STURGIS, S.D. – A Northern California veteran made a stop in Sturgis this week as part of a 16,000-mile motorcycle journey across the country aimed at honoring his late grandfather and raising awareness for veteran suicide.
Matthew Wolford began his journey on May 29 after deciding to ride his Harley-Davidson Street Glide, named Yolanda, from California to West Virginia to lay his grandfather to rest. His grandfather, also a Harley rider, inspired the ride, which eventually took Wolford to Key West, Florida, Fort Kent, Maine, and across the northern United States before looping back west.
Along the way, Wolford carried his grandfather’s ashes in his saddle bags, giving him what he called a “final Harley ride.”
But the journey has become more than personal. A veteran who served 10 years and fought in two wars, Wolford said the trip is also a mission to spread a message about healing from trauma and addressing veteran suicide.
Encouraged by fellow travelers, Wolford launched a YouTube channel called Mr. Wolford, where he shares his experiences from the road. The channel was sparked after a conversation at a bar, and it pairs with a book he wrote titled Thriving Through Trauma, which is yet to be published.
“I carried [my trauma] for a long time,” Wolford said. “It affected every relationship in my life. But I finally found a path. You have to walk through your fire.”
Wolford said he wants his book and videos to reach just one person who might need help.
“If one person reads it and it saves their life, then it served a purpose,” he said.
He has built his small YouTube following through real-life conversations with people he’s met during the nine-week trip. He also posts on TikTok and Instagram under the handle @Mr__Wolford.
“I ask God every day to take me where He needs me to be,” he said. “And here I am.”
Wolford said he hopes his story encourages others to slow down, feel their emotions, and be present.
“I’m not a content creator,” he said. “But I have an idea, and I have a message.”