Sunday August 3 was the 2nd ever “Greatest Escape” Motorcycle Rally to raise funds for mesothelioma research conducted by the Pacific Meso Center. The Worthington & Caron law firm was proud to once again serve as the lead sponsor for this unique event.
The rally is inspired by the classic movie, “The Great Escape” starring the “King of Cool” and mesothelioma victim Steve McQueen. While there has never been a sequel to “The Great Escape” (and hopefully never will be!), the sequel to the first-ever “Greatest Escape” Motorcycle Rally turned out to be even better than the original!!
The build-up to the
event was somewhat auspicious, as Los Angeles experienced an extremely rare
August rainstorm (any rain in LA is rare these days—but especially in August!)
which lasted overnight until about 30 minutes before start-time. But the
weather didn’t keep away the dedicated and enthusiastic group of motorcyclists
who turned out to support a very worthy cause and have a great ride up the
coast in the process.
This year’s celebrity
grand marshal was actor and motorcycle enthusiast (more accurately “fanatic”)
Perry King. Perry gave an inspirational send-off speech thanking motorcyclists
for being the most reliable segment of the general public when it comes to
turning out to support a worthy cause. He then reminded everyone about the real
reason we were all there—to raise funds for much-needed research into a cure
for mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer which disproportionately affects U.S.
service veterans as well as thousands of Americans from all walks of life every
year.
After that, it was
“kickstands up!!” With a full motorcycle escort, the likes of which is usually reserved for presidents and dignitaries, the “rolling thunder” of over 150 motorcycles of
all shapes and sizes (except for Perry King’s silent, but ultra-cool, Zero
E-Bike) roared through the usually clogged streets of Venice, Santa Monica and
Malibu without stopping for a single traffic signal!
"Twisting" Through the Canyons
Riders were treated
to ocean views along Pacific Coast Highway and then rugged canyon views as the
ride turned up Kanan Dume road. After negotiating the hills, “twisties” and
tunnels of Kanan Dume, the ride turned down Cornell road for a final approach
into historic Paramount Ranch, nestled in the hills above Malibu. It was quite
a sight as all the bikes wound their way through the dirt streets of the
western town movie set before it was “kickstands down” around the party
pavilion at the ranch.
At the Ranch - John Caron (center) with Perry King (to his left) and Chuck Jarvis,
Jr. (to his right)
The riders were
joined by a healthy throng of supporters who drove their cars to the ranch to
be part of the fun. Everyone who made the trip got to enjoy an outstanding
barbeque lunch, cold beverages and the sounds of classic Johnny Cash songs
provided by the “Walking Phoenixes” band who were accompanied by the “Phoenix
Girls” dancers. Four proud bike owners were given awards for having the coolest
bikes in their categories, as voted on by the other riders.
Attendees bid liberally
on the outstanding auction and raffle items which were donated to the cause by
generous supporters. The prizes included two African safaris, a Keith Urban
guitar, artisanal glassworks and all sorts of motorcycle gear, with all of the
proceeds going to mesothelioma research.
Grand marshal Perry
King brought along his friend, motorcycling legend Dave Ekins who, along with
his brother Bud Ekins, was largely responsible for the growth of motorcycle
racing in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. Dave shared some little
known facts about the motorcycling scenes in “The Great Escape” movie. Dave’s
brother Bud did the stunt riding for Steve McQueen in the movie, including the
famous scene where McQueen’s character attempts to jump the barbed-wire fence
at the POW camp. DYK--it was Steve McQueen himself who added this scene to the
movie as a condition for doing the movie.
Click here for to view the news story from local ABC affiliate KABC.
All in all “The Greatest Escape” Motorcycle Rally was an extremely fun event which raised much needed funds and public awareness for research into a cure for mesothelioma. Thanks to Clare Cameron and all her dedicated volunteers at the Pacific Meso Center for working so hard to make it a success. Worthington & Caron were proud to be a part of this sequel to “The Greatest Escape” and look forward to “playing a role” in many more in the future.
John and Perry; John taking Perry’s E-bike for a Silent Spin
