A Rider's Promise is more than a business; it's a heartfelt commitment to honor the memories of riders lost too soon. Founded in memory of my husband, Tarl, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. He was my best friend and my inspiration. Losing him shattered my world, leaving me grappling with a pain so profound that it paralyzed me for a while, at times still does. I decided to channel my grief  on to the canvas and put it out into the world, giving life to A Rider's Promise; this brand is my way of turning overwhelming grief into action and purpose.

My desire to honor Tarl's memory and to ensure no rider is forgotten. Every T-shirt we create, every event we host, and every story we share is rooted in a promise: to celebrate the lives of riders, to foster a sense of community, and to promote safety and awareness.

The heart of our mission lies in The Rider’s Promise, a reflection of the moments I relive daily. Every waking moment, I wish I had asked my husband to look me in the face before his rides and promise me he would be safe. He always said he would be careful, every time he walked out of the front door. I would shout or softly say, "Be careful, babe, and have a good day." And he would respond in his nonchalant, reassuring voice, "Yes, Love, you too." I can still hear it so clearly.

But I’ve obsessed over the what ifs. What if I had asked him to look into my eyes and promise me he’d ride safely that day? Not just to acknowledge the risks but to truly feel the weight of that promise. Knowing he couldn’t control the actions of others on the road, but he could control his own. Would saying those words aloud while looking into the face of someone who loves you make you more mindful of your actions, more cautious on your ride? Could that simple act — a shared promise — have made the difference that day?

Perhaps if Tarl had made that promise, the officers wouldn’t have had to knock on the same door he left so many hours earlier to tell me he was gone. That he was speeding, lost control on a dark winding road, he knew so well, he hit gravel and he couldn’t correct in time before he was thrown from his bike, and hit his head on the hard black pavement so hard, his life ended.

This is the unimaginable pain I live with, and it’s the driving force behind A Rider’s Promise. Because maybe, just maybe, if we start making this promise to one another, someone else will avoid this kind of heartbreak. Maybe, by making and keeping that promise, another family will never know the profound grief of losing their loved one.

This is more than a business. This is A Rider's Promise™

🛡️ The Promise™
A - As I prepare to leave, here’s my promise to you.

R – Riding smart and safe is what I’ll do.
I – I’ll stay alert, both day and night,
D – Defend my life, and I’ll do what’s right.
E – Every mile, I’ll be thinking of you.
R – Respect the road and signals, will do.
S – Safe and sound, I’ll ride with care.

P – Protect myself, I’ll stay aware.
R – Rain or shine, safety is my goal,
O – On every ride, safety is in my control.
M – My promise stands, I’ll take it slow.
I – I’ll come back to you, whatever it takes.
S – Staying mindful of what’s at stake.
E – Every mile I ride, doing my best to avoid Heaven’s gate.
(Copyright © 2024 CS)