minutes into the ride. Really? It took approximately three hours to dig out my sled and build a new trail. I had to flag down two other riders to help get it out. Of course, I couldn’t pull off the whole “my boyfriend did it” because it happened to be the pink sled down the side of the bank. Oops!
What’s your favourite kind of riding? My favourite type of riding is messing around in endless terrain of deep powder. I also love jumping my sled and doing wheelies! Who doesn’t like to catch some air? Near the end of last season, I started hillclimbing a bit. The adrenalin that it brings is amazing. I am really up for trying anything. Bring on winter 2014-2015!
What does sledding mean to you? What does sledding mean to me? Hmm, sledding is everything to me. I wait all summer, thinking and dreaming about winter and powder days. I had the most amazing experience two years ago, riding with an amazing girl (Stephanie Schwartz), ripping Frisby Ridge in Revelstoke, B.C. She pushed me to become a better rider by taking me out of my comfort zone. And she gave me the confidence I needed to move forward in this industry. We worked all day on carving and sidehilling and shared many laughs. I even hit a jump, almost taking her out. Oops! Sorry, Steph. Ever since that day, she has been my forever idol in this male-dominated sport, giving me a reason to push forward, to keep trying and to never give up. Sledding is my passion. The freedom it gives is indescribable. I live for winter!
