By Roberto Cordova
PHOENIX — In its fourth year, Chicano Pride Ride Arizona is getting ready to roll on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to organizer Debbie Ortega.
“This is a poker run, with food, entertainment, vendors, and special guest the Cali Girl Riders,” she said. “All proceeds go towards resources to help the homeless and addiction communities.”
Motorcycle registration is $30 per person and $5 extra for a passenger. The run is hosted by the Desert Wind Harley-Davidson Mesa, AZ, and Ascendants Inc., a nonprofit organization.
Ortega emphasized that it is a Chicano event inspired by Denver’s Chicano Pride Ride organized by Manny Arellano, originally from Pueblo, CO.
“It is hard to explain the Chicano culture in one word, so we ask everyone to attend the event and experience the amazing feeling of hearing fishtail pipes roaring, and seeing ape hanger handle bars, candy paint, and the Chicano pride riders traveling in a procession which seems to go on for miles,” Ortega said.
Last year’s CPR drew an estimated 1,000 motorcycles from across the country and the organizers want to see more registrations this year to make a difference in the Grand Canyon State.
During the day, riders will travel throughout the Phoenix area and made stops in several connecting cities.
This amazing event began with a friendly conversation about custom motorcycles at the annual Arizona Bike Week. There, Arellano met Ortega from the Phoenix area. Conversation led to a friendship and her interest in CPR in Denver.
“I. looked into it and was amazed and inspired by what Manual had created in the Mile High City with thousands of Chicanos coming together to give back to the communities” Ortega said. “This piqued my interest and I went to the CPR Denver in 2019.”
She was hooked and accepted the offer to create the CPR Arizona.
Ortega is a longtime La Raza activist following in the footsteps of her Jefito Jose Mendoza who fought alongside the legendary hero Cesar Chavez for a farmworkers’ union. She saw the injustice of so many and was determined to pay it forward just like her parents, family, and friends. Her parents encouraged education. She excelled earning several degrees including a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.
Along with her family, she enjoys lowriders, motorcycles, and our amazing culture. Ortega owns a one-of-a-kind Road King Harley-Davidson. This pink colored motorcycle with Aztec Murals and etching is a showstopper created by her vision. Ortega continues to strive forward by creating her new apparel clothing line called Chicana Strong. “My vision is for ladies who understand our estilo in Chicana history,” she said.
Throughout the years, she has created or been a part of several events specifically for women in Arizona. She has been inspired by so many who have paved the way like Arellano in Denver. She thanks everyone who was and remains a part of CPR Arizona. Deb thanks her parents, family, friends, and the Chicano/a Motorcycle Community for their continued support.
For information about the event, go to https:// chicanopriderideaz.com
So proud of you for what you are doing for communit around Arizona. May the Lord continue to bless you for your dedication for the unfortunate. Love mom.