Tattooing For A Cause – Love Ride 32

What has motorcycles, tattoos, rock and roll, and supports a great cause? Love Ride 32 is an annual one day motorcycle charity that will be taking place on October 18th. Over the years the ride has helped to raise 24 million dollars in the past for causes such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Service Organization and Autism Speaks. This event brings together thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country to support this noble cause by riding from Glendale to Castaic Lake for a standout Foo Fighters and Social Distortion concert, motorcycle trade show, motorcycle stunts, and gourmet food trucks galore.

This year, Love Ride has teamed up with Brian Keith Thompson, owner of celebrity tattoo hotspot Body Electric Tattoo, Jay Leno, and Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters to raise awareness for this year’s charity, the Wounded Warrior Project. Thompson, a former US Marine and current owner of Body Electric Tattoo, will be judging a tattoo contest on social media to help raise money for a cause that hits close to home. The tattoo contest is comprised of several different categories which represent different aspects of the event. There will be a “Best Heart Tattoo” for Love Ride, a “Best Motorcycle Tattoo” for top sponsor Harley-Davidson, a “Best Military Tattoo” for the Wounded Warrior Project, and a “Best Foo Fighters Tattoo” for the Foo Fighters. Winners of each category will walk away with free concert tickets and a selection of Harley-Davidson merchandise.

Inked had the chance to speak with Brian Keith Thompson on his involvement with the charity fundraiser.

What is Love Ride for those who have never heard of the event?
It’s the largest and longest running one-day motorcycle charity event in the world. This is its 32nd and final year. Over the years it has raised in excess of 24 million dollars for charities like Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Service Organization, Autism Speaks, and the Glendale Community College. This year it benefits the Wounded Warrior Project.Why is it important to support the Wounded Warriors Project?For me it’s particularly important since I’m a Marine. But I think it’s important to any American since this organization assists our wounded service members with injuries, illnesses, and helps with their transition back into civilian life. These men and women have sacrificed an enormous amount. They deserve the help.

What can attendees expect from this year’s event?
A lot of motorcycles and tattoos. Aside from the entertainment–the Foo Fighters and Social Distortion–who will be performing, there will be stunt shows, food trucks, and drawings for a bunch of cool prizes.

What separates this event from other charity fundraisers out there?
Good question. I guess the community aspect of it. Thousands of riders coming together. And that it has a festival feel to it. But at the end of the day, it’s really like any fundraiser in that its purpose is to help others.

How can the people at home get involved with this event?
By going to your local recruit office and joining the United States Marine Corps! But seriously, even though that’s cool, you can also go to loveride.org and either purchase tickets to attend. Or, if you can’t attend, you can still donate to the Wounded Warrior Project at Love Ride’s site. There’s a link on the homepage. Or just tell friends or post on social media. It all helps.

What are your goals as far as fundraising for this event?
Really to assist in any way I can in raising awareness and donations to WWP. As I said, it’s an important cause – and particularly important to me having served in the military.