Each year for the last 15 or so years the local Lions Club, along with
the local bike clubs, has arranged a toy run to raise toys for the
underprivilaged children in our area for Christmas. Last year I participated
as one of the bikers with my 78 KZ650 but this year due to a missing Santa,
I was asked to be Santa and lead the bikes through a predetermined, approx.
100 mile, course that went in and around our city. Santa customarily drove
a VW/Harley trike but I chose to use the Kyote as I have no trike.
This year we had a little over 200 bikes entered with a total of about
350 participants. Each participant must supply 1 toy as enterance into
the run. As a result we collected a little more than a pickup truck overflowing
with toys.
Have you ever experienced 200 plus Harleys, big touring bikes and race
bikes not to mention one dune buggy start their engines all at the
same time. Trust me the ground shakes. Now picture these same vehicles
going down the main 4 lane street through the city revving high in low
gear because the police escort said "Make lots of noise". I am sure the
buildings were rocking.
Next year we are plan to bring the attendance up to the 500 mark.
I will again be there to lead the pack on this wonderful fun event.
My thanks go out to the many bikers and people that made this event
possible.
Picking up my friend and his Gold Wing
Waiting in the hot sun for all the bikers to arrive
Just a few of the many participants.
I started with 2 toys in the back. Along the way, spectators donated
5 big garbage bags full of toys. Now the back seat was overfilled with
toys.
