Harleys, Triumphs, BMWs, and at least one Honda were lined up, revved up and raring to head out from Glendale Harley Davidson on Sunday, July 26. In prior years, the route had taken riders up Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. This year’s destination for the over 200 riders was historic Newcomb’s Ranch located in Angeles National Forest, 5,000 feet above Los Angeles, at the end of a 35-mile twisting and scenic ride on Angeles Crest Highway. The goal, other than making it there safe and sound, was to raise awareness for mesothelioma and more importantly raise money for research.

This was the third annual Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC) “Greatest Escape” motorcycle ride presented by the Law Office of Worthington & Caron, P.C. The event is a reminder of one of the greatest movies of Steve McQueen’s career, The Great Escape. Steve, an accomplished motorcycle rider both on and off-screen, died of mesothelioma in 1980.

Before the police-escorted cavalcade motorcycles set off on their journey, the celebrity grand marshal made his grand entrance…or did he? Weaving through the mass of gleaming gas-powered machines on a silent and futuristic Zero electric motorcycle was actor and model Fabio Lanzano, his famous flowing golden locks wafting in the wind. Fabio greeted the riders, thanked them for supporting such a worthy cause and, after posing for photos with a throng of female (and male) admirers, it was “kickstands up!” Fabio silently lead the thundering herd through the streets of Glendale and into the mountains where urban sprawl was replaced by winding roads, rocky cliffs and redwoods.

The weather for the ride couldn’t have been any better. The trees surrounding Newcomb’s Ranch and the cool mountain breezes providing a pleasant respite from the mid-day heat. Riders and many others who made the trek by automobile to join in the fun were treated to an outstanding BBQ lunch provided by Freddie and his staff at Newcomb’s and ice cold craft beer donated by Worthy Brewing (making its southern California debut). The classic rock sounds of Cherry and the Bulldogs set the mood as participants danced, mingled, browsed through the line of vendor booths and bid on the many spectacular items that had been generously donated for the silent auction—all funds going to mesothelioma research.

Grand marshal Fabio spent the entire time mingling with the crowd, posing for more pictures and was one of the last riders to leave. The owner of over 300 motorcycles, he fit right in with the leather-clad riders and offered a test ride on his electric bike to anyone who was interested. Fabio addressed the crowd again at Newcomb’s, explaining that cancer research is near and dear to his heart, having lost his sister to cancer in recent years. Fabio has already signed on to return as grand marshal for next year’s ride!

The event was another success, with over $88,000 being raised to fund mesothelioma research at PMC’s two research labs in Los Angeles.

“We look forward to this event every year,” said John Caron of lead sponsor Worthington & Caron, “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the freedom of riding in the open air on a beautiful southern California summer day, at the same time remembering those robbed of their freedom by a mesothelioma diagnosis. The motorcycling community is well-known for coming together to support a worthy cause. Today they did it again, in a big way!”

We wish to thank grand marshal Fabio, the California Highway Patrol, Glendale Harley Davidson, Freddie and his crew at Newcomb’s Ranch, the Jarvis family, and especially Clare Cameron, Bill Cameron, Dr. Robert Cameron, Victoria Adams, Steve Mascoli and all the other PMC volunteers who worked so hard to make this year’s ride a success.