"Why We Ride" returns to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering

As motorcycle riders, we relish any opportunity to hit the open roads and throttle out into the wind. Sharing the road and the ride with friends and like-minded bikers makes it even better. But, when we can ride for a worthy cause, when our motorcycles are vehicles for genuine change, that can be the most rewarding ride of all. The “Why We Ride to the Quail” is just such a motorcycle ride.

Since its inception, the “Why We Ride to the Quail” has raised over $40,000 to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). Brain tumors are the deadliest form of cancer facing children today. Every day, 13 children and teens are diagnosed with a brain tumor. Only 4% of federal research funding is dedicated to fighting childhood cancers, and only a fraction of that goes specifically toward the war on pediatric brain tumors. There are more than 100 different types of pediatric brain tumors in need of a cure, and the PBTF aims to remedy every one of them. Inspired by “Why We Ride” crew member Joseph Northrup, who passed away from a brain tumor he had been battling since childhood, “Why We Ride to The Quail” seeks to help PBFT achieve that goal.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the 6th Invitational Why We Ride to the Quail is once again set to roll up the California coast to raise money for kids. This year’s ride roars up the coast from May 12-14. From the lemon groves of Ventura, through the rolling valleys of the Paso Robles wine country, up the Pacific Coast Highway to the magnificent Redwoods of Big Sur and ultimately descending upon the beaches of Monterey, home of the internationally known “The Quail Motorcycle Gathering.” After experiencing the breathtaking journey through some of the most beautiful countryside in California, the charity ride closes with a check presentation of funds raised for the PBFT on the main stage at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering.

Riding motorcycles through central coastal California to the celebrated Quail Motorcycle Gathering to support the fight against childhood brain cancer — it simply doesn’t get any better than that.

“Our film, ‘Why We Ride,’ is all about families and the incredible community around the sport of motorcycling,” said Bryan Carroll, producer and director of the award-winning motorcycle documentary, “Why We Ride,” and co-organizer of the benefit ride. He further states, “With such a long pause in events, it feels great to get back on the road to raise funds for PBFT and the amazing families and kids that it serves. After a very successful Sturgis Rally Wrap Party last August, we believe the 6th Invitational Why We Ride to the Quail will see pick right back up where it left off. No community is more giving than motorcyclists. And, now that we are a federally registered MOTOcentric nonprofit (MOTOvational, Inc.), we already have support from returning sponsors and some new ones joining us: BMW, Formosa, Vector97, Bagger Nation, Klockwerks and Road Dirt Motorcycle Media, to name a few.”

The charity ride is limited to 100 riders, but tickets to participate are still available, as are sponsorships. Riders will each have their own fundraising teams set up on social media where family, friends and fans can contribute. One hundred percent of the funds each rider raises will go directly to the PBTF. In recent years, riders from as far away as Germany and India have flown in to participate in the ride.

If you’d like to join us for this year’s Why We Ride to The Quail or to donate or provide sponsorship, visit us here: MOTOvational.org

If you’d like to learn about about The Quail Motorcycle Gathering event, which is hosted by The Peninsula Signature Events and The Quail Lodge & Gold Club, visit: https://www.peninsula.com/en/signature-events/events/motorcycle

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.