HOG Spotlight: Chris Veilleux

A North Vancouver rider and instructor shares his passion and riding knowledge

By Gordie Bowles

Born and raised in Val-d’Or, a small town in northern Quebec, HOG^® member and moto enthusiast Chris Veilleux spent many years in Montreal but now rides his Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle in and around his new home of North Vancouver, B.C.

Chris has been riding motorcycles for more than 15 years – and currently rides a 2024 Road Glide^® in Whiskey Fire – but he fell in love with the Harley-Davidson brand and community when he got his first H-D^®bike in 2018, a 2008 Street Glide^®.

Chris appreciates the practicality of the Road Glide. “I need the storage, and I like the comfort it offers for my passenger, as well all that it comes with the sound system to listen to my favourite playlists and the navigation guide that takes me to new destinations,” he says.

Chris has worked as a motorcycle instructor for years and enjoys sharing riding tips and tricks through videos he creates and posts on social media.

“I like to share what I have learned while taking many advanced courses and experiences I have learned from being a motorcycle instructor,” he says. “I give many free demos promoting low-speed riding skills whenever I can, as I know many riders struggle when it comes to low-speed riding.”

For Chris, motorcycling is not just a mode of transport but also a passion, a hobby and a form of therapy. “You can feel the wind and smell the ocean, flowers and the trees around you as you ride and soak in the 360-degree views,” he says. “I have worked all my career in very stressful and demanding jobs, which affected my mental health, and motorcycles were always a form of therapy and healing that couldn’t be replaced by anything else.”

Now a devoted dad to his three-year-old daughter, Chris is not able to ride as much as he wants or attend all the events and group rides, but he remains connected to the riding community.

“Being part of the moto community to me means getting out and riding as much as I can and while I can,” he said. “It also means sharing the road with all kinds of riders and motorcycles and creating a safe and welcoming community where we can all ride together, no matter what you ride and how long you have been riding for.”

Riding has also helped Chris discover beautiful British Columbia and its people. “Because of my Harley^®, I have met friends for life, discovered places I would have never discovered and much more,” he says. “Riding pushes you to go out on adventures and discover what’s hiding around you.”

Chris summed it all up simply when asked why he likes to ride: “I am not getting any younger, so get out and ride is my motto.”

Find Chris on Instagram: @chrisyvrvancruiser