It’s the Season of Giving
Around Thanksgiving, we remember all the things we’re grateful for in our lives. First of all, we at RoadRUNNER want to thank you, our dedicated readers, for supporting us and making what we do possible.
We’re also incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be motorcyclists. Let’s face it, motorcycling is a privilege that we shouldn’t ignore—and fortunately, most riders don’t.
This season of giving is a perfect opportunity for us to give back to the community in ways that also support the motorcycling scene and industry. There are many motorcycle-oriented charities and non-profit organizations to which we can donate money and/or time.
Let’s all remember how blessed we are to be able to ride like we do and give back to those less fortunate. If you’re not quite sure where to make your donation, here are a few ideas.
For even more inspiration, check out our Do Good category.
Ride for Kids
Ride for Kids is America’s longest-running motorcycle charity event. Since 1991, it has organized several motorcycle rides a year to raise funds in support of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation to help children fighting brain tumors.
The best way you can support Ride for Kids is to hop in the saddle and point your front wheel toward the nearest event. For event dates and more information, visit the Ride for Kids website.
Motorcycle Relief Project
The Motorcycle Relief Project (MRP) harnesses the healing power of motorcycling to provide aid to veterans and first responders with PTSD. They organize five-day adventure tours in three different categories—Veteran, First Responder, and Women’s Rides—to connect troubled heroes with their like-minded motorcycling peers.
The MRP doesn’t charge participation fees, all thanks to their generous donations and sponsors. You, too, can help by making a donation at the MRP website.
BikerDown
Dealing with the consequences of a motorcycle accident can be a difficult journey. BikerDown helps injured motorcyclists and their families in various ways, either directly or by connecting them to professionals who are in a position to give aid.
BikerDown can provide riders with emotional support, financial assistance and planning, medical equipment, legal assistance, and more. To donate to the BikerDown Accident Fund or volunteer to help, visit the BikerDown website.
Road 2 Recovery
Motocross racing is thrilling but admittedly risky, with plenty of opportunities for hurting yourself. Road 2 Recovery is a non-profit organization that supports severely injured motocross, supercross, and other action sport athletes.
The foundation can provide financial assistance, negotiate with hospitals and insurance providers, offer emotional and spiritual support to racers and their families. More information on donations—and on participating in R2R’s charitable sweepstakes—is available on the R2R website.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
A true gentleman is a well-dressed, impeccably mannered, and charitable individual. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride invites dapper gents and ladies to hop on a classic motorcycle for a good cause.
The dashing, gentlemanly riders raise money to support education and research of men’s health issues, including prostate cancer and mental problems. Learn more about participating in the ride and making a donation at the event’s distinguished website.
Motorcycle Santa
The bells jingle and the engine roars as Motorcycle Santa rolls in, dragging a presents-laden sleigh behind his street barge. This grassroots non-profit organization, based in Wilmington, DE, brings Yuletide cheer to those in need in an unconventional but certainly attention-grabbing manner.
In addition to toys, Motorcycle Santa’s sleigh contains much-needed everyday supplies. To help keep the lights on in the biker elves’ workshop, you can make a donation at the Motorcycle Santa website.
Two Wheels For Life
Africa’s trails make for unforgettable adventure rides, but they also make delivering life-saving supplies to remote communities a daunting challenge. Motorcycles are ideal vehicles for traversing the continent’s oft-difficult terrain—and that’s just for Two Wheels for Life Does.
This motorcycle charity helps deliver medicine, medical supplies, and professional doctors to Africa’s hard-to-reach areas. Find out more about their efforts and make a donation at the Two Wheels for Life website.
Motorrad Angels
Instead of a heavenly choir, the arrival of these angels is accompanied by the rumble of an ADV bike engine. Motorrad Angels is an adventure rider organization whose members help deliver water, medicine, and other vital supplies to vulnerable, cut-off communities in 29 countries on six continents.
In addition, with their superior access to challenging areas, Motorrad Angels does reconnaissance work for other charitable organizations, helping them identify underserved community needs. To donate—or even become a motorcycling angel yourself—visit the Motorrad Angels website.