Diabetes Benefit a Memorial to Biker Columnist: May Rip R.I.P.

Irvine Regional Park near Orange will rumble with the roar of several thousand engines Sunday when motorcyclists from across the Southland gather to remember a fallen comrade and raise money for diabetes research.

Nearly 5,000 riders are expected to take part in the third annual Rip’s BAD Ride, the fund-raiser for Bikers Against Diabetes which this year is in memory of the late Eazyriders magazine columnist and photojournalist Rip Rose, who succumbed to diabetes on Feb. 18.

Event spokeswoman Marla Dennis said Rose’s death shocked the motorcycle community and is the reason for the boom in participation this year. The event drew 2,500 bikers last year.

“There’s a lot of support because of Rip passing away,” she said. “There’s a tremendous compassion for him and what he stood for. As a result, more people have joined from the biker community.”

Riders will travel from as far away as Ventura and Oceanside to gather at the park at 11 a.m. Festivities will include food, exhibits and music from ‘70s rocker Elvin Bishop.

“We get a whole variety of people,” said Marcy Woodhull, American Diabetes Assn. communications director. “Obviously it’s geared toward the biker, but there are people who come down just to enjoy the day and the music.”

Through pledges and donations, the ADA expects to raise around $200,000 to combat the chronic, life-threatening disease, Woodhull said.

For more information, contact the American Diabetes Assn. at (323) 966-2890, Ext. 314, or go to the Web site at https://www.ripsbadride.com.

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Eric C Sanitate can be reached at (949) 764-4309.