Why Leslie’s Ride Will Change the Way You Look at Your Local Benefit Motorcycle Ride

I still remember Leslie as a source of inspiration, not because she was out leading motorcycle runs on her own, but because of the way she showed up for people. She never rode alone, and she only rode once on my bike, but that memory has stayed with me. What defined her even more was her heart. Leslie was the Head Coordinator at W.E.A.V.E., where she worked as a domestic violence and sex-trafficking advocate. She was the kind of person who made people feel safe, seen, and supported, and that kind of impact doesn’t fade.

When we lost her, the silence was deafening. My garage felt like a tomb. I’d sit there, staring at my own bike, and the regret would wash over me in waves. Regret for the conversations we cut short because we were "too busy," and the simple fact that I couldn’t turn back the clock. I know I'm not alone in that feeling. We all have those shadows in our rearview mirrors.

But then, something shifted. I realized I needed to do more than sit with the loss. As her oldest son, I created Leslie’s Ride to honor her and carry her legacy forward. We didn't want to create just another "poker run" where people show up, grab a card, and leave. We wanted to build something that felt like her, something breath-taking, inclusive, and deeply purposeful.

If you’ve been to a dozen charity rides before, you might think you know what to expect. But I’m here to tell you that Leslie’s Ride is going to change everything you thought you knew about a benefit event.

More Than Just Miles: A Shift in Perspective

In the world of motorcycle culture, "charity rides" are everywhere. Most of the time, you pay your twenty bucks, get a patch, follow a lead bike for forty miles, and eat a lukewarm burger at the end. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we felt we owed Leslie, and our community, something more.

We decided to stop focusing on the destination and start focusing on the connection. At Leslie’s Ride, the "benefit" isn't just the check we hand over at the end of the day; it's the healing that happens between kickstands up and kickstands down. We’ve designed this experience to be a source of inspiration for everyone involved.

Whether you’re a veteran rider with 100,000 miles under your belt or someone who just bought their first bike last week, you belong here. You don’t need specialized skills or a vintage show-stopper to join us. You just need a heart that’s open to the road.

Transforming Reflection into Community Impact

The transition from a somber memory into an energetic movement is what fuels us every day. We took that initial spark of grief and used it to light a fire. Today, Leslie’s Ride is a powerhouse of community support. We aren't just riding for the sake of riding; we are riding to change lives.

When we ride together, we create a rolling wave of awareness that a single person simply can't achieve. People stop on the sidewalks. They pull over their cars. They see the patches, the banners, and the sheer number of us, and they ask: Why are they doing this?

That question is our greatest tool. It allows us to share the story of Leslie and the causes we support. You can read more about the specific impact we’re making on our About Us page. We’ve seen firsthand how how your bike can help change lives isn't just a catchy title, it's a reality. We’ve funded local initiatives that provide real, tangible help to those who need it most, turning our collective passion into a lifeline.

The Secret Ingredient: Cody Garbrandt and the Energy of the Pack

One of the things that truly sets us apart this year is the involvement of people who share our "never back down" mentality. Having Cody Garbrandt join the ranks of Leslie’s Ride has brought an entirely new level of intensity and visibility to the cause. Cody knows what it means to fight for what matters, and that spirit is infectious.

When you’re riding in a pack that includes world-class athletes, seasoned road captains, and first-timers alike, the energy is electric. It’s no longer just a hobby; it feels like a mission. It’s about more than the road, it’s about the person riding to your left and your right.

How We Roll: Participation Tiers

We want everyone to feel like they can be a part of this legacy. To keep things organized and ensure everyone gets the experience they’re looking for, we’ve laid out a few ways to join the ride. No matter which tier you choose, know that your presence is the most valuable gift you can give.

• The Cruiser Registration: This is our cornerstone entry. You get full access to the ride, the post-ride festivities, a commemorative shirt, an event bag, and the knowledge that you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.

• The Road King VIP Package: For those who want to go all-in. This tier includes high-visibility perks, exclusive merchandise, and a chance to spend more personal time with our special guests, including Cody Garbrandt. And just like every rider who joins us, you’ll also get a shirt and bag. It’s the ultimate way to show your support.

If you’re curious about which one is right for you, or if you want to see the full list of what’s included, check out our blog for a deeper breakdown.

Building the Future Together: Sponsorships and Partnerships

We know that a movement like this doesn't happen in a vacuum. It takes a village, or in our case, a massive community of local businesses and generous individuals.

We pride ourselves on being collaborative and flexible. If you’re a business owner looking to get involved, we don’t just want your logo on a banner; we want to build a partnership that benefits you as much as it benefits the cause. We offer high-visibility perks and recognition across all our platforms.

We also understand that times can be tough. If you want to sponsor but the upfront cost is a hurdle, let’s talk. We’re happy to offer accommodating options like payment plans because we value your commitment more than a quick transaction. Let’s work together to make this the biggest year yet. You can find more details on our Sponsorships page.

A Welcoming Atmosphere for All

One of my biggest regrets from the early days of my riding career was feeling like I wasn't "biker enough" to join certain events. I don’t ever want anyone to feel that way at Leslie’s Ride.

Won’t you join us?

It doesn't matter if you're riding a moped, a trike, a touring bike, or a sportbike. It doesn't matter if you're wearing brand-new leathers or a faded denim vest. We are a family, and our table (and our road) is always big enough for one more. We’ve removed the barriers and the "cool kids only" vibe that sometimes plagues the motorcycle world. Here, the only requirement is a desire to do good and a love for the wind in your face.

The Lasting Legacy

As we look toward the upcoming event, I can’t help but feel a sense of immense gratitude. What started as a way to process a personal loss has grown into a beacon of hope for our entire region. Every time I see a "Leslie’s Ride" sticker on a helmet or a shirt in the wild, I’m reminded that her spirit is still very much alive and kicking.

We are building a legacy that will outlast all of us. Long after our bikes are tucked away for the winter, the impact of the funds we raise and the community we build will continue to ripple outward.

I invite you to be a part of this journey. Whether you ride with us, sponsor the event, or simply share our story with a friend, you are helping us change the way the world looks at benefit rides. We aren't just a group of bikers; we are a force for good.

If you have any questions or just want to chat about how you can get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to us through our Contact Page. Our team is always ready to welcome a new face.

Thank you for being part of this story. Thank you for helping us honor Leslie. And most importantly, thank you for riding with heart. We’ll see you on the road.

Kickstands up soon!

Visit www.lesliesride.org to register or learn more.