Santa Ana, CA Rip’s B.A.D. Ride (Bikers Against Diabetes) is a nation-wide motorcycle charity event presented by the American Diabetes Association. The event began 15 years ago in Southern California when Rip Rose, a journalist for Easyriders magazine, approached the American Diabetes Association with a proposal to bring bikers together in an organized event to fight diabetes.

The Ride has grown from a few hundred bikers raising a few thousand dollars to one of Southern California’s most successful motorcycle charity events, drawing thousands of riders and raising over $3,500,000 since its inception. The Ride is attended each year by celebrity riders such as Larry Hagman, Cast members of Sons of Anarchy and has the support of Willie G. and Karen Davidson of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.

Rip’s dream was to take the Ride to a national level event and, in his words, “keep doing this until we don’t have to do it anymore.” There are currently BAD Rides in several markets across the nation.

Rip passed away in 2000. His legacy lives on each year as Rip’s B.A.D. Ride unites the biker community nationwide to continue the fight to cure diabetes and improve the lives of those affected by diabetes.

15 Years Later

To commemorate 15 years, we have made some incredible changes and additions to the event. Our new date of July 1st will allow an Americana Patriotic theme. This event starts with an All wheel friendly escorted ride which departs from 8 carefully selected motorcycle dealerships and restaurants. Since it is escorted, it looks like a parade on the roads and entering the venue.

This year’s ride will culminate onto the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, CA. formally the El Toro Marine Air Base. Look for the Orange Hot Air Balloon Ride which rises to 40 feet in the air and is visible from the 5 Freeway.

Other entertainment includes: a Live Concert, Custom Bike Show, Gourmet Food Trucks by Food Smackdown (www.FoodSmackdown.com), Comedian, Vendor Village. Auction and an A.D.A Health Pavilion offering screenings and educating bikers on Diabetes.

Military Color Guard will be presenting the colors and any active military rider will get in free with ID. Their antique World War II Air Hanger will be used for our VIP Lounge – VIP’s raise $500 or more for A.D.A.

For more information visit www.RipsBadRide.com