Second Annual "The Greatest Escape" Motorcycle Rally for Mesothelioma Research a Huge Success

SAN PEDRO, Calif., Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunday August 3 was the 2nd ever "Greatest Escape" Motorcycle Rally to raise funds for mesothelioma research conducted by the Pacific Meso Center (www.pacificmesocenter.org). The Worthington & Caron law firm (www.mesothel.com) was proud to once again serve as the lead sponsor for this unique event.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140806/134224
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140806/134223

The rally is inspired by the classic movie, "The Great Escape" starring the "King of Cool" and mesothelioma victim Steve McQueen. The first-ever "Greatest Escape" Motorcycle Rally turned out to be even better than the original!!

The build-up to the event was somewhat auspicious, as Los Angeles experienced an extremely rare August rainstorm (any rain in LA is rare these days—but especially in August!) which lasted overnight until about 30 minutes before start-time. But the weather didn't keep away the dedicated and enthusiastic group of motorcyclists who turned out to support a very worthy cause and have a great ride up the coast in the process.

This year's celebrity grand marshal was actor and motorcycle enthusiast (more accurately "fanatic") Perry King. Perry gave an inspirational send-off speech thanking motorcyclists for being the most reliable segment of the general public when it comes to turning out to support a worthy cause. He then reminded everyone about the real reason we were all there—to raise funds for much-needed research into a cure for mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer which disproportionately affects U.S. service veterans as well as thousands of Americans from all walks of life every year.

After that, it was "kickstands up!!" With a full motorcycle escort, the likes of which is usually reserved for presidents and dignitaries, the "rolling thunder" of over 150 motorcycles of all shapes and sizes (except for Perry King's silent, but ultra-cool, Zero E-Bike) roared through the usually clogged streets of Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu without stopping for a single traffic signal!

Riders were treated to ocean views along Pacific Coast Highway and then rugged canyon views as the ride turned up Kanan Dume road. After negotiating the hills, "twisties" and tunnels of Kanan Dume, the ride turned down Cornell road for a final approach into historic Paramount Ranch, nestled in the hills above Malibu.

Everyone who made the trip got to enjoy an outstanding barbeque lunch, cold beverages and the sounds of classic Johnny Cash songs provided by the "Walking Phoenixes" band who were accompanied by the "Phoenix Girls" dancers. Four proud bike owners were given awards for having the coolest bikes in their categories, as voted on by the other riders.

Grand marshal Perry King brought along his friend, motorcycling legend Dave Ekins who, along with his brother Bud Ekins, was largely responsible for the growth of motorcycle racing in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. Dave's brother Bud did the stunt riding for Steve McQueen in the movie, including the famous scene where McQueen's character attempts to jump the barbed-wire fence at the POW camp.

All in all "The Greatest Escape" Motorcycle Rally was an extremely fun event which raised much needed funds and public awareness for research into a cure for mesothelioma. Thanks to Clare Cameron and all her dedicated volunteers at the Pacific Meso Center for working so hard to make it a success. Worthington & Caron were proud to be a part of this sequel to "The Greatest Escape" and look forward to "playing a role" in many more in the future.

For more information, please contact Worthington & Caron (http://mesothel.com/) or 800-31-9399.

Media Contact:
Michael Bittner
214.902.9797

SOURCE Worthington & Caron