2024 Route will cover

The North West & Central USA

With stops along the way to share resources and awareness that can save first responders’ lives!

Meet the 2024 Riders

  • Jeff Hughes

    Retired Fire Captain with 38 years of firefighting experience in Orange County, CA. The last 5 years of service he created the OC Fire Cancer Awareness and Prevention Program. Jeff also works with FIRESCOPE (Cal Office of Emergency Services) to establish behavioral health resources and teams for incidents that occur throughout the state. Jeff’s passion for firefighter occupational cancer prevention stemmed from the loss of his father (Harry Frazier) who was a 21 year veteran of the Long Beach Fire Department in Long Beach, California.

    Bike being Ridden: 2017 Indian Chief Vintage

  • Chris Brown

    Chris has have worked in the emergency service work since he was 16 years old. After 35 years of service, he retired for the Orange County Fire Authority as a Fire Captain. Service is a part what we as firefighters do and who we are. For Chris this ride is just that, a way to serve: spend time and bond with others, recognize those firefighters who gave all, raise awareness to the occupational hazards of firefighting, and give support to those firefighters that need our help.

    Bike being Ridden: 2019 Harley Davidson Slim

  • Jeff Gilbert (Gilby)

    Christian, Lover of the USA, Beautiful Wife Kerry and two Lovely Daughters (Alexa and Duffy), served as an Ocean Lifeguard for the City of Laguna Beach, CA for 22 years, currently works in the prosthetic leg business for 22 years serving amputees, helping to improve mobility to realize their dreams.

    I am excited to share in this ride to support drawing awareness to cancer in the workplace of first responders.

    Bike being Ridden: Harley Davidson

  • Jason Miraya (The Arrow)

    Jason Miraya is originally from Southern California. At the age of 18, he joined the military, United States Air Force. After much travel both state-side and abroad, he ended up landing in Idaho in 1998. Jason has dedicated much of my life to the service of others. Being a part of the first Ride 4 a Reason was one of the greatest experiences of my life and it is an honor to be a part of this year’s ride.

    Bike being Ridden: 2009 Road King

  • Doug Dodge (Double D)

    Doug Dodge started his fire service career in 1990 with the Orange County Fire Authority and retired as a Fire Captain / Paramedic in 2017, after 27 years of service. Doug say’s “The bond I obtained in the fire service is difficult to explain to people outside the fire service. It’s the same type of bond one get's when riding one's motorcycle with a large group of people. The experience is joyful and unforgettable.” This ride will be full of telling our life stories in hopes of raising awareness for firefighter safety.

    Bike being Ridden: 2011 Ducati Multistrada 1200S

  • Justin Davanzo

    Justin Davanzo has loved riding motorcycles since he was 15 years old. Now, 35 years later, the time he spends on his motorcycle is still one of his greatest passions. Justin has always had many friends in the fire service and is honored to be a part of this amazing ride and cause. Through his years of riding experience and love of the sport, Davanzo will bring joy, skill, and support to an amazing group riding together and adventuring on an amazing journey.

    Bike being Ridden: BMW RT1250

  • Don “Dr D” Dicus

    Don grew up in Spokane Valley Washington. At 34 years of age Don earned his college degree and became a math teacher and coached track and field aa as well. Eventually Don earned his masters and became a high school vice-principal. Don has been riding something on 2 wheels on and off during my life since he was 12 years old. Don currently rides with the Intermountain HOG Chapter and Mixed Machines, two local groups. He also rides with the Patriot Guard Riders to honor our military on their last ride. Don’s father-in-law was a firefighter, and Don's Dad fought against pancreatic cancer for 6 years. Don is looking to support this ride for many years to come.

    Bike being Ridden: 2019 Road King Classic

  • Andy Kovacs

    Fire Chief Andy Kovacs started his emergency services career at 16, working as a lifeguard at some of Southern California’s busiest beaches. In 1990, Andy became a paid-call firefighter with the Orange County Fire Department (OCFD) in Dana Point and retired and a Division Chief for OCFA. Andy moved to Colorado after retirement and was selected as the Fire Chief for Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District. Andy has dedicated nearly 34 years of public safety experience to the residents of Southern California and Colorado.

    Bike being Ridden: BMW motorcycle

  • Jeff Hahn

    In 2019 Jeff finished a 35-year career in the fire and Emergency Medical Service and retired as a Fire Chief. Jeff continues to serve and stay connected to the fire service in his role on Cal-LAST (California Last Alarm Service Team) through the California Fire Foundation, and also as Pipe Major of the Pipes and Drums of the California Professional Firefighters. Assisting families and departments in their time of need is difficult but rewarding work and allows him to give back to the vocation that has given him so much. Jeff is a lifelong motorcycle rider. This ride is a positive intersection of his favorite hobby and another opportunity to give back.

    Bike being Ridden: 2018 Indian Chieftain

  • Andy Vanderstelt

    Andy started his fire service career in 1986 as a Paid Call Firefighter, the Orange County Fire Department. After 31 years in the Fire Service, he retired as a Fire Captain/Paramedic. He has ridden motorcycles most of his life, primarily in the dirt. Andy wants to support the members of the fire service that gave him so much. The AR4AR is an incredible opportunity to jump in feet first and start that mission of taking care of our own.

    Bike being Ridden: 2021 Indian Chieftain Darkhorse

  • Tony Duchi

    Tony has ridden with the group for several years now he is an avid motorcycle rider. Not only has Tony ridden motorcycles most of his life, he has also ridden motorcycles internationally. If nobody has seen Tony for awhile, one can easily rightfully assume he is on a ride.

    Tony is a family man, a retired Navy Seal, and a Retired Fire Captain with the Orange County Fire Authority.

    Bike being Ridden: 2023 SuzukiV- Strom 650

  • Jeff Duran (aka JD)

    Jeff Duran, a retired firefighter of 33 years for Orange County Fire Authority, is honored to participate in his first ride with R4AR. Duran currently resides in Corona, California with his high school sweetheart, Carey. The pair have been married for 35 years and share three children (Molly, Emily, & Bradley) and two grandchildren (Malia & Luke). In addition to riding his Indian Super Chief, Duran enjoys river trips with his family, camping, golfing, and fishing. He believes this event is a crucial fundraiser for firefighters & cancer awareness & is thankful for the opportunity to participate. Hopefully he won’t cramp up.

    Bike being Ridden: 2023 Indian Super Chief

  • Robin Hughes

    Robin, a retired nurse, wife (of 32 years) to retired fire captain Jeff Hughes, mother of four, and grandma to one. She and their son Jeremy drove the support vehicle for the original AR4AR and both will be driving a support vehicle again during this trip. Along with their two English Bulldogs: Harley and Mack.

    The vehicle will hold all excess luggage, tools, occupational firefighter cancer awareness & prevention/behavioral health materials, and other promotional items. They are excited to join the original group and meet the newest riders/supporters!

    Support Vehicle being Ridden: Dodge Ram Diesel 4 x 4 Truck

Past riders

who now ride with us in spirit

To our past riders who now ride with us in spirit, we salute you. Your presence is felt in the wind, your memory etched into the fabric of our journey. Together, we ride on, united in purpose, fueled by your everlasting spirit.

  • Mike Tooley

    In loving memory, honor Mike, a dedicated firefighter who served with unwavering courage since 1997 alongside the Orange County Fire Authority. Tragically, in February 2021, Mike received the devastating diagnosis of job-related cancer affecting his lungs and liver. Despite the relentless battle he and his loved ones waged against this disease, Mike's spirit remained steadfast, his determination unwavering. In his final days, he fervently advocated for awareness of occupational cancer, recognizing the risks faced by fellow firefighters. Let us remember Mike's bravery, his selfless dedication to duty, and his enduring legacy as we continue his fight for greater awareness and protection for all firefighters.

    Bike Ridden: 2018 BWW K1600 Grand America

  • Craig Kaplin

    Craig had been motorcycle riding for many years, finding solace in the freedom and connection to the outdoors that only a motorcycle could offer. He had a long-standing friendship with Mike Tooley, spanning many years. Craig had been determined to support Mike in any way possible. As such, he had volunteered to be Mike's "buddy rider" for the 2023 ride, ensuring he would be there every step of the way to offer support and companionship.

    Bike Ridden: BMW 1200 GSA

  • Dan Cassidy

    Dan and his girlfriend Mary were thrilled to join us as a support couple for our remarkable 2023 trip. Their extensive travels included crossing the USA twice in the two years leading up to our journey. Dan had commenced his service with The Orange County Fire Department in 1991, retiring from his duties in 2018.

    Support Vehicle Ridden: 2009 Fleetwood Pace Arrow

  • Mary Gentile

    Mary Gentile, a mid-westerner from Berkeley, Michigan, was the type of person whom, once you met, you felt like you had known for years. She was excited to be a part of this cause and had joined our 2023 adventure!

    Support Vehicle Ridden: 2009 Fleetwood Pace Arrow

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