charityride

Biker Charity Event

The idea to organize a motorcycle charity ride originated in the USA in the early 1980s. The Love Ride charity is an American-based non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for important causes for over 30 years. Founded in 1984 by Harley-Davidson of Glendale owner Oliver Shokouh, the Love Ride charity was created as a way to bring the motorcycle community together to support important causes.

The Love Ride has been incredibly successful over the years, raising millions of dollars for charities and causes such as Autism Speaks, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the USO. Each year, thousands of motorcyclists used to gather together for a massive ride-out that spans over 50 miles and culminates in a huge concert featuring big-name musical acts. The Love Ride has become one of the most successful and well-known charity motorcycle rides in the world, attracting celebrities, politicians, and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country. In fact, over the years, the Love Ride charity has seen performances from some of the biggest stars, including Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, and ZZ Top.

The success of the Love Ride has inspired similar charity rides and events around the world, including the Czech-based MDA RIDE charity and its founder Josef „Káďa“ Kadeřábek. He is a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast who used to be a director of the local chapter of the Harley Owners Group, a global Harley-Davidson-sponsored riding club.

Back in 2009 after more than a year of preparation and active communication with Oliver Shokouh, the Love Ride founder, and the team of the Love Ride Switzerland organizers, Káďa decided to organize a similar charity event in the Czech Republic together with a group of his friends. A biker charity event! Who would have guessed it?

Published by

Ladislav Poledna

MDA RIDE Committee member