A longtime columnist and photographer for Easyriders magazine and a motorcyclist for more than 40 years, George "Rip" Rose created a fundraising motorcycle ride to raise funds for diabetes research.
Diagnosed with diabetes and cancer in the late 1990s, in 1997 Rose co-founded "Rip's B.A.D Ride" with B.A.D.(short for Bikers Against Diabetes) in Southern California. He enlisted the help of motorcyclists and motorcycle industry leaders to create the ride, which also features entertainment, food and other activities.
The ride began with 300 participants and has grown to involve more than 5,000 riders at the California event.. Rip's B.A.D. Ride is also held in other states. TTo date, the effort has raised more than $500,000 for diabetes research.
George “Rip” Rose died in February 2000 from cancer.