Quail benefit ride raises $26K for kids’ cancer foundation

The Fifth Invitational Why We Ride to the Quail benefit trek ended its annual run on Sunday, May 4 after earning an unprecedented $26,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The three-day ride boasted a record 70 motorcycles and 100 riders who rode over 400 miles together, stopping traffic and attracting stares along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Over 10 motorcycle manufacturers were represented by the group who started in historic Moorpark, CA, rode through Pismo Beach, Big Sur and culminated in Carmel-on-the-Sea. The ride ended with a check presentation to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at the famous Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Monterey. 

“This year, we set our most aggressive fundraising goal to date,” said Bryan Carroll, producer / director of the Why We Ride films and co-organizer of the event. “The generosity of our riders, sponsors and the motorcycle-riding community at large was astounding. We exceeded our fundraising goal by 150%, and all dollars raised go directly to fight childhood cancer. Over 40 sponsors, 21 volunteers, and 100 riders from 12 states and three countries united to support this incredible cause.”

Why We Ride began as a movie about passion for motorcycling but very quickly evolved into something even more impactful: One of the biggest social motorcycle movements in over 40 years, attracting nearly 1 million organic social media followers. The Why We Ride team knew that the dedication and generosity of the motorcycle community was an incredible resource, and they set out to harness it with a simple mission statement: Inspire, educate and celebrate. When Why We Ride film crew member Joseph Northrup passed away from a brain tumor he had been battling since childhood, it provided a clear focus. Thus began the partnership with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Brain tumors are the deadliest form of cancer facing children today. Only four percent of federal research funding is dedicated to childhood cancers, and only a fraction of that goes specifically toward pediatric brain tumors. There are more than 100 different types of pediatric brain tumors in need of a cure, and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation aims to remedy every one of them. Why We Ride to The Quail seeks to help them in that goal.

This was the fifth running of Why We Ride to the Quail, and the event has grown each year. Starting with only 18 riders in its first year, the ride features some of the most exhilarating riding terrain California has to offer and culminates at the beaches of Monterey in time for The Quail Motorcycle Gathering. Participants in the charity ride enjoy a bevy of perks in addition to the awesome ride, including cocktails and vittles at the WWR Riders Dinner, gift bags and inspirational special guest speakers. This year was dedicated to celebrating couples who ride and had a panel of inspiring couples tell their stories. It also includes VIP access to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering with private lounge and reserved parking.

You can still donate through the end of May on the dedicated fundraising page. The Why We Ride to the Quail event planning is underway for 2020; rider invitations will be issued in the second half of 2019. Follow Why We Ride on Facebook and Instagram for more details and for Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation donation information.