Moorpark, Calif., May 11—The “Why We Ride” film, released in 2013, has become the #1 motorcycle movie in America because it is a story about who we are. It tells the stories of individuals with a desire to dream, discover and explore. The movie hit an emotional nerve with riders, and it has spawned an entire social movement within the industry. Director and Producer Bryan H. Carroll and Producer James Walker have been both gratified and inspired by the devotional response to their movie, and they decided they needed to harness the passion of their fans and use it to do something positive. The Why We Ride MOTOvational Events came out of this revelation and intention.

The 3rd Invitational Why We Ride to the Quail benefitting The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation just became the largest annual charity event Why We Ride organizes, and it took place this year on May 4, 5 and 6. Why We Ride was also thrilled to welcome the wonderful organization Veterans Charity Ride as a partner for the event. The AMA sanctioned ride began in Moorpark, headed to picturesque Pismo Beach, California, moved up into the wooded hillsides and gorgeous valleys of Paso Robles wine country, followed the Carmel River along the most seductive canyon road in California, and arrived at the beaches of Monterey in time for The Quail Motorcycle Gathering.

“Three years ago we thought we would attract only ‘motorcycle people’ on the ride,” says Bryan Carroll, producer and organizer of the event. “We quickly realized that, like the movie, our audience was really people who ride motorcycles, which is a very different thing, and has made a huge difference. Thinking of it in those more-inclusive terms expanded our sponsor base and appeal, and that’s how we doubled our participation numbers and tripled our contribution to The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation this year.  I’m very proud of our team for not only seeing the greater potential for good, but realizing it. We are dedicated to pushing harder every year.”

 

The upshot is that riders of all stripes, some traveling from as far as India and Mexico City, but all with a common love of motorcycle riding came together and took part. Of course, everyone loves a good cause, but the diversity of sponsors and participants really illustrated how the Hollywood and motorcycling communities united to benefit those in need, namely children with serious medical issues.

Harley-Davidson was gracious enough to lend ride captains and organizers new touring models for the trek, and over 71 riders participated, which doubled the numbers from last year. A combination of top motorcycle and riding accessories manufacturers joined with the biggest and best equipment makers and creative service providers in Hollywood, and the unique nature of the 3-day ride allowed riders to demo products like NUVIZ and Indian Motorcycles along the way

“One of the reasons we have multiple OEMs sponsoring us is because this is about why we ride not what we ride,” says Carroll. “I wanted to bring my two passions to this ride, which is making movies and anything with an engine in it, and this year’s sponsors captured that.”

Participants in the charity ride enjoyed a bevy of perks (in addition to the awesome ride), including watching whales at the Pismo Beach Barbecue, a catered lunch at the historic 1773 San Antonio Mission, cocktails and a 5 star meal at the WWR Riders Banquet Dinner, gift bags, special inspirational guest speakers, VIP access to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, including a private ride to the event, exclusive parking and private lounge access. There was also a raffle with over $6000 of swag and gifts donated from the sponsors and guests. Keith Hernandez was this year’s winner of The Steve Moore Spirit of the Ride Award and got a custom leather jacket made by D73 and Serge Bueno.

The 3rd Invitational Why We Ride to The Quail benefitting The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of its sponsors—these included: Company 3, Refuse Specialists, Nuviz, Indian Motorcycle, Motorcycle Mover LA,  Newbox Solutions, Kawasaki Motorcycles, Macro Space, Aerial Vuz, Gnarlynow Entertainment, Lightning Entertainment, Harley-Davidson, Klock Werks, D73, 805bling, Doffo Winery, LA Motorcyclist, FastHouse, Formosa Group, Fotokem, Lucky Fools, Harvest Construction, Egrafz, EPS-Cineworks, Carol Hicks Hand Lettering and the Bill Bavelas and Tim Mitchel Family.

About Why We Ride Films: Why We Ride Films is the production team behind Why We Ride, a feature length documentary film. Since its December 2013 release, it has quickly become the most critically acclaimed motorcycle movie of all time. Independently distributed by producer/director Bryan H. Carroll and producer James Walker—recipients of American Motorcyclist Magazine’s 2014 Motorcyclists of the Year award—Why We Ride’s aim is to use the power of cinema not only to entertain but also educate, inspire and celebrate the world of motorcycling with audiences worldwide. To learn more about Why We Ride, visit WhyWeRide.com.

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