Cruiser vs. Road King: Which Registration Tier Is Best for Your Leslie’s Ride Experience?

Every time I hear the low rumble of a V-twin engine echoing off the hills, my mind wanders back to the early days. I remember the smell of gasoline and the crisp morning air that always seemed to signal something special was about to happen. For me, and for many of you who have been with us since the beginning, Leslie’s Ride isn't just an event on a calendar. It’s a cornerstone of our community: a living, breathing tribute built by a son honoring his mother and carrying forward her legacy of advocacy.

I’ll be honest with you: there are moments during the planning process when I sit in my office, surrounded by spreadsheets, permit applications, and a hundred moving parts, and I feel the weight of building something completely original in its very first year. This isn’t easy. It’s the first year of what we fully believe will become an annual tradition, and launching it from the ground up has come with a kind of stress that keeps me up at night. I think about my mom, Leslie, and the one ride she took on the back of my bike. She wanted to go again, and we lost her before that could happen. I carry that with me in every meeting, every phone call, and every hard decision.

But I also carry her strength. Leslie was a source of inspiration to so many people through her work as Head Coordinator at W.E.A.V.E. and through her advocacy against domestic violence and sex trafficking. So when the pressure starts closing in, I come back to the reason this exists at all. I’m her oldest son. I’m going to honor her the right way. That persistence, that love, and that promise to her are what help me push through every obstacle in front of me.

That’s why we do this. We turn personal loss and quiet reflection into community impact that can change lives. And as we prepare for the very first Leslie’s Ride—year one of what we hope will be a lasting annual event—I want to make sure you have the absolute best experience possible. One of the most frequent questions I get in my inbox is: "Troy, which registration tier should I pick?"

Whether you’ve done plenty of benefit rides before or this is your very first time joining one, choosing between the Cruiser and the Road King packages is about more than just swag: it’s about how you want to experience the day.

The Heart of the Event: Why We Ride

Before we dive into the logistics, I want to remind you that no matter which tier you choose, you are making a difference. This ride exists to support those who need it most, and every dollar raised goes toward a legacy of hope. If you’ve ever wondered about the specifics of how a simple motorcycle ride can turn into a lifeline for others, I highly recommend checking out our post on how your bike can help change lives.

Breaking Down the Tiers: Cruiser vs. Road King

We’ve designed our registration options to be as inclusive as possible. You don't need a custom-built show bike or thirty years of riding experience to be part of this family. We want you here exactly as you are.

Here is a look at the two primary ways you can join the pack this year.

1. The Cruiser Tier: The Essential Experience

The Cruiser Tier is designed for the rider who loves the journey. It’s for the person who wants to be in the middle of the pack, feeling the vibration of the bikes around them and soaking in the camaraderie of the road.

• What’s Included: You get full access to the ride route, entry into the post-ride festivities, plus an official event T-shirt and grab bag.

• Who It’s For: This is the perfect choice for first-timers or those who prefer a "no-frills, all-thrills" approach. It covers all your bases and ensures you’re part of the main event without any extra fluff.

• The Vibe: Casual, connected, and focused on the ride itself.

2. The Road King Tier: The VIP Experience

If the Cruiser tier is the heart of the ride, the Road King Tier is the soul. This is our high-visibility, "all-access" pass for those who want to take their support to the next level. When we talk about the Road King package, we’re talking about an elevated experience from start to finish.

• What’s Included: Everything in the Cruiser tier, plus exclusive Road King merchandise (think high-quality shirts and patches you can't get anywhere else), a "skip-the-line" pass for the post-ride meal, and premier parking at our final destination.

• The Cody Garbrandt Factor: Often, our Road King participants get special opportunities for meet-and-greets or front-row access when special guests like Cody Garbrandt are in the mix.

• Who It’s For: This is for the rider who wants to maximize their contribution and enjoy a few extra comforts. It’s also for those who want to show their support in a big way.

• The Vibe: Reverent, high-energy, and deeply impactful.

A Side-by-Side Comparison

I know some of you like to see the facts laid out clearly. As an event planner, I live by lists and categories! Here is how the two tiers stack up:

Feature	Cruiser Tier	Road King Tier
Ride Participation	Included	Included
Official Event T-Shirt	Included	Included
Grab Bag	Included	Included
Post-Ride Festivities	Included	Included with VIP-style perks
Event Patch	Standard	Gold-Stitched Road King Exclusive
Parking	General	Reserved VIP Area
Charity Impact	High	Maximum

Which One Is Right For You?

Won’t you join us in making this the biggest year yet? When you're deciding which tier to click on our registration page, ask yourself what kind of memory you want to walk away with.

If you’re someone who values the simplicity of the wind in your face and a good cause, the Cruiser Tier is a fantastic way to be involved. You’ll meet amazing people, see some beautiful country, and know that your registration fee is going directly toward our mission.

However, if you have the means and you want to truly immerse yourself in the VIP side of Leslie’s Ride, the Road King Tier is a source of inspiration for us all. The extra funds provided by our Road Kings allow us to dream bigger, reach further, and provide more support to the causes we champion. Plus, let’s be honest: that reserved parking is a lifesaver when the sun is beating down and you’re ready for a cold drink!

More Than Just a Rider? Let’s Work Together

Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "Troy, I want to do even more than just ride." We love that energy! We are always looking for partners who want to help us grow. Whether you’re a local business owner looking for "high-visibility" recognition or a vendor who wants to set up shop at our finish line, we have a place for you.

• Vendors: We’d love to have you. Check out our vendor information to see how you can get your products in front of hundreds of riders.

• Sponsors: We offer various sponsorship levels and are incredibly flexible. We can even work out payment plans to make it work for your budget. Visit our sponsorships page to see the perks of partnering with us.

The Legacy We Build Together

At the end of the day, whether you are on a beat-up old moped or a brand-new Road King, you are part of the Leslie’s Ride family. I often find myself getting misty-eyed when I look out at the crowd during the opening ceremony. It’s a breathtaking reminder that we are never truly alone in our journeys.

If you want to see a bit more of the "behind the scenes" madness that goes into making this all happen, take a peek at The Grind Behind the Ride. It’s been a long road to get here, but every mile has been worth it.

Thank you for being the heartbeat of this event. Thank you for keeping Leslie’s memory alive and for helping us change lives, one mile at a time. I can't wait to see which tier you choose and, more importantly, I can't wait to see you in the saddle.

Got questions? Don't be a stranger. Reach out to me or the rest of the team through our contact page. We’re here to help you get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

With gratitude and excitement,

Troy Goings Event Planner and Coordinator, Leslie’s Ride