Ride Inward: How One Women’s Summit Is Redefining Retreats

Forget what you think you know about the word “moto.” At the Women’s Moto & Wellness Summit, it’s not about engines—it’s about inner exploration. Founded by Kim Okabe, this off-grid, all-women weekend retreat takes place at Cheekye Ranch in Squamish, BC, from August 29 to September 1, and invites nearly 200 women to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with themselves through yoga, breath work, reiki, creative workshops, cold plunges, and more. We caught up with Kim to learn how the summit is creating a new kind of sisterhood—one rooted in nature, intention, and personal transformation. —Noa Nichol

Let’s clear the air—despite the name, this isn’t a motorcycle event! What inspired the name and how did the summit first come to life?

I run the largest global women’s motorcycle collective, so two wheels are my life. It’s how I found freedom, community, and some of my closest friends. For many women, riding becomes a form of self-reflection, meditation, strength-building, and personal discovery. For me, it became a powerful coping tool after my mom passed.

I’ve always loved women’s moto events for the way they bring together incredible souls, but I’d often leave feeling totally depleted, craving an apple, a gallon of water, and two days of sleep. Those experiences planted a seed I never expected to water: what if someone created a space with the connection and energy of moto culture, but grounded in nourishment, rest, and inner work?

After surviving the final COVID winter and diving deep into all things wellness, I started having recurring dreams about my mom and horses. Soon after, I found myself standing at a ranch across from one of my favourite lunch spots. I took it as a sign. And now, here I am;  trusting fate and stepping into the third year of this Summit.

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This is the third annual Women’s Moto & Wellness Summit—how has the event evolved since its first year, and what’s new or exciting for 2024?

It’s been wild to watch how quickly the word has spread. In the first year, I was reaching out to friends and facilitators, hoping they’d take a chance on something new. Now, I have incredible coaches and practitioners coming to me, excited to be part of it. It’s gotten to the point where I’ve had to tell people we are full for this year.

That momentum has allowed the Summit to evolve in a really organic way. We’ve expanded the lineup, deepened the programming, and continued to build a space that feels both grounding and expansive. The energy just keeps getting stronger.

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You’re bringing together nearly 200 women, over 24 local facilitators, and more than 21 classes and experiences. What’s the energy like when that many women gather in nature for self-connection and healing?

To be honest, it’s probably the opposite of what most people expect. The energy is quiet, grounded. People are listening to themselves, to each other, and to nature. There’s this beautiful slowing down that happens when you remove the usual distractions. It’s wild what can come up when you give yourself space to just be, without needing to perform or produce anything. 

There’s a softness in the air, but it’s also powerful. Like something is being remembered or reclaimed. This year I’ve shifted the roster to include a lot more coaching sessions for that reason.

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From reiki and cold plunges to breathwork and creative workshops, the offerings are incredibly diverse. How do you go about curating such a thoughtful and inclusive lineup?

My goal is to give guests the chance to experience as many different modalities as possible, all taught by some of the city’s most gifted instructors. Whether it’s something completely new or a practice they’ve tried before but connect with in a different way this time, I want everyone to leave having discovered something that resonates.

At this point, the facilitators are either women I’ve worked with, heard of through the community, received glowing recommendations about, or they’ve reached out to me directly wanting to be part of it. It’s become this beautiful mix of intentional curation and organic alignment.

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Tell us about the location—why is Cheekye Ranch in Squamish the perfect backdrop for this kind of retreat?

Cheekye Ranch is also home to Second Chance Cheekye Ranch, a volunteer-run organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes horses in need. These beautiful animals roam over 60 acres of land, and while we’re tucked away in the back three, they always make their way over to say hello. It adds a quiet, healing but soulful energy that you can feel the moment you arrive.

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What are some of the most memorable moments or feedback you’ve received from past participants?

I’ll never forget the first year. In the final month leading up to the event, I was so stressed I remember thinking my mom had punked me from the other side, like “What have I gotten myself into?”

The very first Saturday, I walked up near the stage after a class was supposed to have ended, and I noticed something strange — the women on the mats weren’t getting up. They were crying. It was as if they’d just moved through something so deep that it created a release.

That was the moment it all clicked for me. I realized why I’d felt so strongly pulled to create this space. It wasn’t just about the classes or the setting, it was about what happens when you give women permission to slow down, feel, and heal. That moment changed everything.

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For someone attending for the first time, what can they expect from the experience? Any tips on how to make the most of the weekend?

You can completely pamper yourself with riverside RMT massages, tarot readings, tattoos, private reiki and sound bath sessions, or simply drop into any of the scheduled classes and coaching sessions that resonate with you. There’s no pressure to do all or any. 

All of the experiences are booked on-site and operate on a first-come, first-served basis – and that’s intentional. You won’t know exactly what you need until you get here. The best advice? Just show up, slow down, and lean in. Let the weekend unfold in whatever way feels right for you.

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You’ve created something truly unique and empowering. What’s your vision for the future of the summit and the community it’s building?

To be honest, I don’t have a big, grand vision for the future. I’ve been following my gut from the beginning, and it’s led me here. What I do know is that my deepest wish for this community is simple: that every woman who attends learns to recognize the value in slowing down, checking in with herself, and making space to just be. If the effects continue to ripple out then thats more than enough.

Win! A $1,500 Women’s Moto & Wellness Summit Prize Pack!

Congrats Anita C. of Surrey, BC, who will receive a $1,500 Women’s Moto & Wellness Summit Prize Pack! Includes:

Women’s Moto & Wellness Summit

• 2 x Event tickets August 29th-September 1st
• $650 value

Wild Haven Glamping Tent

• 1 x Medium bell tent w/ queen bed
• Comes fully furnished for 3 nights
• $450 value

All Method Studio

• 2 x In Studio Mat or Reformer Classes
• Four Month Membership to the Digital Studio$200 value

Plunge Wellness

• 2 x Plunge Passes
• $110 value

Note: no part of this prize includes transportation. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.