Revving for a cause: Thunderbird Throttle motorcycle ride raises funds, awareness for MMIP

By Marshall Baker
Navajo Times

PHOENIX

In a collaborative effort to raise funds and awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, the Thunderbird Throttle charity motorcycle ride will be rolling through the Valley again this weekend.

The Thunderbird Throttle celebrates Native American culture and tribal community. Its primary purpose is to raise awareness and show support for the MMIP initiative. Hundreds of motorcyclists from around the country will come together on April 5 and ride through various stops across the Valley. They will hear from MMIP advocates, families of victims, and community leaders and enrich themselves in Southwest Indigenous culture with many cultural performances throughout the day.

The event will bring riders to stops in Peoria, the Gila River Indian Community, Casino Arizona, and AZ Bike Week at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“The purpose is to celebrate our culture and our heritage and build resources and bring awareness to this very important issue,” said Patty Dimitriou, the founder of the Thunderbird Throttle charity motorcycle ride.

To read the full article, please see the April 3, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions here at our Navajo Times Store.