The Meaning Behind the Logos
2008: This design was chosen at the inception of the idea for the ride itself. Clearly, it was selected with bikers in mind moreso than the casual observer. It is especially close to me as the symbolism was directly related to the feelings I was going through following the diagnosis of my brother.
The (3) skulls bound in chains represent the numbers of people that are dealing with MS on a daily basis and the limitations that it can force upon them. The maltese cross set behind the skulls represents the biker support of the cause, in particular to me as it has become a theme on my own motorcycle. In short, we stand behind anyone bearing this burden, in support.
2009: 2009 began with a great amount of excitement. The cause began to evolve into more of an organized entity with the creation on the Ride2Cure non-profit entity. With more involvement from those who wanted to assist with the cause the idea of using a phoenix-type logo seemed very appropriate. The intent being that a patient with the initial diagnosis of the disease can be crippling but with proper support and the work to find a cure, our hope is that there can be “a rise from the ashes” just as the mythical phoenix.
2010: Our newest chapter of Rod’s Ride has begun with strong symbolism as with previous offerings. Within the last year there have been some extraordinary breakthroughs in medicine to fight MS. It is with this battle that the 2010 logo was forged. The predominant portion of the logo is a sword which simply represents the strength and attitude that our group is moving forward with. We fully intend to arm ourselves in fighting this disease with the help of all those that proudly wear the shirts for this event.
Deeper within the logo there are some more hidden tones. The most recognizable portion being the phoenix (similar to last year) that the new logo is superimposed over, indicating our continued efforts. The next item, and less conspicuous, is at the base of the sword’s pommel. This portion of the symbol is more personal to the group and is a strong testament to our unwavering determination. It is an ancient Celtic knot. The knot is a representation of the relationship that the original ride patriarchs share with any and all who join the cause. In short “just as the lines of Celtic knots are interwoven, so are we interwoven with all those around us. We continue on to eternity as others continue on to eternity, inexorably wrapped up with all those who join us in this life and the next. Though each loop is individual, each loop cannot be separated from the whole.
2011: At first glance, it is clear there are several distinct similarities to all previous logos, which ties all the past events with current and future rides. The Phoenix is a keystone of our event and continues to represent the potential to rise from the ashes. The 2 phoenixes incorporate the ’09 and ’10 designs and will continue to be an integral part of all future logos. The lower rocker with the emblazoned website is the road map to the event’s history and future. The stars located within the scrolls of the rocker pay homage to all those that have participated with us in this event, whether it be through the participation or the partners in sponsorship – all are truly a gift and we wanted to include them in this logo. The single large star at the center serves as our focal point; focusing our energy of reaching our goal; to never lose sight of why the event was created: To find a cure for MS. The three stars below the rocker represent the charter members and their continuous commitment to the cause. Finally, the overall logo in general has become weathered. The ride itself has unfortunately weathered multiple downpours (which we hope not to duplicate), which is a real testament to those that have been with us on each and every ride. But more importantly: bikers by nature are in fact weathered. From the long heritage of the veterans who rode, the trailblazers before us and to the fortunate sons and daughters who are able to enjoy freedom today because of those in the past. We all carry some of that heritage/weathering with us each time we ride…..
In addition to the Main event logo, we have added a sleeve logo that will become a permanent part of all future rides. The anchor logo has been used for centuries and with it has several symbolic meanings.
The anchor represents stability and security in the physical world and also hope, trust and steadfastness in the spiritual world. As the waters of life become turbulent in dealing with this disease and other issues, the anchor holds us firmly in place so others can reach us and help us when in need. The anchor also represents the stability of a family, a father or brother that is there and will serve as a foundation for you.
The chain links on the anchor represent the number of events (2011 is the 4th annual Rod's Ride) and we plan on adding a link to this logo every year to show how strong the commitment is from our riders and sponsors to find a cure for MS.
Shirt designs have been carefully chosen with several things in mind. We have always tried to balance style and purpose. The cause is both familial and global, from the standpoint that we have identified the struggle of all those afflicted with MS through the impact it’s had on us personally.
