4th Annual Gratitude Ride Recap June 13, 2026

A Day For The Record Books

It was a fantastic day for a ride! The weather cooperated with us in a way that we haven't seen since I joined the PMLG. We had a large team of volunteers that helped us tremendously in keeping things moving for everyone in attendance; from setting up and getting everyone registered (we hope it was as smooth of a process as it felt like it was on our side), to ensuring our raffle and auction went smoothly, as well as our field support that kept the dice moving at each of our ride stops. We couldn't have had such a smooth day without the dedication of our team members and the generous and caring support of our volunteers.

Special thanks to our Ride Captain Donovan Martinez for putting together a great trip around the front range that both began and ended at Shifterz Bar and Grill with stops at the American Legion Post 22 and The Flats Beer Garden.

Once back at Shifterz, things kept rolling. First, we gave away our 25th motorcycle! We never thought we'd be here! Our founder, Kim Tompkins believed that giving away the first bike in 2021 would be the end of it. But, this community is so generous and caring, and that momentum has carried us forward every year. Here we are in 2026 giving the wind to another deserving veteran for the 25th time. We'll circle back to our recipient in a moment.

This year we were blessed to receive the incredible auctioneering services of Brian Wise. Thank you to Felicia Lopez for finding Brian. He created an energetic atmosphere and ensured everything ran smoothly, playing a key role in the day's success. Our team excelled at connecting with local businesses eager to support us through donations. We aim to grow this engagement as we hope broaden our program in other ways to enhance the lives of the veterans we assist. Veterans like our newest recipient, Amalia Solano.

A Story That Defines Why Project ML‑Gratitude Exists

We meet many veterans whose lives are marked by courage. But every so often, we meet someone whose story doesn’t just reflect bravery, it reshapes how we understand service itself. Amalia is one of those rare individuals.

Her life has been a long, unbroken line of stepping forward when the world was at its worst. She grew into adulthood in the shadow of national tragedy, choosing to help strangers when she could have turned away. She built a career in the fire service, ran toward emergencies most people flee from, and later carried that same resolve into the U.S. Air Force, where she led medical teams through disaster and heartbreak on foreign soil.

When her military chapter ended, she didn’t stop. She came home and devoted herself to veterans fighting invisible battles of PTSD, depression, suicidal ideation; offering them the compassion and strength she had earned through her own trials. Amalia has spent her life holding up others, often at the expense of her own well‑being.

Her story moved us. It reminded us why this project matters. It reminded us that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off; and that those who give the most often ask for the least.

That’s why we chose Amalia.

To us, the motorcycle is more than a machine. It’s a symbol of freedom she has long postponed. It’s a chance for her to breathe again, to feel the open road, to reconnect with the camaraderie she once found in the firehouse and in the military. It’s a way for her to reclaim something for herself after decades of giving everything to others.

Amalia inspires Project ML‑Gratitude because she embodies the heart of our mission: resilience, compassion, and a lifetime of service lived quietly, humbly, and powerfully. Honoring her is our privilege and a reminder of why we continue this work.

Thank you, Amalia, for everything you do, and we hope this motorcycle helps you find a little zen in a world that asks so much.