Both Shilo and Jamie attended a ride with The Motorcycle Relief Ride in 2024.
How to apply: If you go to the MRP webpage (link below) and then click on Relief Rides, you will be directed to an application for veterans or an application for first responders. There are two applications because there are separate rides for each group. Shilo and Jamie attended one of the veteran rides. After you complete the application you will receive a call from MRP and they will talk to you about your time in the military or first responder, riding experience, and how the program works. This is a long call and they really do a great job ensuring they get the right people together for each ride. In this process you will submit dates you are available to attend a ride. These rides are five days long so you have to dedicate at least a week to the program. Once there is a slot on dates you are available, they will offer you a spot and give directions on travel, accommodations, gear, food, etc… One note, you must possess a valid motorcycle license and have some experience in riding. This program does involve riding a motorcycle in a group both on and offroad. During the interview process they will ensure you have enough riding experience to safely complete the week.
Travel: MRP rides are either held in Colorado or Arizona. This offers good climate and great scenery year round. You can either fly to the closest airport or you can ride your own bike. Either way, this cost is on the individual. Shilo and Jamie both chose to fly but there were a couple of guys in our group that rode their bikes.
Costs: Attendees have to pay for their travel to either Colorado or Arizona. There is also a $100 deposit required once you accept a spot on a ride. This money is refunded when when you get to the location. You will likely stop sometime during the week at a location that has souvenirs for the area you are in. What you purchase is up to each person.
What to bring: Helmet, gloves, boots, pants, and jacket are required for all riding. You can bring your own riding gear if you prefer or MRP has high quality gear you can use. They will collect your sizes and have it ready for you when you arrive. Other then that, all you need to bring is some clothing for after the rides and personal hygiene items. A few people brought action cameras (GoPro) to video their rides. You don’t need much as the days are full and MRP provides almost everything. I do suggest some ear plugs as you will be sharing a room and there is a lot of snoring.
The week: Our ride was at the Arizona location so there may be some differences if you go to Colorado. You will arrive on a Sunday afternoon. MRP will ask for your flight info and ensure everyone is set to be there on time. Once you arrive at the airport, MRP will be waiting with their truck to give you a ride to the house. The house in Arizona is really nice with plenty of rooms, great views and it is really quiet. The first night there they cook a huge meal and everyone gets to know each other. Of course there are a lot of forms to fill out, gear to be issued, and a tradition of decorating your water bottle for the week. A couple rules for the week; no politics are to be discussed, no TV and no alcohol. This week is meant to be as stress free as possible. The volunteers/instructors are awesome. They are not paid to support these rides and they do everything possible to make everyone comfortable.
Monday-Friday: a huge breakfast is served each morning. Shilo has the curse of having Celiac Disease and they did their best to have some gluten free options. After breakfast you make a bag lunch and store it in one of their coolers. They transport food and water on the recovery truck so you don’t have to carry anything on your motorcycle. Then you go out and inspect your motorcycle. You will be assigned a bike for the week and it is each persons responsibility to do a morning inspection to ensure it is safe and ready. Then you ride! The rides for each day are different. Sometimes you receive some great riding instruction with lots of drills. Some rides are all on road and some have a lot of offroad. One thing is certain, you will go to some really cool places and spend some peaceful time with good people. If you are worried about the offroad riding, don’t be. Its not that hard, everyone helps each other, and if you drop your bike, its okay. Once you return to the lodge for the evening you will enjoy another great meal. Each evening you will all gather in a room for some quality lessons on dealing with PTSD. I wont give a lot of details on the stuff they talk about but I will tell you that it really helps. Sometimes the conversations are light and sometimes they are very personal. What is said in these meetings is completely confidential and respect is maintained at all times. If you don’t want to talk, you don’t have to. If you need to get some stuff off your chest, it is welcomed and supported. By Wednesday evening, the riding was nice but Shilo was really looking forward to the evening sessions. The week flies by and Friday arrives sooner then expected. The bikes are parked and the last evening is spent sharing memories, trading numbers and talking about the rides, scenery and ice cream. Saturday the staff takes everyone back to the airport and you go home with a little less stress, some tools to help with life and a group of new friends.
Shilo and Jamie highly recommend this program.
Notes from Shilo: I first signed up for this program because my wife was pressuring me to find some help. When I got picked for a ride I didn’t want to go. I am not much of a talker and was very nervous about sharing my thoughts with anyone, much less some strangers. I almost didn’t get on the plane and if my wife wasn’t threatening divorce, I probably would have not gone. I was very surprised by the evening sessions and quickly felt at home with my group. I cant express enough how much this course helped me. I clearly remember telling the group that I have not been this happy in a very long time. I know this program made me better and I know it will work for others. Take a chance and sign up.
Contact: www.motorelief.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorelief