Acting Outlaws

Acting Outlaws is a motorcycle-riding charity organization co-founded by Battlestar Galactica actresses Katee Sackhoff and Tricia Helfer in 2010. The organization conducts charity motorcycle rides and fundraising events to support various charitable causes and environmental organizations.

Formation and Background

Acting Outlaws originated from the friendship between Sackhoff and Helfer, who met on the set of Battlestar Galactica. Initially, neither actress was particularly interested in motorcycle riding, despite both having partners who were avid riders. Sackhoff grew up around quads and dirt bikes but never rode one because in her small town it was something boys did, though she loved how motorcycle riding felt.

The catalyst for their motorcycle involvement came when Helfer threw down the gauntlet, shooting Sackhoff a pic of her new motorcycle license, and Sackhoff was all in. As a former competitive swimmer, Sackhoff couldn't resist the challenge, and soon obtained her own motorcycle license and bike.

Van Buren Sisters Inspiration

The concept for Acting Outlaws was sparked when both actresses received a script about the Van Buren sisters in their mailboxes around the same time they were brainstorming ways to help with Gulf Oil spill restoration efforts. The Van Buren sisters were the first women to ride across the U.S. on motorcycles, covering 5,500 miles in 60 days over some wicked terrain during WWI, a time when women weren't supposed to ride. The sisters wanted to prove that women could serve as military dispatch riders, freeing up men for other wartime duties.

The LA La Ride

Acting Outlaws' inaugural event was "The LA La Ride," which took place from October 22-30, 2010. Sackhoff and Helfer embarked on a cross-country motorcycle ride taking them 2,500 miles from Los Angeles, CA to New Orleans, LA to raise awareness for the BP Oil Spill Disaster in the Gulf. The ride was undertaken to support the Gulf Restoration Network, which was described as "the only environmental advocacy group exclusively focused on the health of the Gulf of Mexico."

During the challenging journey, the pair faced extreme weather conditions including torrential rain and 60-mile-per-hour winds. For Sackhoff that meant riding through rain that felt like, "God had opened up the sky," making it almost impossible to see her front tire, let alone the road. The experience strengthened their partnership and commitment to charitable causes.

Documentary

The LA La Ride was documented by a film crew, resulting in a 2012 documentary titled Acting Outlaws: The LA La Ride. The footage was edited together to create a documentary film which follows the two actresses as they ride from city to city, raising awareness for the cause.

Charitable Activities

Since its launch they have saddled up to help raise awareness and money for everything from the Gulf Restoration Network and the Humane Society to the Red Cross and amfAR.

Supported Organizations

The charity has provided fundraising and awareness support for:

• Gulf Restoration Network - Environmental advocacy focused on Gulf of Mexico health
• Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health - Supporting progressive movement building in the Gulf Coast region
• The Humane Society - Animal welfare organization
• American Red Cross - Disaster relief and humanitarian services
• amfAR - AIDS research foundation
• PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) - Organization working to end homelessness in Southern California

PATH Home Charity Ride

In 2014, Acting Outlaws organized the "First Annual PATH Home – Charity Motorcycle Ride" to benefit PATH (People Assisting the Homeless). The event will start near the foot of the Angeles Crest and wind its way up the beautiful Angeles Crest/Highway 2 to the historic Newcomb's Ranch. The ride was limited to 250 registered motorcycle riders, with all profits supporting PATH's mission to end homelessness in Southern California.

Philosophy and Mission

Acting Outlaws got its start when the pair were brainstorming about how they could help raise money and awareness for the Gulf Oil spill restoration. "We both feel so blessed to have the lives we have and we wanted to give back." Beyond charitable fundraising, the organization aims to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones. "We wanted to inspire people to do something and get out of their comfort zone, no matter what that is."

Merchandise and Fundraising

Acting Outlaws sells branded merchandise to support their charitable activities, including t-shirts and autographed photographs of Sackhoff and Helfer. Professional photographer Dennys Ilic has documented the organization through calendar photoshoots and promotional materials.

References