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. 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.The music will highlight a day dedicated to an important cause. That cause is autism, a challenging neurological disorder that affects a growing number of children and their parents each year. As in 2010, the Love Ride charity is Autism SpeaksTM, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. Through the generosity of bikers and everyone involved year after year, the Love Ride can make a significant impact on the disorder.This year, Love Ride greets a major new supporter, the Southern California Harley-Davidson Dealers Association. The 22-strong dealer group adds an important new feature to the event by offering each of their dealerships as launch points for the ride. This approach will make it more convenient for bikers to start their rides while also improving logistical aspects for a smooth beginning to the day.Castaic Lake, with its rolling hills, shade trees, and the beautiful lake makes an ideal setting for a long list of activities: The music of Montgomery Gentry backed by hand-picked gourmet food purveyors, motorcycle stunt shows, plus an eclectic variety of vendors with souvenirs to take home. Proud bikers can also display their rides in a bike show and special prizes for top fund-raisers will also be featured.All makes of motorcycles are welcome to participate in the Love Ride. And even if you don’t ride a motorcycle but want donate and hear a great concert in beautiful Castaic Lake, there is ample and free parking for cars and trucks too. Oliver Shokouh says: "Everyone involved is working in concert to make the Love Ride a most auspicious event. 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."For the latest information and updates on the ride, go to loveride.org.
