GLENDALE, California - August 2, 2011 - Bighearted bikers will boogie to the beat of country music's dynamic duo, Montgomery Gentry, when the 28th annual Love Ride rumbles in to Castaic Lake, California on Sunday, October 23 to raise money for the fight against autism. Leading the pack will be Tonight Show host and long-time biker, Jay Leno, as Grand Marshal of the Love Ride-a post he has filled since inception of the event in 1984.
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 and a number of celebrities each year to partake in the pleasures of helping others while enjoying music from top American artists. For 2011, the Love Ride carries on the tradition with country stars Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry-who also, by the way-like to ride.
"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."
No Love Ride would be complete without its loyal celebrity supporters. Robert Patrick, Peter Fonda, Lorenzo Lamas, Larry Hagman, Willie G. Davidson and typical surprise celebrities will also be there-all dedicated Love Ride veterans who can be found mingling with fellow bikers.
Perhaps perfectly named, the Love Ride is that rare charity event that bikers look forward to every year. Version 2011 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.
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.
This year the award-winning country duo of Montgomery Gentry brings their special sound and personality to the main stage. Beloved by fans for their story-telling music style and personal values, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry also ride Harleys - a combination that promises to make Love Ride 2011 an unforgettable biker experience. Montgomery Gentry songs can regularly be found in the top-ten on the country music charts and they've collected numerous awards and nominations in the past 12 years.
Spontaneous and fun-loving, Montgomery Gentry 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 Speaks(tm), 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.
At the end of the ride, thousands of bikers will funnel into the Castaic Lake site, with its rolling hills, shade trees, and the beautiful lake as the background where a long list of activities awaits: 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. Love Ride welcomes participation of all makes of motorcycles. And even if you don't ride, but would like to donate, come out to the lake and join the party. Parking is free.
"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."