While you can't say that Bernie Madoff killed Love Ride 26, but the cancellation of the annual motorcycle ride benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association is part and parcel of a collapsing economy whose victims include once-secure charities. The L.A. Daily News reports that the Love Ride, which is the San Fernando Valley's largest charity event, was canned because of weak ticket sales. It costs $60 to enter the ride.

Writer Sue Doyle spoke to Glendale Harley-Davidson shop owner Oliver Shokouh, who told the paper, “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.” The Love Ride, which had been scheduled for October 25, has in recent times begun at Shokouh's shop on San Fernando Road and ended at the L.A.  County fairgrounds in Pomona.

An announcement of the cancellation appears on the Glendale Harley Web site.

“In place of the usual event,” the notice says, “Glendale Harley, Home

of the Love Ride, is sponsoring an autograph session with Peter Fonda

and free movie screening, commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Fonda's

starring role in Easy Rider. The event will take place at the

dealership (3717 San Fernando Rd. in Glendale) Friday, October 23rd

from 4-10 p.m.”

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