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Back in the day, Love Riders annually commandeered the highways of Los Angeles with an 18,000 bike strong phalanx of rolling thunder. Heck, just a few years ago, La-La Land’s biggest biker bash even expanded with its inclusion as part of California Bike Week, a three day rally at the Pomona Fairgrounds encompassing flat-track races, NHRA drags, and big name bands like ZZ Top and the Foo Fighters.  And then suddenly last year “poof” the whole shindig was cancelled due to the economy. But to their credit, the organizers have rolled up their sleeves and started all over again with Love Ride Retro, a time machine trip back to the original size, scale, and site of Love Ride 1, more than 26 years ago.

What used to be a ginormous logistical undertaking, and an internationally reported news event, is now a way laid back, mellow group ride. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. No more waking up at 4 AM to clear 27 check points so you can park. That was nice for a start!  Heck, Glendale Boulevard wasn’t even cordoned off, the stage was a one-foot high riser tucked away on a side street, and the VIP area consisted of a card table with some coffee and donuts. Oh sure, there was still the spectacle of some loyalist star power. Jay Leno was in attendance, as were mainstays such as Lorenzo Lamas, Willie G., Karen, and several other members of the Davidson clan.

While the celebrity contingent received a police escort onto the freeway for the ride out to Calamigos Ranch, the remainder of the participants took off at their leisure to the Malibu destination. Apparently Lorenzo Lamas’ assistant’s assistant forgot to fill ‘er up before the rally, because he flat ran out of gas along the way. Unlike the glory days when throngs of onlookers lined the streets and overpasses, and the phased departure went on seemingly for hours, this year Love Ride rolled out as a leisurely Sunday ride. There weren’t even any vendors at the ranch other than those serving the tasty tri-tip, chicken, hot dogs, and lemonade that were included in the price of the $100 admission. They were filling beer cups too for $5 if you wanted to guzzle some suds as you watched the Victor McLaglen Drill Team, or listened to Robbie Krieger from The Doors.  Overall a very low key version of an event that once drew more Los Angelenos than a Lakers playoff game, but no doubt about it,  Love Ride…it’s good to see you back!