Courtesy of Mushy Pony

Mushy Pony is delighted to announce that we’ve teamed up with the radical BMW Motorrad in a series of bike test rides this season specifically targeted at the female market. On each bike will be our founding editor, Emma Farquharson, who has a history of burning rubber and not taking any ABS. But before we get to the bikes, perhaps we should review her credentials first.

Emma has been riding for four years. What started as a basic lesson in clutch control on a windy day sliding around a frozen Lake Simcoe has evolved into tearing up single track at Ganaraska Forest on a weekly basis. Between standing on her seat, attempted wheelies, and catapulting herself into various mud puddles and trees, she hopes to one day mimic the skills of legendary rider: Chris Pfeiffer.

But there is more to the love of this sport than simply looking cool. In her mind, every fall means not only getting back up, but lifting a 250 pound piece of machinery every time. And by forcing herself to consistently look ahead even though there are rocks and ruts mere inches from her tire, it brings a calming and forward-thinking awareness to riding. And to life.

When she’s not out getting dirty, she’s busy cruising around downtown Toronto on her R1200R – a favourite for journeys both long and short. And together with BMW Motorrad, she will test ride their bikes (as well as their gear) and evaluate it based on features, ride-ability and price. Women riders already know the benefit of passing on the passenger seat, but it’s discovering the uniqueness of each model that helps match their own personality with that of the bike.

First up? The 2011 F800R, Chris Pfeiffer edition. Stay tuned for a full review on this bike and whether or not it deserves to have her hero’s name tattooed on it.

Courtesy of Fast and Faster

– Mushy Pony Inc.

Courtesy of Mushy Pony Inc.

The Cowgirls are proud to have teamed up with the folks over at Piaggio and BMW to work the Motorcycle Show this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Whether you’re a Vespa Vixen, a Harley Hogger, or a Ducati Daredevil, you’ll find the perfect dream bike waiting for your heartbeat to rev. So in the spirit of things, we thought we’d answer the age-old question: which motorcycle does a Mushy Pony drive?

In a short answer, we’ll accept this Dodge Tomahawk for a mere $550,000:

Courtesy of Google Images

… It also goes 560km/hr – the fastest bike ever made. Bitches.

Please. We all know ponies are far more modest creatures than that and would like to retain our class no matter what the temptation. That’s why we’ve picked the epitome of all vintage motorbikes, the 1969 BMW R69S – with 42 horsepower, 600cc, and a top speed of 165 km/hr. This bike may die while entering the on-ramp to the DVP, but as the Stella Artois commercials state so perfectly: “she is a thing of beauty”. And we’d like to saddle up to her and pretend to be Marianne Faithful circa 1968′s Girl on a Motorcycle:

Courtesy of Google Images

A second choice? And a more efficient and reliable choice? The 2009 Moto Guzzi V7 Classica in black. (They don’t make black in 2010. Bastards.) There are plenty of European companies currently trying to reinvent the James Dean vintage vibe, (Triumph, Royal Enfield, etc.) but from our sources we’ve deducted that the most reliable is in fact the Moto Guzzi. Parts are easy to order, the bike will last you ’til it actually becomes vintage, and it feels like a dream to ride. At 750 cc’s and 50 horsepower, it’s really the perfect city bike.

Courtesy of Google Images

There you have it. A Mushy Motorcycle fit for trotting about Toronto. Now where was that $10,000 I had earlier?

– The Cowgirls.

Courtesy of Google Images

You’ve heard us prattle on about nonsense for over a year now – and we’re thankful you’ve bothered to listen! But for today, we decided it would be better to hear from some of the recent ponies we’ve interviewed on what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble!

Michael Lambert (Olympian Snowboarder) says:
I’m thankful for being Canadian. Big trucks, deep mud, huge mountains, loud dirt bikes, and the ability to drive hours without seeing civilization.

Sean Ward (Comic/Video Blogger) says:
I’m thankful for the encouragement and support of family and friends who believe in me, the opportunities that have opened up, and most importantly, the people I’ve met along the way. I’m thankful for the fact that I get to be here right now; to be a part of this amazing point in history – and for the big dreamers everywhere who keep me inspired and motivated.

Anthony Zanfini (Founder of ZDS) says:
I’m thankful for mine and my family’s health – which not everyone had last year. Thankful for my wonderful girlfriend who drives so many other things to be thankful for. My career, ambition, strength. Thankful for the people who let me help shape their brands – whether big or small.

Kieh Christopherson (Hard core Runner) says:
I’m thankful that I can look out of my office window and see the foothills of the Himalayas. I’ve been so lucky to grow up in a country with clean air, traffic rules, health care, a functioning government, social safety nets, safe running water, the opportunities to shape my life as I please, and having such special people in my life – near and far, old and new. But I am most thankful for having had the opportunity to see how the rest of the world lives and witnessing every day that nothing can be taken for granted.

Nikki Payne (Comedian) says:
I’m thankful for Emillio Estevez. My Yorkie, not the actor. Aw, hell, I’m thankful for him too.

Emillio Estevez courtesy of Nikki Payne.

Danielle Hession (Mixed Media Artist) says:
I’m thankful for Mushy Pony!

Dave Offierski (Founder of Clip Mobile) says:
I’m thankful for being so fortunate to have family and friends who support me building the life I want for myself. It is amazing to have them on board for the journey!

Patrick B. Smith (Second City Comedian/Writer) says:
I’m thankful for access to a 3G network, as I have a constant need to have a map tell me where I am. I look forward to Facebook posting these locations, soon. I am thankful for Cito Gaston’s mustache. Without it, I am not sure where I would have found my passion for bold facial hair. I am thankful for the new bike lanes being put on Bloor. I am thankful to not live in a country where I am forced to compete in the Skeleton when I am not prepared. Finally, I am thankful for unicorns. Whether they exist or not does not matter to me, what matters is their promotion of creative thought.

Rhain Louis (Co-Founder of the Pungents) says:
I’m thankful that Jesus wasn’t born 2 years earlier, because if he was, then this would be 2012 and the world would end.

Emma Farquharson (Founder of Mushy Pony) says:
I’m thankful for Summerhill Market’s pumpkin pie – which goes nicely alongside a bottle of Shiraz. I’m also thankful for rigatoni at Brownes, burgers at the Quail, and sweet potato fries at the RCYC. All food aside, the people who share those cherished moments with me are what I’m truly thankful for the most :)

– The Cowgirls.

Courtesy of Mushy Pony

Ponies, we’ve got a big announcement for you. We’ve finally decided to throw a party! Together with our favourite pub, the Monk’s Table, we’ll be hosting a night of cocktails (historically concocted by monks!) with proceeds benefiting Olympic athletes. The night is called Water of Life and you can reserve a spot by calling (416)-920-9074. We hope to see you there! The Cowgirls will be out in full force.

Courtesy of Mushy Pony

– The Cowgirls.