Looking for a Charity Motorcycle Ride? 10 Things to Know About Riding with Cody Garbrandt

I still remember the way the air felt on the morning we lost Leslie. It was a stillness that didn’t belong in a world she had filled with so much laughter and light. For those who didn't know her, Leslie was the cornerstone of our family, the kind of person who could turn a rainy Tuesday into a celebration just by walking into the room. She was also the Head Coordinator at W.E.A.V.E., where she advocated for survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking with the same fierce compassion she gave to everyone she loved. When she passed, the silence was deafening. I spent months wandering through that silence, wondering how to honor a woman whose spirit was too big for a headstone.

Then, I heard it, the low, rhythmic rumble of a V-twin engine passing by my window. Leslie never rode alone, but she did ride once on my bike, and that memory has stayed with me ever since. That was the spark for Leslie’s Ride. I created this event to honor her. We didn't just want to start another charity event; we wanted to create a breath-taking experience that turned our collective grief into a source of inspiration for others.

Since then, Leslie’s Ride has grown into something I never could have imagined. And this year, we’ve got a heavy hitter joining our ranks: the one and only Cody "No Love" Garbrandt. Whether you’re a lifelong rider or someone who just bought their first cruiser, riding alongside a UFC champion for a cause that matters is an experience that stays with you.

If you’re thinking about joining us, here are 10 things you need to know about what it’s really like to hit the road with Cody and the Leslie’s Ride family.

1. It’s About the Heart, Not Just the Horsepower

When you sign up for Leslie’s Ride, you aren't just paying for a police-escorted tour of the countryside. You’re becoming part of a legacy. Every rev of the engine is a tribute to those we’ve lost and a helping hand to those still fighting. I often get asked, "Does my bike have to be a certain brand?" Absolutely not. Whether you’re on a vintage chopper, a brand-new touring bike, or a fuel-efficient scooter, if you have a heart for the cause, you belong here. And every registered rider gets a commemorative shirt and event bag, because I want everyone to leave with something that reminds them they were part of something bigger. You can learn more about how your bike can help change lives on our blog.

2. Cody Garbrandt is One of Us

You might know him from the Octagon, but on the road, Cody is just another brother in the wind. What struck me most when we first started talking to Cody about this partnership was his genuine vulnerability. He understands what it means to fight, not just for titles, but for the people you love. He isn’t here just for a photo op; he’s here because he believes in the power of community. When you ride with him, you’re riding with someone who knows that the hardest battles aren't always fought in a cage.

3. No "Tough Guy" Ego Allowed

One of the things I’m most proud of is the warm, welcoming atmosphere we’ve built. Sometimes, motorcycle culture can feel a bit intimidating if you don’t have the "right" gear or the most expensive bike. At Leslie’s Ride, we leave the egos at the kickstand. We are a family. I’ve seen guys in full leather racing suits sharing coffee and stories with grandmothers on trikes. We’re all here for Leslie, for the cause, and for each other.

4. The Route is Breath-taking

I spend months scouting these roads. I want every turn to offer a view that makes you pull a deep breath of fresh air into your lungs and remember how lucky we are to be alive. We look for those winding backroads where the canopy of trees creates a tunnel of green and the smell of honeysuckle is thick in the air. It’s a meditative experience. It’s a chance to clear your head and connect with the world around you.

5. We Sweat the Small Stuff (So You Don't Have To)

Behind the scenes, the planning is intense. From coordinating with local law enforcement to ensuring we have the best food vendors at the finish line, my team and I work around the clock. If you’re curious about what goes into the logistics, take a sneak peek into planning Leslie’s Ride. We handle the maps, the safety briefings, and the hydration stations so all you have to do is show up and ride.

6. The "Road King" VIP Experience is Next Level

For those who want to get up close and personal with Cody, our Road King VIP package is the way to go. You get priority staging at the front of the pack, right behind Cody, and exclusive access to the VIP lounge. It’s where the real stories get told. It’s where I’ve seen Cody sit down and talk for an hour with a fan about life, loss, and the discipline it takes to keep going. It’s an intimate setting that you won’t find at any other event.

7. Our Vendors are Part of the Family

When we roll back into town after the ride, the party is just beginning. We hand-pick our vendors to ensure they share our values. From local artisans to the best BBQ joints in the state, the post-ride festival is a celebration of life. It’s a time to swap stories about the road, check out each other's bikes, and enjoy the community we’ve built.

8. Sponsorship is a Two-Way Street

We couldn’t do this without our partners. If you own a business and want to get involved, we don’t just want your logo on a banner; we want to highlight your commitment to the community. We offer high-visibility perks and are incredibly flexible with how we work together. We even offer payment plans for local small businesses because we want everyone to be able to contribute. Let’s work together to make this year the biggest one yet, check out our sponsorships page for more info.

9. Safety is Our Sacred Bond

I take your safety personally. Every ride is fully escorted, and we have a dedicated team of road captains who ensure the pack stays together and moves smoothly. We want you to feel exhilarated, but we also want you to feel completely secure. No specialized stunt skills or high-speed experience is required. We ride at a pace that allows everyone to enjoy the scenery and the company.

10. This is a Growing Legacy

Leslie’s Ride isn't just a one-day event; it's a movement. Every year, I see familiar faces and new ones, and I realize that the hole Leslie left is being filled by all of you. We are building a lasting legacy of hope. Won’t you join us? Whether you ride, sponsor, or volunteer, you are an essential part of this journey.

I often think about what Leslie would say if she could see us now, hundreds of bikes lined up, chrome gleaming in the sun, all moving together toward a common goal. I think she’d be breath-takingly proud. She’d probably be right there in the middle of it, laughing and making sure everyone had a full plate of food and a smile on their face. Even though she never rode on her own, I know she would love what this ride has become.

If you have questions or just want to chat about how you can get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always looking for new members of the family. You can also read more about our history on our About page or meet the dedicated people on our team.

We’ve turned our somber memories into a powerful engine for change. Now, we just need you to help us keep it running. Let’s hit the road together. Let’s ride for those who can’t, and let’s make some noise that can be heard all the way to the heavens.

Thank you for being part of this story. I’ll see you at the starting line.