The Ride Report

I went on the Love Ride last Sunday, as I’ve done almost every year since 2001. I had my doubts about the different format this year, with the ride going to the Pomona Fairplex rather than Castaic Lake, and rolling the ride in with California Bike week, but I think it worked. The ride seemed much more organized this year — they actually blocked off a freeway lane for us for a mile or so — and the Pomona Fairplex is a much more concert and crowd-friendly environment than is Castaic. I didn’t get a chance to see the racing or any of the other Bike Week events, but judging it on the variety of vendors there and the way their booths were laid out, plus how easy it was to navigate the Fairplex itself, I have to give it a big thumbs-up.

In all fairness and honesty, it’s possible that my impressions may have been colored by the fact that I had backstage passes both at Glendale Harley and up at Pomona. I’ve done the Love Ride as part of the madding crowd before, and I’m here to tell you that backstage is better: better parking, better food, less crowded, a great view of the stage … it definitely has its advantages. You might even get to meet Willie G. Davidson:

Me and Willie G (and Mrs. G)