Love Ride Canceled Due to Bad Economy

For the first time in its 26 years history, Love Ride has been canceled. The legendary charity motorcycle event has been stalled as a result of the slow economy and low motorcycle sales. Instead, the organization will set up an autograph session with Peter Fonda and free movie screening, commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Fonda’s role in “Easy Rider.”

The event was supposed to take place three weeks from now, but there have been to few tickets sold to cover the $500,000 needed to get the roadway permits and entertainment programs.

When the riders wanted their $60 admission fee back, the organizers came up with the autograph session and the free movie screening. In addition, Glendale Harley will also be selling Love Ride memorabilia as a solution to cover the financial efforts already made by the Love Ride Foundation.

However, those that did register for Love Ride 26 will receive a Love Ride 26 ride pin, patch and t-shirt, while donations to go to the Love Ride beneficiaries are still being accepted and are tax deductible. Moreover, the top ten fund-raising prizes featured in the Love Ride 26 brochure will still be awarded, excluding opportunity tickets.

"It just seems like there's not a whole lot of charity in people's heart at this point. Most people are struggling to keep their heads above water," said Oliver Shokouh, Love Ride founder and organizer and the owner of Glendale Harley-Davidson, for the LA Daily News reporters.

"After 25 years of expansion, it may be time to return to our roots with a smaller, more intimate event," he added, "But we will be back."