We had the good fortune of connecting with The DGR Los Angeles Host Team and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi DGR Los Angeles Co-Hosts, what do you attribute your success to?
The success of the Los Angeles Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) comes from the passion of hundreds of riders who collectively raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for men’s health, supported by the leadership of our City Host Team, a dedicated network of volunteers, and generous sponsors. The LA DGR is a true reflection of the enthusiasm, compassion, and generosity of the Los Angeles motorcycle community.
While the ride itself happens on a single day, it represents a year-long effort by the Host Team from securing venues and sponsors, coordinating permits and logistics, and planning a 600+ motorcycle parade through the streets of Los Angeles. The result is a one-of-a-kind experience that raises awareness for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate cancer research.
In 2025, the LA DGR celebrated its most successful year yet, raising more than $200,000 and becoming the top fundraising city in the world, surpassing the next closest city by over $30,000. With more than 1,000 rides taking place across 100+ countries on the same day, Los Angeles consistently ranks among the top five fundraising cities globally and is home to one of the largest DGR events by participation.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Dedication and Adaptability.
The LA DGR is one of the most influential of the over 1,000 rides conducted globally for several reasons. It always highlights iconic communities and prominent landmarks in Los Angeles and changes each year to bring a new experience to riders who have participated for over a decade. Making the ride “new” each year is no small feat.
Over the last twelve years, the LA DGR Host Team has evolved, with members moving on (relocating, retiring or prioritizing other aspects of life) and new members providing an infusion of new ideas, talents and enthusiasm. We are a resilient, passionate team that understands the realities of volunteer work and embraces change as part of the process. Today, our core team is not only seasoned in running one of the biggest charity rides in the world, but also intentional about welcoming new, motivated members who want to step in and make an immediate impact.
The LA ride itself has also evolved from a 1,000-motorcycle street takeover to a more-orderly procession with motor escorts to keep participants safe and together. In other words, we have grown up but maintained our sense of fun. Being in the entertainment capital has its perks, too. We have an amazing cadre of volunteer photographers and creatives that “capture” the ride experience so we can share it participants’ donors, our sponsors and the world at large on our social media.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles on their motorcycle, I’d plan a week-long trip packed with scenic rides, iconic landmarks, and biker-friendly hangouts.
We’d kick things off with coffee at Thunder Road Cafe on Santa Monica Boulevard also known as historic Route 66. It’s the perfect launch point since it shares a wall with Thunder Road Motorcycles, a well-known local shop. The café is a familiar hub for riders and often hosts community group rides with clubs like Beachside Moto Club (BMC).
From there, we could head east along Mulholland Highway, carving through mountain twisties with sweeping views of Los Angeles and the Valley. Stops along the way might include Hollywood staples like Griffith Park, the LA Zoo, or even Universal Studios.
Another day, we’d point the bikes west. Starting again on Route 66, we’d cut over to Sunset Boulevard, and then hit the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Few rides capture the spirit of California motorcycling like leaning into Malibu’s canyon curves with the Pacific Ocean rolling out beside you.
The canyons are full of classic stops. The Rock Store and The Old Place are legendary among riders, always buzzing with motorcycles on weekends. For something more modern, we’d head to the Bike Shed in Downtown LA’s Arts District, a cultural hub that blends restaurant, bar, retail, and community space all under one roof.
If we wanted to stretch the adventure, we’d ride east to Angeles Crest Highway (ACH) or Glendora Mountain Road (GMR); two of the most beloved routes in Southern California. Both deliver everything from tight switchbacks to long, flowing sweepers, leading to epic endpoints like the Mount Wilson Observatory or the iconic rider hangout, Newcomb’s Ranch.
Across these rides and stops, my friend would experience the full spectrum of LA motorcycling including coastal roads, canyon twisties, mountain passes, and the thriving community that ties it all together.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A special shoutout goes to our City Host Team, nine dedicated volunteers who, like the LA motorcycle community itself, come from diverse backgrounds but are united by the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’s charitable mission:
Anthony Brower – professor and architect at a global sustainability-focused firm
Don Leonhardt – real estate and trial attorney
Steve Mummolo – product strategist at one of the world’s largest tech companies
Dakota Clark – IT specialist by day, rock drummer by night
Rikki Rockett – musician
Franco Factory – mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry
Carrie-Lynn Neales – actress, writer, and proud Canadian
Luke Barr – television personality, producer, marketing executive, and mixologist
Shahin Alvandi – motorcycle industry entrepreneur and podcast host
Though they lead very different professional lives, each team member contributes countless hours to making DGR LA possible from managing volunteers, recruiting sponsors, securing city permits, and ensuring every detail runs seamlessly. Their dedication is what keeps hundreds of riders returning each year, donating their time, energy, and resources to the cause.
Thanks to this team’s work, DGR LA delivers one of the event’s most iconic moments: a 600+ motorcycle parade escorted by 15+ police motors, raising visibility for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate cancer research through Movember.
Website: https://linktr.ee/dgrla?ltsid=781fa25c-b0b8-4c03-81b9-f4561a28415f
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/distinguishedriderslosangeles/#
Image Credits
Dakota Clark
Gideon Perez
Miguel Perales
Michael Grecco
Chris Bywater
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
