Interview: LANAKILA MacNAUGHTON
JAN 10
Lanakila MacNaughton/ Women’s Moto Exhibit: @womensmotoexhibit
Paradise Road Show: @paradiseroadshow
The Dream Roll: @thedreamroll
You may have heard of Women’s Moto Exhibit, The Dream Roll or Paradise Road Show, but did you know that the powerhouse behind all of these events is one Lanakila MacNaughton? A seasoned rider of almost 10 years, Lanakila has been transforming the world of women’s motorcycling through photography and large scale events. If that wasn’t enough, she also builds and races bikes with Royal Enfield.
She is an incredible example of being able to do it all, but the road there was not easy.
Keep reading to learn more…
Q: Where did your love for motorcycles begin?
Lanakila: I was really lost when I was between the ages of 18 - 21. My life was ruled by alcohol, drugs, depression, and anxiety. My brother had recently died of a drug overdose at the age of 22. When I became sober, I didn't know who I was or where I fit in. School had always been a struggle. I was socially awkward and just liked to be by myself and take photos and explore. I found motorcycles when I was traveling by car behind a bunch of guys riding Harleys. They looked like they were having so much fun and had so much freedom, and I was so envious of that. Maybe 6 months later, I bought a $850 Honda CB 250 and completely fell in love with riding. From that point forward, I wanted to go everywhere on a motorcycle - every ride was an adventure and allowed me to live in the moment.
Q: How has riding changed your life?
Lanakila: Riding has allowed me to travel around the world and to get myself out of my safe little bubble. I've been to developing nations and experienced both their poverty and pristine beauty, which has shifted my perspective on my life and the world.
I've also fallen in love with dirt biking. I love exploring nature both alone or just with my boyfriend. We live in Idaho and there are endless trails to get lost in.
In addition, I also race bikes with the Royal Enfield Women's “Build. Train. Race.” flat track program. I have grown so much as a rider and absolutely love racing flat track! I love the women on the team and the camaraderie we share - everyone is open to teaching each other and learning from one another, which I love. The program is spearheaded by Bree Poland, who is making huge waves as a woman in the motorcycle industry and I am so psyched about what she is doing!
Paradise Road Show
Paradise Road Show
Q: Tell us about Women's Moto Exhibit. When did you begin and what is your goal with this project?
Lanakila: I started WME in 2013 when I was finding that the motorcycle industry and pop culture had done a piss-poor job representing women riders. The women I was meeting were nothing like the women I was seeing online or in catalogues. If you're posing on a bike you should be able to ride it. I also fell in love learning about WHY women had gotten into motorcycles. A common thread I see in women’s stories is that some kind of life crisis, shift in perspective or event that causes women to seek motorcycles as a way of therapy and self-exploration.
Q: You also have your hand in a lot of other projects and events, including Dream Roll & Paradise Road Show. Tell us more!
Lanakila: Yes! Dream Roll is a women-only motorcycle camp retreat in the Pacific Northwest. It's a weekend to come be wild and free in the woods with no dudes. A weekend of freedom. Tickets launched on September 6th & the event is August 19-21, 2022 at Panhandle 4H Camp in Shelton, Washington.
Paradise Road Show (taking place January 15th & 16th, 2022) is a classic car motorcycle show I put on with Adri Law. We take over a retro hotel in palm springs and have vendors, pie-eating contests, with classic car hot rods and motorcycles on display. We have a flea market and a huge pool. People bring out their families: their parents, grandparents, children and dogs. It's a good time!
Dream Roll
Do you have any advice for womxn who are interested in riding motorcycles?
Lanakila: Just fucking do it! I don't care if you’re “too short”, “too young”, “too old” or anything in between. If you truly want to ride, you will make it happen
Paradise Road Show: January 15-16, 2022 in Palm Springs, CA
