4th Annual Greatest Escape Motorcycle Rally Revs Up Funding for Meso Research
On Sunday, July 24, over 150 riders participated in the 4th Annual Greatest Escape Motorcycle Rally for Mesothelioma Research. Worthington & Caron was proud to once again serve as lead sponsor and participate in this one-of-a-kind motorcycle ride!
Riders of all types amassed at Glendale Harley Davidson for the start of the ride. A number of Harley and Indian riders showed up on sparkling V-twin monsters. Others arrived on custom, restored vintage, and side-car rolling works of art. Still others showed up on racy sport bikes, rugged adventure bikes, and a variety of laid back cruisers.
Riders at their destination - Newcomb's Ranch
At 10 a.m. sharp, the “thundering herd” rolled out with a full police escort. Normally impatient LA motorists cheered and waved as the procession of riders navigated the first mile of city streets before hitting the open road leading to Angeles National Forest. The riders then settled in for over 30 miles of twists and turns as they climbed over 5,000 feet to the top Angeles Crest Highway and their destination, legendary roadhouse Newcomb’s Ranch.
At Newcomb’s Ranch, riders and others who drove up on four wheels were treated to a BBQ lunch and cold Worthy Brewing beer under the redwoods. Many danced to the classic rock sounds of Cherry and the Bulldogs.
Cherry and the Bulldogs rock out on stage.
The Greatest Escape motorcycle ride is a yearly fundraiser for the Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC), a non-profit medical research institute dedicated to finding cures for mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos. Under the direction of renowned surgeon Dr. Robert Cameron, PMC conducts research at two separate labs in Los Angeles.
Dr. Cameron and a team of nurses from the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center were in attendance, as well as the PMC’s lead researcher, Ray Wong, who defied all medical researcher stereotypes by riding his Suzuki sport bike clad in racing leathers.
Researcher Ray Wong goes into detail on some of PMC's news.
During one of the band’s breaks, Dr. Cameron took the mic to express his thanks for everyone’s support of PMC, addressing the mostly leather-clad crowd of riders with the same ease as he would a gathering of doctors in lab coats. Dr. Cameron shared exciting news about a promising new immunotherapy drug developed at PMC, and invited researcher Ray Wong, still clad in riding gear, to explain some of the details. The news was greeted with loud cheers from everyone in attendance.
Dr. Robert Cameron addresses the crowd to express his thanks.
The band returned to the stage and the festivities continued well into the afternoon. Riders and attendees enjoyed good times with friends, new and old, with the satisfaction of supporting a worthy cause that’s making a difference for mesothelioma sufferers.
The event was another huge success, raising over $61,000.
We wish to thank Freddie and his crew at Newcomb’s Ranch, Glendale Harley Davidson, the Jarvis family, all of the vendors who participated in the event and donated raffle prizes, with a special thank you to Clare Cameron, Bill Cameron, Dr. Robert Cameron, Victoria Adams, Steve Mascoli and all of the PMC volunteers who worked so hard to make this year’s ride a success.
John and Suzanne Caron with PHLBI's Victoria Adams.
Looking forward to “getting the motors running and heading out on the highway” with everyone next year!!
Magnus Walker with the Redline Ravens.
