Steven Mercado

Riding for Bud Gardner

Thursday 24th Apr 2025

I want to take the space here to send some love and acknowledgment to my friend Bud Gardner. Although I didn't have the opportunity to spend many years with him, the time I have had with him was truly impactful.

It was inspiring to see such a strong soul have an incredibly big and tender heart. A man of many talents, and a man with many forms of artistic expression, his most captivating form was his storytelling. For someone like me who was new to knowing him, each story was a window into the life of an amazing husband, father and friend. Each pause, each word, each sentence and period were intentional as he told his truth to the blessed few.  

Men of few words often have the greatest stories. The content of his life and his character embody what a true distinguished gentlmeman is. As a fellow lover of motorcycles, he would think that the cause we ride for is pretty neat. I regret not having him here to continue building on this friendship and have him work on some projects with me. I was lucky to add another great model of fatherhood, to the #1 that I already have.

I ride this year with Colby, my partner in life, and with him in my heart.

Bud Gardner, a true Distinguished Gentleman.

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Wednesday 26th Mar 2025 On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.