The DGR write up is not one most would expect, in fact - it comes from a more personal level.
Nothing could have prepared me for the day's event. Sure I had my camera and film packed the night before. What I mean by being prepared is, just a few hours earlier I had learned that a friend, a fellow motorcycle enthusiast - a fellow rider had passed away. My ride to NYC from Philadelphia was a quiet one. I distinctly remember having just a few things on my mind. Paul (my friend who had passed) being one of them. His young daughter that he leaves behind. The fact that he had sole custody of her since the mother of his child wanted nothing to do with either of them. Paul was just 29 years of age and less than a week shy of turning 30. You all would have loved him. He was as genuine as they get.
Before the 500+ riders took off from Grand Central Station, I did my best to do what I do, that is capture moments of people's lives and the machines that they love. That ‘two wheel therapy’. Looking through the viewfinder, seeing so many smiling faces brought mixed feelings to the point of me having to stop for two reasons. One of joy, I had to take it all in. All these people would be riding in solidarity for a great cause. It defines the meaning of community. It's not just about the bikes or what they ride....but the people. I had this urge to thank each and every one of them. I sat down for a while listening to the city and the sounds of roaring motorcycles as they went off in the distance. For just a little while I was able to smile for a bit. The second reason was, I had to ask myself a hard question. What am I even doing here? That weighed heavily on me. I felt broken in some odd way. I had just lost a friend.
It’s now Saturday the 28th 2pm (2022). As I wrote this, chain smoking cigarettes, having paid my respects to Pauls family at his service earlier in the day. I thought about the people I've captured on film. Pouring over all the photos that I would be giving back to the DGR organization. Being reminded of the generous donors who support the DGR and what it stands for. I also thought of those who are battling prostate cancer and most of all those who are too proud to seek help, when they really need it. You know, that stigma we’re so afraid to even talk about, let alone mention. Mens mental health. I thought about Paul too.
In my lifetime, I’ve lost friends to cancer and suicide. As I looked around at the hundreds of people who came out for the DGR ride NYC, thinking about those who donated to the organization that couldn’t attend, at some point in their lifetime, by some degree of separation they have also suffered a loss too. What does one even say? I don’t even know.
What I do know is: DGR is, One day of solidarity. From its inception to current date the organization is recognized globally. I am grateful for having been invited to lend my eye and record the day.
-Otter LaRouche