Brotherly love

A UK rider will tackle America on a Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle in memory of his brave sister

Story by Jeremy Pick

Christopher Gordon from Northumberland in the UK will ride through all 48 US contiguous states in 48 days to pay tribute to his sister, Sandra, who lost her battle with motor neurone disease (MND) recently.

The 4848 Riding to Give Hope campaign is raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in the UK and its American equivalent, The ALS Association. “My much-loved sister was diagnosed with MND in April 2023,” says Christopher. “Before her diagnosis she was fit and active, a keen tennis player and had worked as a physical education teacher. She began to suspect something was wrong after becoming increasingly concerned about her general mobility over several months. Sadly, the rapid progression of the disease meant she lost the ability to walk first, then her ability to eat, drink and breathe until sadly she passed away just 19 months later aged 70.

“Having supported my sister throughout her illness, I decided to raise money for research into this debilitating and incurable disease by taking on an unsupported motorcycle ride through the US over 48 days from 13 August to 30 September, covering 12,000 miles.

Christopher, a retired business management lecturer, successfully engaged support from EagleRider, the US-based Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle rental agency that is supplying a Heritage Softail^® Classic for the trip, including bike services. He’s also being supported by local UK businesses Spot White, who are sponsoring fuel, and Dawson & Sanderson, who are sponsoring flights.

The challenge is broken into three stages, and the 67-year-old experienced rider will set off from Las Vegas on 13 August, heading to New Hampshire over 14 days, stopping in Milwaukee to service the bike. Then he’ll ride from Maine to Mississippi over 15 days, with the third stage taking him from Louisiana back up to Las Vegas over 19 days. He will do the entire trip solo without sat nav.

“I’m a bit of a challenge junkie, and I hope to inspire others to do something similar for a good cause,” says Christopher. “I’m confident in my own ability to complete the challenge, despite being 67. I’ve been riding since I was 16; I’m an advanced motorcyclist and have ridden in the US many times. However, I am aware of the challenges and dangers that a trip like this can throw your way.

“As well as fundraising for MND, the ride itself will be the therapy needed to keep my mind in equilibrium after the decline and death of my remarkable and brave sister, who was so positive and upbeat throughout, despite knowing she was going to die from a disease with no remission or cure.”

As Christopher rides through the US, he will be joined by groups of Harley^® riders and H.O.G.^® members, and there will be a series of Ice Bucket Challenges, a social media campaign to raise awareness of ALS and MND that went viral in 2014.

“I hope the funds raised can help the MND Association and The ALS Association continue their efforts to find a cure and provide vital support for people affected like my sister. And I hope I can draw on the support of Harley riders worldwide to help, either by donating or attending one of the events before or during the ride.”

Brian Green, VP of Marketing at EagleRider, is honoured to be supporting the 4848 Riding to Give Hope campaign by providing the motorcycle and helping chart the course. “It’s more than just a ride – it’s a statement of resilience and purpose,” he says. “Motorcycling has always been about freedom and connection, and this ride brings both together for a cause that truly matters.”

How you can help
You can support Christopher by donating to his JustGiving page in the UK or Spotfund in the US. And if you’re in the Newcastle area, why not attend 48 in 48 – The Big Send Off on Friday 1 August, where you can hear about the challenge and wish Christopher all the best. It will take place at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park in Newcastle between 3pm and 5pm. Details here. Updates and information about the ride can be found on Facebook.