On the streets of L.A., you are what you ride

Where to find them: At organized rides and rallies, but Neptune's Net is also a safe bet, 42505 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu.

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Classics

Gear: Brando-style leather jackets and retro smoking jackets with patches, cuffed Levi's, work boots.

Helmet: Retro Davida half helmets and goggles.

Riding style: Arms forward, feet back.

Attitude: My bike's prettier (and more obscure) than your bike.

Age: 30s and 40s, when they've got the time to hunt one down (and the patience to fix what inevitably breaks down).

Where to find them: Often meet by specific brand, but the Cretins, a retro, rocker-style motorcycle club, is open to all. Thursday nights at the Big Foot Lodge, 3172 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles.

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Dirt

Gear: Candy-colored jerseys and pants, chest/elbow/knee/back protectors, knee-high buckled boots, Kevlar-reinforced gloves.

Helmet: Visorless full face, with goggles.

Riding style: As fast as the dirt will let them. Keep those elbows out, and stand over the tank on straightaways. Sit down and drag your boot through the muck in rutty turns.

Attitude: If you aren't filthy, get back on the track.

Age: Tweens, teens and 20s, with adrenaline to burn.

Where to find them: The motocross tracks are jumping, but if you're riding out in the desert near Lancaster/Palmdale, check out the Jawbone Canyon Store, Highway 14, Cantil.