A Little HistoryThe Kootenay Rat Raid began in 2002 when a group of Triumph riders from across Western Canada and the northwestern United States gathered in Nelson, BC, and unknowingly started a tradition that would last for decades.
Over the years, the Raid has been shaped by a dedicated group of volunteers who stepped up to keep the event alive and thriving. From 2003 to 2007, it was an official Triumph event, with Triumph bringing demo bikes, support, and plenty of appreciation for its riders. When that support ended, passionate members of the riding community took the reins, ensuring the spirit of the Raid lived on. In 2013, Liane Langlois took over as organizer, beginning a new chapter while staying true to what has always made the Kootenay Rat Raid special: riders coming together to celebrate motorcycles, friendship, and adventure. What started as a small gathering has grown into one of North America's premier Triumph events, regularly attracting more than 150 riders. While Triumphs remain the heart and soul of the Raid, riders of all makes and models are welcome. That inclusive spirit has helped create a community that stretches across provinces, states, and even countries. But the motorcycles are only part of the story. The real magic of the Kootenay Rat Raid is the people. Every year, riders return to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and explore some of the most spectacular roads in British Columbia. For many, the memories made around the lot at the hotel, dinner tables, and roadside stops are just as important as the miles ridden. Some attendees have been making the trip since the very first Raid, a testament to the friendships and traditions that keep people coming back year after year. Aside from the pandemic-related cancellations in 2020 and 2021, the Kootenay Rat Raid has been held every year since its inception. More than two decades later, it remains a celebration of riding, community, and the unique spirit that brings motorcycle enthusiasts together. Whether it's your first Rat Raid or your twentieth, you're sure to leave Nelson with great memories, great stories, and a few new lifelong friends. |
About Liane
Liane’s love of motorcycles started when she was a kid, riding small bikes around her uncle’s land in southern Saskatchewan. After moving to Edmonton in 2001, she spent years sitting on the same Triumph Speedmaster at the motorcycle show, dreaming of the day she’d own one. In 2007, that dream became reality when she bought her phantom black Speedmaster—and she’s been riding ever since.
What started as a passion quickly turned into a way of life. After getting a taste of land speed racing at Bonneville in 2014, Liane was hooked. She later picked up a Triumph Daytona 955i and, in 2016, blasted past her goal of 150 mph with a run of 155.210 mph. She returned to Bonneville for years as a volunteer before getting back on the salt in 2024, setting two National AMA records on a Triumph Rocket III sidecar. In 2025, she made history as the first Canadian woman—and only the fourth Canadian ever—to set an FIM world motorcycle land speed record. When she’s not riding or racing, Liane is busy giving back to the motorcycle community. She founded the Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society (AMSS) in 2016 to help improve rider safety and awareness across the province. What started as a small grassroots effort has grown into a province-wide campaign, along with the ThinkBIKE podcast, available on all podcast platforms! Whether she’s chasing records, promoting motorcycle safety, or organizing events, Liane is happiest when she’s around motorcycles and the people who ride them. In 2026, she marks her 12th year leading the Kootenay Rat Raid—an event she’s proud to help grow and share with fellow riders. |
About Us
The Kootenay Rat Raid is a mid-July gathering for the Triumph riders, put on by the Triumph riders set in the beautiful scenery of the Kootenays in southern British Columbia.
