More than 1,500 hearty motorcyclists registered for this year’s Toy Run on Sunday, Oct. 18. It all began at the VFW on Lake and zigzagged on Gerlaugh to reach Lower Valley Pike for the ride through Medway. At George Rogers Clark Park the procession merged onto Route 4. Taking a full lane for miles and miles, the motorcyclists passed under the Old Mill overpass.
That was where I watched. It was fantastic to see a line of motorcycles two wide, extending as far as I could see in both directions. Their destination was the Clark County Fairgrounds
The overhead was full of people all bundled up, waving, and shouting their approval. They cheer from above every year.
Lori Baker, who lives next to the overhead, had a homemade “Thank You” sign. She and son Nick Henry always bring lawn chairs and settle in for a long parade.
A group of elementary-aged kids waved and posed for photos with the motorbikes in the distance behind them. They were at a birthday party next door to the overhead and their parents brought them over to see what was causing all the roaring. The party was for 10-year-old Braden Donnellson who rode his dirt bike over to watch.
I have a feeling that he will ride in the toy run some day.
And indeed there was roaring as drivers revved up their engines to answer the cheers, and there was lots of honking too. I guess I didn’t ever think of motorcycles having horns, but they do.
One driver was able to toss a handful of lollipops up over the overhead fence. I imagine the Reds might want to sign him for outfield next year.
There was an amazing variety of cycles. I was amazed at how many three wheelers took part. There were a couple of motorcycles with side cars filled with bundled up children holding toys and a new type of motor cycle that looked like a car. It had two front wheels and one in the back. I was told that those were “slingshots.” It was cool that there were toys on board.
I could not help but wonder how many helmet free riders froze their ears and faces as they rode. Moisturizer had to be their friend that evening. But it was for a good cause.
This was the 42nd time this group had rode to benefit the Springfield Salvation Army’s Christmas toy efforts. Since the need is so great this year, the toy run was especially important.
Events like this make a huge difference in our community. Not only do they help kids and families in need, they lift the spirit of the community. Lord knows we can use some spirit lifting.
As the song from the Broadway hit, “Mame” says, we do “need a little Christmas now.” The toy run did just that and it will make celebrating Christmas possible for lots of children all over the city and county.
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