Perhaps perfectly named, the Love Ride is that rare charity event that bikers look forward to every year. Version 2011 and beyond promises to amplify this annual rite with a mix of new and traditional elements designed to melt hearts—and pry open a few wallets—for a worthy cause. Since Love Ride’s humble beginning in 1984, thousands have come together year after year to support its causes, experience some of the best music in the country and enjoy quality food with like-minded people.
“The Love Ride is truly unique because it’s not just entertainment for charity,” notes event founder Oliver Shokouh. “It’s a full-immersion experience that lets people participate in a way that raises the spirit of giving to high levels, mainly because it feels so good.
Tonight Show host and Love Ride veteran, Jay Leno, will lead thousands of bikers to Castaic Lake for the 28th annual Love Ride on October 23, 2011. As the largest and perhaps most eagerly-anticipated motorcycle ride-for-charity in the country, Love Ride is a mega-event that draws thousands of generous motorcycle enthusiasts, concert-goers, and a number of celebrities each year to partake in the pleasures of helping others while enjoying music from top American artists.
No Love Ride would be complete without its loyal celebrity supporters. This years’ cast of characters includes Robert Patrick, Peter Fonda, Lorenzo Lamas, Larry Hagman and Willie G. Davidson (plus typical surprise celebrities)—all dedicated Love Ride veterans who can often be found mingling with fellow bikers.
Great music is known for its ability to elevate the spirit. Exceptional live performances by world-renowned artists are a tradition at Love Ride and a cornerstone of its unparalleled success. Music legends such as Bruce Springsteen, ZZ Top, Cheryl Crow, Foo Fighters, B.B. King, CSN, the Doobie Brothers and many more helped Love Ride achieve status as the largest one-day motorcycle fundraiser in the country with a total of more than $13 million given to children’s charities since 1984. This year the award-winning country duo of Montgomery Gentry brings their special sound and personality to the main stage.
The Love Ride song is humbly written and dedicated to the incredible legacy of the Love Ride fundraiser event by an indie artist who truly does live to ride and works in the motorcycle industry. "The goal is to make the Love Ride song the largest fundraiser tune in history because there are so many people in need and motorcyclists are known for their generous fundraising efforts worldwide. The more money raised the more causes can be supported," tells Sasha Mullins Lassiter, songwriter and performer with Motoroadeo, and best known as a motojournalist, author of Chrome Cowgirl and Bikerlady and a rally personality in the motorcycle culture. The Love Ride song fundraiser project will continue through 2012 and beyond.
“Everyone involved is working in concert to make the Love Ride a most auspicious event,” said Shokouh. “The cooperative spirit is just the antidote for the still-lingering effects of a tough recession. It reflects our values as well as those of our sponsors and the many volunteers needed to make Love Ride 2011 another huge success.”
The Love Ride, a 501(c)3 charity, began in 1984 to raise funds for children’s charities. Oliver Shokouh is Love Ride’s founder and owner of Harley-Davison® of Glendale located at 3717 San Fernando Road, Glendale, CA, an authorized dealer for Harley-Davidson® and Buell® Motorcycles serving customers since 1976. Information about Love Ride:
www.loveride.org
released August 30, 2011
Sasha Mullins Lassiter: lead vocals, writer
Patrick Lassiter: background vocals, bass
Randy Nations: background vocals, guitars
Jack White: drums and humor
Mike Holmes: piano, B3
Produced by Sasha and Patrick Lassiter
Recorded at River Front Recording, Nashville
Engineered by Patrick Lassiter
Mixed by Sasha and Patrick Lassiter
Mastered by Chris Gehringer
Special thanks to Oliver Shokouh and the Love Ride Organization for accepting this song as a fundraiser project. Oliver, you are a true inspiration.