Sophie Morgan: Paralympics 1st Disabled Correspondent Will Lead Your Next Highway Adventure

After being paralyzed from the waist down at just 18 years old, British TV presenter, writer, and artist Sophie Morgan has become a beacon for disability advocacy. A jack of all trades, she has reported for the Paralympics for three years, released her debut book Driving Forwards, and most recently co-founded W.E. Rides, a movement that empowers women through long-distance Can-Am riding getaways. Read on to learn how you can join Sophie Morgan for her next adventure…

Q. Describe your love for traveling on a motorbike/Can-Ams. What are the kinds of feelings and experiences that happen on the open road that keep you coming back?

A. I love riding a bike because it is not often something you see people with disabilities doing, particularly wheelchair users, and it gives me a real sense of breaking down a stereotype. It is different to a car, because you are exposed to the elements and there is a thrill involved. The thing about a Can-Am is that, firstly, you don’t need to have a bike license to be able to ride it, and secondly, it is not as dangerous as riding a motorbike. It is inherently stable, it’s three wheels, and it is much larger. It has a bigger presence on the road and people can see you coming. You get the fun and the enjoyment of a bike, but you get the safety and ability to ride long distances like you would with a car. Every time I ride, I feel like a different person. If I am feeling stressed, or am feeling like I have lost motivation, or if I am feeling like I have lost my strength, I get on a bike and after one ride I get off feeling like a badass; feeling joyful, feeling excited, feeling like I can take on the world – it is the best feeling ever! 

What was the impetus or instigating event that started W.E. Ride? 

W.E. Ride began because my friend Christina and I, both Can-Am ambassadors, often rode together. Last summer I rode my Can-Am across America, and she joined me for part of the journey. While riding, we reflected on the immense sense of freedom and empowerment it gives us, and we wanted to share that with other women. We decided to create W.E. Ride for women who are going through tough times, offering them the same life-changing experience we have on the road. The idea is to pay it forward and give people the same feeling we have – our rides are completely free, and anyone can apply or nominate a friend or family member on our website. We want to take as many women out as we possibly can to build confidence, connections, friendships, and have fun through the freedom of riding! I love to be around badass, brilliant, and brave women – people who are entrepreneurial, creative, funny – and a little naughty. 

What does an average day on a W.E. Ride adventure look like? 

Our adventures start near Santa Barbara and wind through the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. I like to keep the full itinerary a secret to keep it special, but we explore scenic routes, wineries, and end the day with a special meal where we bond and reflect on our ride, where we set an intentional purpose behind the ride. It’s not just about the ride itself – it’s about forming connections, building friendships, and leaving feeling more empowered. Right now, we focus on day rides, but we’re planning to expand into three-day and week-long rides soon. This is just the beginning! 

As the W.E. Ride application asks, what does empowerment mean to you? Specifically for women? 

Empowerment, to me, means stepping into your full strength and authenticity – being impenetrable and ready to take on any challenge. After my injury and becoming paralyzed at 18, empowerment has taken on many different forms throughout my life. Really, at the heart of it, it is the sense that I am enough and that I have flaws. I am not perfect, but that is okay. I feel like empowerment is also to do with being able to have the strength to hand that over to other people and when people are around you, they feel that contagious feeling of wanting to be more. 

What would you share with someone going through what they think is an insurmountable obstacle in their life? In moments of sadness or frustration, what mantras or self-care routines keep you grounded? 

My best advice is to keep driving forward. That’s why my book is called Driving Forward. No matter what, keep driving and moving, because everything – whether it’s pain, sadness, or frustration – will come to an end eventually. Whatever it is, aim for that purpose because the purpose is the point. If you’re struggling to keep moving, find a purpose. It doesn’t matter what it is, just pursue it, because purpose gives life meaning. For me, getting on the bike is my self-care routine. 

What projects on the horizon are you excited about, and how can our readers learn more about them? 

I have a company called Making Space and Making Space Media, which is dedicated to creating opportunities for disabled talent on camera, television, storytelling, and in employment. I have a number of exciting projects in the works, both with myself and other disabled people and women. I’ve also just moved to California from the U.K., which has been a dream. And of course, running W.E. Rides every month is one of the highlights of my life!  

To find out more about Sophie Morgan’s disability work and future W.E. Ride adventures, visit www.sophiemorgan.com