Motorcycling in the USA
‘Riders is such a great idea because it takes something we all love and are passionate about – motorcycles – and uses them to do something really amazing. It’s the same tool that I used to get to where I’m at today that’s helping to save people’s lives.’ Randy Mamola, Riders’ co-founder
Riders for Health was founded in the world of motorcycle racing by American grand prix star Randy Mamola and co-founders Andrea and Barry Coleman. It is now the official charity of both MotoGP and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), and receives support from bikers around the world. Thanks to the generosity of the motorcycling community, motorcycles really are helping to save lives in Africa – delivering vital health care to millions of people who would otherwise remain isolated and vulnerable to disease.
Following the success of fundraising events at MotoGP races in Europe – particularly the famous Day of Champions at Donington Park in the UK – we are now working to set up similar events across the US, beginning with the first ever ‘Riders for Health Day’ which took place at the USGP at Laguna Seca in July 2007.
Riders for Health Day
In 2007 at the USGP at Laguna Seca, Riders held the first ever Riders for Health Day. The event raised $35,000. Participants received and exclusive a tour of the paddock and pit-boxes, lunch with GP legend and Riders co-founder Randy Mamola, as well as a motorcycle tour of 80 miles of beautiful California mountain roads. Our US supporters were also able to experience the excitement of a Riders for Health auction, and meet some of the stars of MotoGP. The event was a huge success raising $35,000 and Riders plans to carry out more events like this in the future.
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Can I ride with Randy on the two-seat bike at Laguna Seca? Unfortunately, the only two-seat rides for sale or auction to the general public take place at Donington Park at the British round of the MotoGP season. This is because the motorcycle is sponsored by Marlboro and has Marlboro logos on it for the entire year, except when they remove the logos for Donington as a special gift to Riders. On the rare occasions that there is a World Ducati Week they also offer the rides. The rest of the time they are reserved for VIP guests of the teams and organisers. This may change in the future but at the moment we are unable to offer this opportunity to our US supporters.
Getting on the road to save lives in Africa.
Even if you’re not a racing fan, there are lots of ways for bikers to support the work of Riders for Health and have fun at the same time.
One of Riders supporters, Greg O'Loughhlin, planned his own ride from his home in Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi along the Natchez Trace. The 1100-mile journey took Greg and his team four days. As well as raising money for Riders Greg took Riders stickers on his bike and posters to put up to spread knowledge of Riders work.
Greg used the online fundraising site Firstgiving.com to collect sponsorship for his ride. To find out more about organizing your own fundraiser for Riders for Health, click here.