PRESS RELEASE: Leslie’s Ride – A Son’s Promise Turned Charity Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Troy Goings Event Coordinator Lesliesride@gmail.com [916] 312.0571

A Son’s Promise Becomes a Community Legacy – Leslie’s Ride & Music Festival

SACRAMENTO, CA – How many times have we told someone we love, “Soon, I promise,” thinking that time is an infinite resource? For Troy Goings, those four words became the catalyst for a movement that is set to transform the Sacramento community. Today, we are proud to announce the first annual Leslie’s Ride, a two-part charity event honoring the life, work, and unfinished business of Leslie Craig-Goings.

The Promise That Sparked a Movement

Two years ago, on a bright Mother’s Day, Troy Goings took his mother, Leslie, out for a ride on the back of his motorcycle. Leslie wasn't a rider herself, she was the cornerstone of her family and a powerhouse in the community, but that afternoon, feeling the wind and the freedom of the open road, she fell in love with the experience.

In the months that followed, she asked her son the same question time and again: “When are we going on another ride, son?”

Troy’s answer was always the same: “Soon, Ma. I promise.”

But "soon" never came. On July 2nd, 2025, Leslie passed away suddenly, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and the city she served. The promise of that second ride remained unfulfilled, until a quiet afternoon while Troy was washing his motorcycle. In the reflection of the chrome, the idea hit him: if he couldn't give his mother one more ride, he would give the entire community a way to ride for her.

“I realized that I couldn’t take her out again, but I could honor her memory by bringing together the things she loved most: community, music, and helping those in need,” says Troy Goings, Leslie’s oldest son and the Event Coordinator. “Leslie’s Ride isn't just an event; it’s me finally keeping my word to my mom.”

A Legacy of Service: The W.E.A.V.E. Connection

Leslie Craig-Goings was more than just a beloved mother; she was a warrior for the vulnerable. As a former Head Coordinator of W.E.A.V.E. (Women Escaping A Violent Environment), Leslie spent her life advocating against domestic violence and sex trafficking. She was a source of inspiration for countless survivors, helping them find the strength to rebuild their lives.

To honor her lifelong commitment, all proceeds from Leslie’s Ride will go directly to support W.E.A.V.E.’s programs. This event ensures that while Leslie is no longer here to walk the halls of W.E.A.V.E., her mission continues to thrive.

One Event, Two Experiences: The Ride and the Festival

Leslie’s Ride is uniquely designed as a two-part experience to ensure everyone in the community can participate, regardless of whether they own a motorcycle.

1. The Ride (The Honor): A breath-taking, two-hour scenic motorcycle ride through Northern California. This segment is dedicated to the riders who want to kick up some dust in Leslie’s name. It is a somber yet powerful tribute to a woman who loved the spirit of adventure.

2. The Festival (The Celebration): Following the ride, the atmosphere shifts from reverence to high-energy celebration. We are hosting a massive music festival featuring live bands, local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. This is where we celebrate the joy Leslie brought into the world.

“My mom was about life and laughter,” Troy explains. “The ride is for the promise, but the festival is for the person. We want people to dance, eat, and feel the love that she gave away so freely.”

Star Power and Community Support

Joining the ranks to support this cause is none other than UFC legend and former Bantamweight Champion, Cody Garbrandt. As a celebrity guest, Cody will be riding alongside the community and participating in the festival activities. His involvement highlights the gravity of the cause and brings a high-visibility spotlight to the fight against domestic violence.

For more information on how we are putting this massive effort together, you can read about the grind behind the ride.

Registration Tiers and Inclusions

We want every participant to feel like a valued part of the Leslie’s Ride family. Registration is now open, and we’ve made it simple for everyone to join in. Crucial Note: Every single person who registers, regardless of their tier, will receive an official Leslie’s Ride T-shirt and a grab bag filled with goodies from our sponsors.

• The Cruiser ($50.00): Entry to the ride and general admission to the music festival.

• The Chopper ($100.00): Includes the ride, festival entry, and a dedicated meal voucher for our gourmet food trucks.

• The Road King ($200.00): The ultimate experience. Includes VIP festival seating, a meet-and-greet opportunity, and an exclusive commemorative patch.

Registering is more than just buying a ticket; it’s a direct contribution to changing lives. You can see how your bike can help change lives on our latest blog post.

Event Logistics

• Date: July 11th, 2026

• Ride Kick-off: 8am

• Festival Start: 10am

• Location: @The Grounds 700 Event Center Dr Roseville CA 95678

• Registration:https://www.lesliesride.org

A Call to Action for Sacramento

We are calling on all local businesses, riders, and music lovers to join us. Whether you want to become a vendor, explore sponsorship opportunities, or simply show up and cheer, your presence matters.

We have designed this event to be inclusive. You don’t need a specialized bike or years of experience to join the festival. If you love music and you believe in supporting survivors of domestic violence, you have a place at our table.

About Leslie’s Ride

Founded in 2025 by Troy Goings, Leslie’s Ride is a registered non-profit initiative dedicated to honoring the legacy of Leslie Craig-Goings. By combining the passion of the motorcycle community with the energy of a music festival, the organization raises vital funds for W.E.A.V.E. and awareness for domestic violence prevention. Our mission is to turn personal loss into a community-wide triumph.

About W.E.A.V.E.

WEAVE is the primary provider of crisis intervention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Sacramento County. Through a 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter, and legal assistance, WEAVE provides a lifeline to those in need.

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Note to Editors: Interviews with Troy Goings and representatives from W.E.A.V.E. are available upon request. High-resolution images and b-roll from previous community events can be provided. Please contact [MEDIA CONTACT NAME] at [EMAIL] for scheduling.

For more background on our mission and the team making it happen, please visit our About Page or meet our organizing team.

Won’t you join us? Let’s fulfill that promise together. Let’s ride for Leslie, and let’s celebrate the lives we can save.

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