California Motorcycle Charity Rides
Where California riders show up for something bigger than themselves
Motorcyclists get a lot of things thrown at them. Some fair, some not. But one thing that has always been true in California is this: when there’s a real need, riders show up.
From Southern California canyon runs to North Bay backroads and alpine routes near Tahoe, charity rides have become one of the most consistent ways the motorcycle community gives back. These aren’t flash-in-the-pan events. They’re rides that come back year after year because the causes matter, the organizations are legitimate, and the riding is worth doing even without the fundraiser attached.
This page isn’t about chasing every new poker run that pops up on social media. It’s about reliable, well-documented charity rides with clear missions and real track records. Dates, staging locations, and exact routes will always change. The purpose and structure of these rides usually don’t.
If you want to ride for a cause in California and avoid the noise, this is a solid place to start.
Love Ride (Southern California)
What it is
Love Ride is one of the longest-running and best-known motorcycle charity events in California. It has been around for decades and is built as a true “big day” event: a mass ride, fundraising, vendors, and a destination gathering that feels more like a festival than a simple ride from point A to point B.
The beneficiaries have evolved over time, but the core idea has stayed the same. Bring riders together at scale and use that energy to raise meaningful money for reputable causes.
Why riders keep coming back
Love Ride works because it doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. It’s big, it’s loud, it’s social, and it’s unapologetically about community. Riders who want a high-energy atmosphere, music, and a sense that they’re part of something larger tend to put this one on their calendar.
What to expect
Large turnout and a strong group-ride presence
Fundraising beyond the basic registration fee
A destination event where non-riders can participate too
Official site
Love Ride Foundation: https://loveride.org/
SoCal Burn Ride (Los Angeles area and Malibu canyons)
What it is
SoCal Burn Ride supports burn survivors through the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. The ride is built around Southern California’s most recognizable roads, paired with a social finish that includes vendors, raffles, and community gathering.
One thing that consistently sets this ride apart is how intentional it is about accessibility. The event has historically offered route options so riders with different experience levels can participate comfortably.
Why it lasts
Burn survivor support isn’t abstract. It’s tangible, immediate, and easy to understand. Pair that mission with great roads and solid organization, and riders keep showing up.
What to expect
Clearly communicated ride routes and expectations
Strong emphasis on education, prevention, and survivor services
A welcoming atmosphere for newer riders and seasoned veterans alike
Official site
SoCal Burn Ride: https://www.socalburnride.com/
Routes page: https://www.socalburnride.com/routes
Rides4ALZ (San Diego County)
What it is
Rides4ALZ is organized by Alzheimer’s San Diego and focuses on funding local dementia services, caregiver support, and education. A key feature of this ride is transparency: funds raised stay in San Diego County.
The event usually includes a scenic ride followed by a relaxed after-party with food, music, and raffle items.
Why it resonates
Almost everyone knows someone affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia. Riders don’t have to stretch to understand why this ride matters. Keeping the impact local makes participation feel personal rather than symbolic.
What to expect
A clearly structured ride and finish
Community-focused fundraising
A mix of riders, families, and supporters
Official site
Alzheimer’s San Diego – Rides4ALZ: https://www.alzsd.org/events/rides4alz/
HOPE Motorcycle Rally (Lake Tahoe region and Central California)
What it is
The HOPE Motorcycle Rally raises funds for ovarian and prostate cancer causes, supporting organizations like FORCE and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Rather than centering everything on a single long ride, HOPE often leans into rally-style fundraising, sponsorships, and high-value raffles.
Lake Tahoe and surrounding regions provide the backdrop, which doesn’t hurt.
Why it works
HOPE is focused. The mission is clear, the beneficiaries are credible, and the fundraising model makes it easy to support the cause even if you can’t ride every mile.
What to expect
A rally format with strong sponsor involvement
Fundraising driven by raffles and donations
Scenic riding opportunities tied to a destination experience
Official site
HOPE Motorcycle Rally: https://hopemotorcyclerally.org/
Rip City Riders Charity Rides (Marin and Sonoma Counties)
What they are
Rip City Riders is both a motorcycle club and a registered nonprofit. Instead of hinging everything on one massive annual ride, they host multiple charity events throughout the year. These include seasonal rides, themed runs, and community fundraisers.
This approach makes participation flexible. You don’t have to build your entire riding season around a single date.
Why they’ve stayed relevant
Consistency. Riders in the North Bay know there will be multiple chances each year to ride for a cause without pressure. The funds raised stay local, which strengthens community trust.
What to expect
Smaller-scale, well-organized rides
A strong local focus
A welcoming, grassroots feel
Official site
Rip City Riders: https://ripcityriders.org/
Club overview: https://ripcityriders.org/rcr/
Leslie’s Ride (Sacramento and Roseville area)
What it is
Leslie’s Ride combines a scenic Northern California ride with a family-friendly festival atmosphere. The event honors the memory of Leslie Craig-Goings and raises funds for WEAVE, a Sacramento-area organization that supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
This is one of those rides where the finish matters just as much as the miles.
Why it lasts
The connection between the ride and the beneficiary is personal and local. The festival component allows people who don’t ride to participate meaningfully, which broadens support and keeps the event strong.
What to expect
A defined ride paired with a public celebration
Tiered registration options and raffle fundraising
Direct connection to survivor support services
Official site
Leslie’s Ride: https://www.lesliesride.org/
How to choose the right charity ride for you
You don’t need to overthink this.
Start with the cause.
If the mission doesn’t resonate, you probably won’t show up when life gets busy. Burn survivor support, dementia care, cancer research, domestic violence services, and local community aid all hit different people differently.
Be honest about your riding comfort.
Some rides attract thousands of bikes. Others feel like a club outing. Neither is better, but they are different experiences.
Pick something close enough that it doesn’t become a chore.
California is big. A charity ride should feel like a good day on the bike, not a logistics puzzle.
Practical tips that apply to almost every charity ride
Bookmark the official site and check it before the ride. Routes and staging areas can change for permits or weather.
Register early if you want extras. Shirts, patches, and raffle entries are often tied to early registration.
Ride your own pace. These events draw mixed experience levels. A good charity ride values safety over speed.
Stick around after the ride. Raffles and vendor support are often where a lot of the fundraising happens.
You can support without riding. Many events accept direct donations or raffle participation even if you can’t attend.
Why charity rides matter in California
They keep motorcycling visible in a positive way.
They fund real services that riders and their families actually use.
They create space for riders of all backgrounds to connect without ego or nonsense.
And maybe most importantly, they remind people that motorcyclists are neighbors, parents, veterans, caregivers, and volunteers, not caricatures.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to ride every charity event. Pick one or two that fit your values and your schedule, show up consistently, and support them well. That’s how these rides survive. Not through hype, but through riders who come back.
Bookmark the official pages, check details a few weeks out, and go ride for something that matters.
Did we miss your charity ride? Let us know and we’ll add it! Email us at contact@californiasmotorcyclelawfirm.com.