Motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life recently gathered in Thousand Oaks to take part in one of the area’s most beloved traditions: The SoCal Burn Ride. Founded in 2014 by Trevor Holtan and David Kuntz, this charity event takes place every year, bringing motorcyclists on a scenic ride throughout Southern California and raising money for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation in the process.
SoCal Burn Ride IX took place on Saturday, Oct. 26. Participants gathered at Lakeview Pavilion at Conejo Creek North Park for opening ceremonies, which included a Presentation of Colors by the 205th Battalion, California Cadet Corps, Pacoima Middle School, the singing of the National Anthem by a vocalist with the Seal Beach Symphony and speeches from Daniel Chacon, executive director of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, and burn survivor and volunteer Paul Harris.
At 10 a.m., engines roared as the riders began their two-hour tour. With Dave Kuntz in the lead, the group headed west past Point Mugu State Park, south to the Pacific Coast Highway, and up through the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, with stops at the scenic Ventura County Fire Department Station 56 in Malibu and the legendary Rock Store — a restaurant frequented by local gearheads — in Agoura Hills. The ride covered 60 miles in all.
After returning to Conejo Creek Park North, it was time to party. Reign Body Fuel, Monster Energy and Taco Loco provided refreshments, vendors provided a variety of gear for sale, and Apex Studio 66 provided a motorcycle racing simulator. Live music and great raffle prizes were also a highlight. Attendees even had a chance to take “Ride & Repeat” photos with Jeff Thomas of Turn N Burn Magazine.
Proceeds from SoCal Burn Ride IX will go to support Champ Camp, a residential summer camp experience for child burn survivors in California.
www.aarbf.org
www.socalburnride.com
