JASON HARRIS

Missing my bros: Kip and Herc

Tuesday 16th Apr 2024

Evening y'all! Each year around this time I reflect on why I do this ride. My first one was the fall of 2015, just a stone's throw from when my buddy Ryan passed from brain cancer. This will be my tenth DGR, and Ryan has ridden with me all ten years. If you ever met him, he was larger than life, just an awesome friend, who I'd known since college. I signed up for the Gentleman's Ride before I even knew he was in the hospital for the second time, because it sounded like a great cause. Turns out , it was and is.

Fast forward a few years. I met David Kipper my very first drill as a VA guardsman. We were in the 1/116HHC, and he had been in for several years before I joined (at age 29, like a genius). Kipper was so stinking smart, that every so often the Division, would snatch him up for IT support, knowing his knowledge of communications would provide mission success. Kip and I were promoted to SGT and reassigned to 116IBCT at the exact same time, and shared years of memories together, including 29th ID Warfighter. 

The first thing the Chaplain said at Kippers funeral, was "none of you could have prevented this". It hurt, but he answered the question we had all been asking ourselves. It's still hard as hell to write this, but I want the world to know that mental health resources are available, and if you ever need a hand to walk out of a dark place, let me know, I'll do my damndest. Let's let no one feel alone....

#dgr2024

Will this one make it?

Friday 29th Mar 2024

Every year it seems I have a glorious idea of building a cafe bike from a basket case for the dgr, and it's never done on time. And this year is no different! This sad duc was once in my garage, then it got sold, and crashed, and now she's back, but runs! Let's see if sensei and I can get her back on the road before May 19th!

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Tuesday 26th Mar 2024 On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.