It all began back in 1981 with the first Biker’s Carnival…..
Harley-Davidson had become an official corporate sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Oliver Shokouh- the young owner of a fledgling Harley-Davidson dealership in Glendale decided to put together a fundraising event and hold it back behind his little shop. Despite such exciting attractions as a dunk tank, a softball toss and target shooting, the first annual Biker’s Carnival only raised $1500 for MDA. Not exactly an auspicious beginning.
Still, Oliver was determined. Word would get out, he thought, and he would work a little harder and the second annual Biker’s Carnival would be bigger and better.
The second annual Biker’s Carnival raised a mere $3,000 and Shokouh decided to take a couple of years off to focus on his fledgling business.
By 1984, however, Shokouh was ready to embark on a new fundraising endeavor.
He knew that it would require a great deal more time and energy than went into both of the Biker’s Carnivals combined.
To succeed, it would truly have to be a labor of love, and with some help from Shokouh’s friends, the LOVE RIDE was born. Peter Fonda agreed to do the first LOVE RIDE public service announcement. Robbie Kreiger, of the Doors, jumped in and performed at the event. Even Willie G. Davidson himself came out for the ride.
The first Love Ride was a success–on November 11, 1984, over 500 outstanding people showed up, starting a tradition that has grown beyond anyone’s expectations. It was a blast and we raised a lot of money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
During the last 24 years, LOVE RIDE participants have accomplished a lot together–helping so many people who are desperately in need. We have come together as a community and made a difference. That’s something to be proud of.
Changing faces at the LOVE RIDE have included everybody from Malcom Forbes to Peter Fonda to Larry Hagman. Our main stage has seen everybody from Robbie Krieger, David Crosby, Eric Burdon, Jackson Browne, Little Feat, Billy Idol, Bruce Springsteen, Dwight Yoakam, the Doobie Brothers, Sammy Hagar and others.
So…what is LOVE RIDE today? The LOVE RIDE is currently the largest one-day motorcycle event in the world. It is a place where people come to have a good time, while making a difference in the world we live in.