GEARING UP FOR CHARITY 20,000 CYCLISTS JOIN LOVE RIDE.Byline: SUSAN ABRAM Staff Writer GLENDALE -- Some 20,000 motorcyclists enjoyed great weather, tight leather and a rocking barbecue get-together Sunday while raising about $1 million for charity. Billed as the largest one-day motorcycle benefit ride, the 23rd annual Love Ride kicked off at the Harley-Davidson of Glendale, where Grand Marshal Grand Marshal is a ceremonial, military, or political office of very high rank. The term has its origins with the word "Marshal" with the first usage of the term "Grand Marshal" as a ceremonial title for certain religious orders. Jay Leno Jay Leno (born April 28, 1950) is an Emmy-winning American comedian, writer who is best known as the current host of NBC television's long-running variety and talk program The Tonight Show. Biography Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York. of NBC's ``Tonight Show'' led riders after hosting a short pre-ride show. Before taking off for the 40-mile journey north to Castaic Lake Castaic Lake is a lake on Castaic Creek formed by Castaic Dam, in northwestern Los Angeles County, California, near the town of Castaic. The 323,700 acre foot lake (399,000,000 m³) is the terminus of the West Branch of the California Aqueduct, though some comes from the 154 mi² , Leno introduced fellow celebrity riders, including ``Dallas'' bad boy Larry Hagman and ``Terminator 2's'' sleek cyborg Robert Patrick. Patrick also represented the Boozeriders, a group that has been around Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. since 1947, describing itself as a ``drinking club with a motorcycle problem.'' ``I've been riding since I was 19 so as soon as I made some money from ``Terminator 2,'' I bought my Harley,'' Patrick said. The Love Ride began with 600 riders in 1984 to raise money for a variety of charities. Founder Oliver Shokouh wanted to highlight the kinder, gentler side of motorcycle enthusiasts. This year, Shokouh dedicated the ride to Christopher Houle, who died in September at the age of 24 of complications of muscular dystrophy muscular dystrophy (dĭs`trōfē), any of several inherited diseases characterized by progressive wasting of the skeletal muscles. There are five main forms of the disease. . Houle was an annual presence on stage at the Love Ride and a symbol of why the event was first organized 23 years ago, Shokouh said. ``Today, when you ride up to the lake, ride safe and know you have a guardian angel guardian angel believed to protect a particular person. [Folklore: Misc.] See : Angel guardian angel term for Christian namesake who watches over a young child. [Christianity: Misc.] See : Guardianship ,'' Houle's mother, Krysti told the cheering crowd, before they revved up their engines. Riders then roared up the Golden State Freeway The Golden State Freeway is a north-south freeway running through Kern County and Los Angeles County, California. Originally built as U.S. Highway 99, it was re-signed as Interstate 5 in 1964. for 40 miles until they reached the Castaic Lake picnic area for a barbecue lunch and a live concert featuring the Black Crowes and Edgar Winter Edgar Winter (born December 28, 1946 in Beaumont, Texas) is an American musician who had significant success in the 1970s and 1980s. He is a keyboard player, vocalist, saxophonist and percussionist, well-versed in jazz, blues and rock. . For many riders, the best part of the day was hearing cheers from spectators standing atop overpasses, who waved or pumped their fists to support the cavalcade cav·al·cade n. 1. A procession of riders or horse-drawn carriages. 2. A ceremonial procession or display. 3. A succession or series: starred in a cavalcade of Broadway hits. of steel and chrome that stretched along the highway as far as the eye could see. ``I thought it was so awesome,'' said Palmdale resident Gail Moher, who joined the event for the first time this year. ``It's 8 in the morning, and I'm dancing to Edgar Winter, and then there's the energy on the way up here, the way everyone watches out for each other.'' Proceeds from a $70 minimum entrance fee go toward the Muscular Dystrophy Association The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is an organization founded in 1950 which combats muscular dystrophy and diseases of the nervous system and muscular system in general by funding research, providing medical and community services, and educating health professionals as well as other charities. Riders on Sunday were expected to raise more than $1 million. First-time riders said they wanted to share the experience they've been hearing about for years. ``I found out about it when I was living in Boston,'' said Kim Airs, who's been riding for six years. Her Honda Shadow The Honda Shadow refers to a family of motorcyles made by Honda since 1983. The Honda Shadow is a cruiser-type motorcycle, meaning it has an upright riding position and wide handle bars. had been customized with adult-themed graphics along its body. Airs was encouraged by the number of other women she saw riding solo. It's estimated that up to 15 percent of all motorcycle riders are women. ``I wanted to be part of an organized ride, to represent women riders,'' she said. Others said they joined each year to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones. ``The people you meet are friendly, warmhearted,'' said Chino Chino (chē`nō), city (1990 pop. 59,682), San Bernardino co., S Calif.; founded 1887, inc. 1910. It is the business and processing center of a diversified farming (notably dairying) area. resident David Sanchez, who has ridden several times before. ``People like to ride out and reach out.'' After a hearty barbecue lunch, Biker bik·er n. 1. One who rides a bicycle or a motorbike. 2. A motorcyclist, especially a member of a motorcycle gang. biker Noun a person who rides a motorcycle for Christ member Eugene Richards stretched out over the grass with girlfriend Joann Lovett to relax under the trees and listen to live music. Sunday was Richards' first Love Ride, and the Bakersfield resident said he had volunteered as part of his group to help with security. He was overwhelmed with the turnout. ``People expect bikers to be mean, until we pray for them,'' he said. ``I just didn't expect this many bikers.'' susan.abram(at)dailynews.com (818) 713-3664 CAPTION(S): 6 photos Photo: (1 -- 2 -- color) Bikers, above, rumble along the route of the Love Ride from Harley-Davidson in Glendale to Castaic Lake Sunday afternoon. At left, Jack Wise and Kelly Martinez dance to the music of the Fryed Brothers at the post-ride barbecue. (3 -- color) no caption (dog) Alex Collins/Special to the Daily News (4 -- 6) Singer Edgar Winter, above, performs during the 23rd annual Love Ride 2006, the largest one-day motorcycle fundraising event in the world. An estimated 20,000-plus bikers took part to help raise about $1 million for charity during the 40-mile ride from Harley-Davidson in Glendale to Castaic Lake. Top right, people wave to the all bikers as they head north on the I-5 Freeway during the 23rd annual Love Ride 2006. At left, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Love Ride Grand Marshal Jay Leno address the crowd. Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News Alex Collins/Special to the Daily News |
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