This is a big deal. If you own a motorcycle that has current registration, you are now able to donate (someone else’s) money to one of several organizations just by riding. Last year over 29,000 riders signed up for for the Harley-Davidson Let’s Ride Challenge and logged over 84-million miles. This hit Harley-Davidson’s goal and unlocked a million dollar donation. 2025 was only open to Harley’s and they managed 84-million, so they opened the 2026 Challenge to all brands and set the goal at 100-million miles.
I’m not going to break down the details because there is already a website for that. But the important information is simple. You need a motorcycle with a VIN and registration. You go to the nearest participating dealer and get your odometer certified. Then check in periodically to get a new reading verified.
Miles ridden and verified earn points. Each new location you visit also earns “engagement” points, and many locations have “secret words” you can pick up for even more points. The event happens now through October 31, and there are different prizes at different tiers, meaning it isn’t a “most mile wins” thing. If you aren’t banking 5,000-miles/month or you signed up late, you can still win prizes in different brackets of total miles.
Now personally, I just want to earn donation money for my favorite charity, but the chance to win a new motorcycle doesn’t hurt my feelings any. Speaking of charities, when you sign up, please consider picking Motorcycle Missions as the organization you are supporting. The more miles that go to them, them, the more money will go to them. Pretty simple.
You ride you motorcycle, it triggers donations to a good cause, and you have a chance to win a new motorcycle or a number of other prizes: so seriously, what are you waiting for. Sign up now and locate the closest place to have your first check in. It doesn’t even cost anything. Hell, you don’t even have to download an app to your phone (you do need a phone though, because you have to scan a QR code to register). It’s a no-brainer. Even though we don’t need one, we all like to find an excuse to ride. It’s why I’ve been to the world’s largest frying pan and why I rode 5,000 miles to get a lobster roll.
Now you don’t even need a destination. Literally, the destination IS the road. If you want the legalease of it check out their rules page. Otherwise, sign up and get your face out in the wind.
Also, if you want to keep up with happenings around here — where I’ll be going to earn these miles and what I’ll be looking for, or maybe some seep dives into human nature — consider signing up for my weekly digest. It just makes a list of any new posts here on the website and sends them in one convenient email. Easy opt-in, easy opt-out. Also, it only goes out if there’s something new, and my posting schedule is erratic in winter and spring. It opens in a new tab when you click on the form.
Johnny Killmore 