Bikers Race for Charity While Raising Dust

The sound is thunderous: several thousand motorcycles simultaneously spitting fire and fury.

The cause, though, is benign: The annual Love Ride benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. and the Jerry Lewis ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Center.

Last year’s 2,500 participants raised $250,000. This year, nearly 4,000 entrants are expected for Sunday’s fifth renewal of the ride, which starts in Glendale and snakes over a 100-mile course to the Calamigos Ranch on Kanan Road in the Malibu Hills.

Meanwhile, participants agree that another cause is served: dispelling the widespread concept of bikers as brutes.

“The ride is really impressive,” says motorcyclist Sally Mason, who hasn’t missed one yet. “It seems like every time a biker breaks a beer bottle in Chatsworth it’s on Page 1; the Love Ride never makes it. But we’re real proud of what we do every year.”

What they do is raise pledges ($35 minimum), sign up at 8 a.m. at Harley-Davidson of Glendale, 3717 San Fernando Road, rumble off at 10 (“about an hourlong procession of bikes,” Mason says), and fetch up at Calamigos. There, a Brobdingnagian barbecue awaits, as well as an afternoon of games, riding and sky-diving demonstrations, entertainment and drawing for prizes ranging up to a Harley Springer and trips for two to Mexico and Hawaii. To participate, call (818) 246-5618.

“Everybody’s out there--doctors, accountants, Hell’s Angels, Peter Fonda, Billy Idol, John Schneider--on any kind of bike,” publicist Paulette Kam says. “You really have to see it--and hear it--to appreciate it.”

“It’s a bighearted thing,” rider Mason concludes. “It’s a lot of fun to see that many bikers all being good at the same time. . . .”