Born to Be Wild
Get your motors running, head out on the highway, the All-American Motorcycle Swap Meet is cruisin’ into Riverside Sunday:
Friday Night
Harley-Davidson meets Hollywood at the Thunder Roadhouse on Sunset Boulevard, where, at any time of the day or night, a row of spotless bikes, their chrome glistening, is positioned like a sentry line outside. At the Roadhouse, co-owned by Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda and Dwight Yoakum, the grub is nothing to “ride” home about: overpriced burgers, fries, nachos and beer. But the scene is something to behold: a mix of yuppies, tourists and a sampling of the genuine biker article. 8371 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (213) 650-6011.
Speaking of Hopper and Fonda, take a side trip to the nearest video store and rent their seminal movie “Easy Rider” (1969), about two bikers on a search for the real America. Or try “The Wild One” (1954) with Marlon Brando, looking awfully good in black leather and that funny cap, as the leader of a pack of riders who terrorize small towns.
Saturday
With its mountain, coastline and desert roads, plus year-round riding weather, the L.A. area offers bikers an array of settings for rides. One of the most popular is Angeles Crest Highway. The curves of the twisting 60-mile, two-lane highway wind through the scenic Angeles National Forest, past Mount Wilson, a couple of ski areas and end just past Wrightwood. The moist air is an exhilarating escape. Drive safely: Dozens of fatal accidents occur each year on this road. Take the Foothill Freeway (I-210) and follow the signs to the Angeles Crest Highway (State 2) north. For information, call the Clear Creek Station at (818) 797-9959.
For a ride closer to L.A., Mulholland Highway through the Santa Monica Mountains to Malibu is hog heaven on the weekends. Enter from Laurel Canyon Boulevard or Cahuenga Boulevard.
Take a side trip off Mulholland onto Calabasas Road and park it at the Sagebrush Cantina. Although Sunday afternoons are when the Harley crowd gathers for a weekly beer bust, the large outdoor patio is always a melting pot not to be missed. Try the California Mexican fare for dinner. 23527 Calabasas Road., Calabasas, (818) 222-6062.
Sunday Morning
Time to head out on the highway toward Riverside. Wear your leather finery, fringed chaps and Harley jacket for the All-American Motorcycle Swap Meet, which will offer bikes for sale and trade, new and used vintage parts and accessories, leather, jewelry and Harley memorabilia. Also music, food and drinks. At Lake Perris Fairgrounds. Take the I-10 east to the I-215 south to Pomona Expressway. Take Lake Perris exit, make a left at second stoplight onto Lake Perris Drive. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $5 for adults, kids under 12 free, (310) 226-2972. (The Swap Meet moves to the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara July 27 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Take the 101 to Los Positas exit and follow signs.)
Sunday Night
If you roll back into town in time, catch a few laughs with everyone’s favorite hog head celeb, Jay Leno. A collector who owns dozens of classic bikes, Leno leads the 50-mile Love Ride from Glendale to Santa Clarita Valley’s Castaic Lake each fall (coming Nov. 9). He may be on TV every weeknight, but he still makes time to do a live show on Sundays at 7 p.m. at the Comedy and Magic Club, 1018 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, (310) 372-1193. Reservations required.
