Milwaukee’s First Motorcycle Pride Ride Open to All Moto Enthusiasts

The city of Milwaukee will be holding their first ever Pride ride, ‘Ride with Pride!’ next month during Pride weekend.

The reason for this is because PrideFest - a dynamic gay pride event taking place annually - wanted a big new event that could shake the city, and according to one of the organizers, Cormac Kehoe, motorcycle rides do just that.

(Image taken from Ride with Pride! Event Facebook page)

“Motorcycles feel like freedom, strength and independence, which are the values that PrideFest shares,” said Kehoe in an interview with their local news team.

(Image taken from On Milwaukee News)

Kehoe also apparently has a history of organizing group motorcycle rides, including one where he led “a horde of bearded chopper thugs who were dressed as nuns”, but I digress.

But given his history and experience in organizing group rides, interested participants can be assured of a good time.

All bikes, motorcycle groups and riders are welcome to join the event, which starts at 10 am at The Harley-Davidson Museum. The official ride begins at 11 am where they will pass through Lakefront, stop at the Estabrook Park Biergarten before arriving at the PrideFest Grounds.

“Ride with Pride!” is also a free event and every rider will receive a complimentary ticket to PrideFest.

“So it’s not just free. We’re paying you to ride, I guess,” said Kehoe.

Riders also do not have to pre-register or sign up, although it is recommend that they state their attendance of the event on the Facebook page so that the organizers can estimate the total number of PrideFest tickets needed.

Additionally, the ride will last for approximately 2 hours and there will also be “random and unexpected stops along the way, so prepare to go places you’ve never gone before!”

Sounds exciting.

What’s even more exciting, though, is the dress code, or the lack thereof. Capes, pride flags and ridiculous outfits can be worn, although you can also choose to go in your usual riding gear. It’s all up to your style, after all.

(Image taken from On Milwaukee News)

Since this will be the first Pride Ride ever, event organizers are also planning to make it magnificent and memorable, and all moto enthusiasts are invited.

After all, PrideFest has always aimed to be inclusive of everyone, especially the LGBT community.

“We want EVERYONE to come join the ride. Wear your regular riding gear. Please don’t think ‘I don’t have a rainbow flag on my jacket, I shouldn’t crash this party.’ Really, just come to the ride,” said Kehoe. “Oh and go to PrideFest, that’s the REAL party.”

In any case, it is always heartwarming to see group motorcycle rides being held in support of such causes.