If you’ve spent any time on the road lately, you’ve likely seen the three-wheeled silhouette that turns heads and sparks questions at every gas station. For some, it’s a curiosity; for those of us in the saddle, it’s a lifestyle.
I started my riding journey at 35 on two wheels, searching for a stress-relief valve for a life filled with the beautiful chaos of raising triplet boys and juggling a full-time career with college. After 16 years of navigating cruisers and adventure bikes, I found myself riding less. The hilly, twisty roads of Southeast Ohio that I once loved started to feel more anxious than adventurous.
Then came the change. I moved from two wheels to three with a 21 Can-Am Spyder RT, and suddenly, the world opened again. My “knees were in the wind,” but my mind was finally present.
That transition wasn’t just about a more stable machine; it was an entry into one of the most vibrant, inclusive, and creative communities in the powersports world. Whether you’re on a touring Spyder or a stripped-down Ryker, “Can-Am Life” is about a shared passion that bridges the gap between traditional motorcycling and a new era of open-road freedom.
The Community: Clubs, Chapters, and the “Grand Central”
The biggest misconception about three-wheelers is that we’re a solitary bunch. The reality is that the Can-Am motorcycle community is one of the most organized supportive networks on the road. The cornerstone of this life is the US Spyder Ryders, a national organization with local chapters across the country. These groups aren’t just about Sunday morning rides; they are collaborative environments that focus on community impact and charitable events.
For those of us who live in the digital space between rides, groups like Can-Am Trike Grand Central on Facebook serve as our digital clubhouse. It’s a place where you can ask about technical mods at 2:00 AM or share a photo of your latest custom look and get instant feedback from people who genuinely share your passion.
This inclusiveness is what makes the culture so special—it doesn’t matter if you’re a 40-year veteran like my husband or a brand-new rider; you are part of the family.
The Major Leagues: Deadwood, SpyderQuest, and Maggie Valley
If you want to see the Can-Am motorcycle life in full color, you must attend the major rallies. These aren’t just “bike shows”; they are pilgrimages.
- The Deadwood 3-Wheeler Rally (D3WR): Held in the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota, this event is a bucket-list item. Organized by the First Gold Gaming Resort, it brings hundreds of 3-wheel motorcycles to the Black Hills for guided rides through Spearfish Canyon and a legendary “Night Trike Parade” down Main Street.
- SpyderQuest: Located in the beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY, this event is a premier destination for Northeastern riders. It’s a heavily collaborative event, often supported by valued sponsors like Seymour’s Motorized Sports, and it focuses on camaraderie and scenic rides through the Adirondacks.
- Maggie Valley Spyder Adventures: For those of us who love the Smokies, Maggie Valley is home. This event is hosted by Value-Accessories and is a massive draw for people looking to tackle the Blue Ridge Parkway. It feels less like a corporate event and more like a massive family reunion centered around the winding roads of North Carolina.
Customization: Paint, Pinstripes, and the Art of the Wrap
While the events are the heartbeat of the community, the machines themselves are the soul. The level of customization in the Can-Am motorcycle world is staggering, but the approach often depends on which model you’re riding.
The Spyder: Classic Craftsmanship
Owners of the Can-Am Spyder tend to lean toward more traditional, high-end finishing techniques. Because the Spyder is a larger, more touring-oriented machine, it serves as a perfect canvas for custom paint and intricate pinstriping.
A talented pinstriper can accentuate the Spyder’s aerodynamic lines, adding a touch of classic “Kustom Kulture” that makes each machine a one-of-a-kind work of art. These riders often prefer the permanence and depth of hand-painted graphics to highlight their personal style.
The Ryker Sub-Culture: A World of Wraps
On the other side of the garage, the Can-Am Ryker has spawned an entirely different sub-culture. The Ryker is built for individual expression, and its owners have embraced custom vinyl wraps with religious fervor. The ease of swapping panels means a Ryker can be a “Black Panther” theme one month and a vibrant neon graffiti design the next.
Wrapping is so central to the Ryker identity that it has become a DIY movement, with riders constantly pushing the limits of color and texture to stand out in the urban landscape.
Lighting the Way: LEDs for Every Rider
Despite the differences in “skin,” both Spyder and Ryker “ryders: share a common obsession: colored LED lighting. Adding accent lights isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a safety mod that turns the machine into a glowing presence after dark.
From Underglow LED kits that illuminate the pavement to sequential fender lights and A-arm LEDs, lighting allows us to showcase every contour of our machines.
Presence in the Moment
My husband still rides his Yamaha Venture touring motorcycle, and we travel together, mostly as day-trippers for now, though our long-distance dreams are growing. Transitioning to a Can-Am didn’t take me away from the motorcycle world; it gave me back my place in it. It allowed me to be present—to truly appreciate the gifts of this amazing world without the physical anxiety associated with being on two wheels.
The Can-Am motorcycle life is more than just having an extra wheel. It’s about a community that welcomes everyone, a culture that celebrates individual creativity through pinstripes and wraps, and a lifestyle that ensures no one is ever left behind in the garage.
Whether you’re looking for a stress-relief valve or a new way to explore the Smoky Mountains, you may just find that Can-Am Trikes are the answer.
Ride a Can-Am…what are your thoughts on the Spyder-life?
Tara McLoughlin is the founder of StreetIronGear.com, a 25-year veteran of business operations management, and a dedicated rider who began her journey on two wheels at age 35. After 16 years on cruisers and adventure bikes, she transitioned to a Can-Am Spyder RT to stay confident on the steep terrain of rural Southeast Ohio. A mother of adult triplets, she views riding as a vital way to stay present and appreciate life. Through her store, she provides customizable gear for the motorcycle and Can-Am trike communities and gives back by sponsoring 10+ Can-Am and motorcycle events annually.
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I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 