American Honda Motor Co., Inc., the presenting sponsor of Ride for Kids®, hosted the gathering. Motorcycle officers from the California Highway Patrol helped escort hundreds of bikes on a gorgeous ride along the Pacific Ocean, with help from All Cities Transportation, Inc.

When the riders returned to the Honda campus, they heard from the stars, including Amanda, a college graduate and former PBTF scholarship recipient. “I’m in awe of the level of passion the motorcyclists continue to bring,” she said.

Added Yverline’s mom, Cynde, “We’re not saints and we’re not heroes…we are just tired. And that’s why today is so important. You are encouraging us.”

In addition to funding the PBTF’s family support programs, the Ride for Kids® supports medical research. “We need better and safer therapies so that we can have a truly cured child,” said Dr. Girish Dhall, a pediatric oncologist at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. “The dollars you raised today go exactly toward this effort.”

Donated Ride for Kids® drawing prizes went to Robert Larkin (Honda motorcycle); Michael York (AGV helmet); Alex Quintanilla (Dunlop tire); Wenzel Turmes (Tourmaster luggage); and Mickey Harrison (Cardo Scala Rider).

The Los Angeles Ride for Kids® task force worked hard all year to make this event a success. We will start planning our 2013 ride soon. If you would like to join the Los Angeles Ride for Kids Task Force Team, please contact us. The more the merrier!