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Ride to Honor, Stay for the Show: Why Leslie’s Ride is More Than Just a Benefit Motorcycle Ride

  • lesliesride
  • Apr 3
  • 5 min read

I still think about the one time my mom, Leslie, rode on the back of my bike. She never rode a motorcycle by herself, and that ride meant everything to me. She wanted to go again. We thought we had more time. We didn’t. She passed before we ever got that second ride.

That memory stays with me every time I fire up an engine. I’m Troy Goings, Leslie’s oldest son and the Event Planner and Coordinator for Leslie’s Ride, and this event comes from a very real place in my heart. My mom was the cornerstone of our family and a breath-taking source of inspiration to so many people around her. She served as the Head Coordinator at W.E.A.V.E. and was a fierce advocate against domestic violence and sex trafficking. She spent her life showing up for people. Leslie’s Ride is our way of showing up for her.

What makes this event so special is that it’s truly two experiences in one. First, we ride to honor Leslie’s legacy. Then we gather for a music festival that celebrates her life with live entertainment, food, vendors, and a whole lot of community. It’s emotional. It’s joyful. It’s healing. And it’s so much more than a benefit motorcycle ride. Won’t you join us?

Friendly woman smiling next to a classic motorcycle at sunset during the Leslie's Ride community event.

1. It’s a Ride to Honor Leslie’s Legacy

I want people to understand that the ride itself carries real meaning for my family. This isn’t just about lining up bikes and heading down the road. It’s about honoring my mom in a way that feels personal, respectful, and full of heart.

Leslie gave so much of herself to others. Through her work at W.E.A.V.E. and her advocacy for people affected by domestic violence and sex trafficking, she made people feel seen, protected, and valued. That legacy deserves more than a quiet remembrance. It deserves a living, moving tribute.

When we ride together, that’s what it becomes. A line of motorcycles can be loud, sure, but it can also be reverent. It can be healing. It can be a source of inspiration for families like mine who want to turn loss into something that serves other people. That’s the spirit behind every mile.

2. The Cody Garbrandt Energy

You might have heard the whispers or seen the social media teasers: "7 Secrets Revealed: How Cody Garbrandt and Leslie’s Ride Are Changing the Game." Having Cody involved isn't just about the "celebrity" factor; it’s about the intensity and the "grind" he brings to everything he touches.

Cody knows what it means to fight for something. He understands that the most important battles are often the ones fought outside the cage: the battles for health, for community, and for a better future. His involvement has injected an incredible energy into the event. He doesn't just show up for a photo op; he’s part of the fabric of why we do this.

When you ride with us, you’re riding with people who believe in the power of the "grind." If you’re curious about what it takes to pull something of this magnitude together, you can get a sneak peek into planning Leslie’s Ride. It’s a lot of sweat, some long nights, and a whole lot of heart: just like a championship fight.

A focused biker putting on gloves in a garage, representing the preparation for Leslie's Ride.

3. No Specialized Skills Required — Just Come As You Are

One thing I hear all the time is, "I’m not a hardcore biker," or "My bike isn’t fancy enough." And my answer is always the same: that doesn’t matter here.

Leslie’s Ride is meant to be welcoming. Whether you ride a cruiser, a touring bike, a trike, or you simply want to come out for the festival portion, there is a place for you. We care a whole lot more about your heart than your handlebars.

This is not about speed, competition, or showing off. It’s a group ride built around connection, remembrance, and community. Then, after the ride, the day opens up into a celebration with music, food, and vendors that makes everyone feel included, even friends and family who don’t ride. If you’ve been wondering whether you belong, you do.

4. The "Road King" vs. "Cruiser" Tiers: The VIP Experience

We get asked a lot: "Do I really need the Road King VIP package?"

The truth is, while every registration helps the cause, the Road King tier is where you get to truly immerse yourself in the high-visibility perks of the event. We’ve organized our registration into clear, bold tiers to make it easy for you to choose how you want to support us:

  • The Cruiser (General Entry): The classic experience. You get your poker hand, the official ride patch, and full access to the route and after-party.

  • The Road King (VIP Package): This is for those who want to go all-in. It includes everything in the Cruiser tier, plus:

Choosing a higher tier isn't just about the gear; it’s about the depth of your impact. If you're looking to make a statement and support our mission at the highest level, the Road King is the way to go. You can check out all the details on our Sponsorships page.

A diverse group of riders on cruisers and trikes enjoying a scenic community motorcycle poker run.

5. Building a Lasting Legacy Together

At the end of the day, when the bikes are parked and the music is still in the air, I’m not thinking about an event schedule. I’m thinking about my mom. I’m thinking about the people she helped, the life she lived, and the kind of community she believed in.

That’s why Leslie’s Ride is built to bring people together in more than one way. Riders honor her legacy on the road. Families, friends, supporters, and neighbors celebrate her life at the festival with food, music, and local vendors. It all works together to create something lasting.

We want to work together with you. Whether you’re a rider, a local business owner looking to be one of our vendors, or a potential sponsor, there is a place for you here. We pride ourselves on being collaborative and flexible. If you want to sponsor but need to talk about payment plans or custom packages, let’s talk. We want to make it work because we know that when we work together, the impact is multiplied.

A majestic Road King motorcycle leading a large group of riders during a charity motorcycle event.

Why We Do It (and Why You Should, Too)

I look at our team and I see a group of people who are dedicated to keeping Leslie’s spirit alive. We aren’t a giant, faceless corporation. We’re a small group of family and friends who miss someone deeply and want to make sure her name stays connected to hope, healing, and action.

When you join Leslie’s Ride, you’re not just signing up for a motorcycle event. You’re becoming part of a two-in-one experience that honors a beautiful legacy and celebrates a beautiful life. You’re helping us create a day that starts with remembrance and rolls right into joy, music, food, and community.

So if you’ve been looking for a benefit motorcycle ride that means something more, I hope you’ll choose us. I promise you beautiful roads, a warm welcome, and a celebration you won’t forget.

Ready to join the ride?

We can’t wait to see you on the road and at the show. Thank you for helping us turn personal loss into community impact. Let’s make this year’s ride and celebration the best one yet.

Ride safe, and we’ll see you at the starting line!

Bikers at a scenic mountain overlook at sunset, reflecting on the legacy of the Leslie's Ride event.
 
 
 

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