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The life 
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Warren Swil
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

V 2

by Warren Swil

Glendale News-Press November 4, 1994

In an ironic twist, the two leaders of the ride will be Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda, who largely defined for many Americans the image of bikers-as-outlaws in their 1960's classic “Easy Rider.” It is a measure of how times have changed.

For many people, if not most, the sight of men and women (but especially men) on motorcycles inspires fear. It is an irrational response, based on prejudice and preconceptions nurtured by Hollywood image-makers who have glorified an unruly, violent fringe element in countless movies of the “Easy Rider” genre.

What many overlook is that it takes a person of some substance to become a motorcycle enthusiast. If in the early days of motorcycling two-wheel vehicles were regarded as inexpensive toys, they are no longer. Wildly popular Harley-Davidson machines today sell for as much or more than a family car. Even the relatively inexpensive Japanese bikes have sticker prices that are out of reach of all except the most affluent.

Few use motorcycles as their primary means of transportation, although for many it is a preferred secondary means. For most it is a sport and leisure-time activity, to be enjoyed when the weather is warm and the sky is clear. It is not surprising, therefore, that the stereotypical biker of the '60s is a vanishing breed. Today's motorcycle rider is just as likely to be a white-collar professional, a teacher, a journalist - in short, any and every subgroup would be represented.

It should come as no surprise, then, that thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts are willing to participate in an event such as the “Love Ride,” which is expected to raise about $1 million for a worthy cause on Sunday. They can turn out for a fun ride, enjoy their sport and the carnival at Castaic Lake and make a contribution to charity.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the “Love Ride” is a indeed triumph for its founder Oliver Shokouh, owner of Glendale's Harley-Davidson dealership. One of his goals when he started the event was to improve the image of motorcycle riders, to show them as kind and generous people. We congratulate him on his success - and the 14,000 others who will bear witness to it on Sunday.