Babes Ride Out rolling (responsibly) into Joshua Tree today (Desert Sun)
Desert SunOctober 19th, 2017
For the past three years, female motorcyclists have descended on Joshua Tree for the Babes Ride Out campout and group ride. The event draws thousands, and its largest gathering yet is happening Oct. 19-22 at Joshua Tree Lake Campground. “As our event grows, our responsibility grows,” wrote co-founders Ashmore Ellis and Anya Violet via email. So, this year, the ladies are teaming up with local nonprofit Mojave Desert Land Trust to educate motorcyclists on desert etiquette, both at the campground and on their rides.
“We wanted to get ahead of the issues that could arise if we did not do our part in educating our guests from around the world about this fragile ecosystem and how we can protect it,” they explain. “The entire town of Joshua Tree, and its beauty, has been an integral part of why our Joshua Tree event continues to grow.”
Ellis and Violet say they’ve created clip-on re-useable cups and mugs to eliminate plastic and other trash onsite, and are working with a recycling team to “come up with the best plan to properly sort aluminum, glass and plastic.”
MDLT will be in attendance to “educate riders about how to enjoy the desert without leaving a trace, as well as how to traverse the desert without damaging the ecosystem,” they add. The nonprofit will have a booth where ladies can grab Biltwell riding maps, purchase mugs and water bottles (MDLT will receive a portion of proceeds), ask questions about the local area and more.
Leading up to the event, a content series shared on BRO platforms speaks to Leave No Trace principles, such as leaving wildlife alone, not riding off-road for photos, and respectfully visiting national monuments. In a blog posted on Oct. 13, for example, a map for the event's 60-mile route to Pioneertown includes driving directions and a note that reads, "If your GPS takes you on dirt roads turn around!!!"
MDLT Director of Education and Public Engagement Jacqueline Guevara says the nonprofit will host a workshop for photographers and videographers “so that as they are documenting the event, they are doing so safely and responsibly.”