It was a beautiful day for a ride on Sunday. After picking up Monique and RJ we made our way to I - 235 and headed east to the Capital. Because of my shear excitement about being able to go on this toy ride I got us there plenty early so we road around a little while and then headed back to the parking lot that is east of the Capital. As you can tell we were still pretty early.
I love Rat Bikes and this one was one of the coolest I saw on Sunday. Thanks to the nice biker that told me I could post it. I'm bad...I forgot to get his name but he did say he enters "Bone Rattler" in Rat Bike shows.
As the time goes by more and more people begin showing up. I decide to walk around and get some pictures and chat it up with some people that I know.
Yes...there is a Santa and Mrs. Claus. And Mrs. Claus wears leather chaps, with fringe. COOL!
I even ran into a reindeer and an elf.
You see so many cool things when you just walk around and look. I was like a kid in a big parking lot candy store. One fun find after another.
This is one of my favorite pictures that I took on Sunday. I want this to be me. I want to always be a cool biker chick until I can't swing my leg over that scoot anymore. You go Biker Momma!
And this is in no way making fun of the Iowa State Patrol but the photo cracks me up a little. These two Iowa State Patrol walking among a whole lotta bikers! Do you see the humor? Come on...you have to see the humor!
I mean, check out all the people that showed up for this event.
I know you are all wondering if we actually went on a ride. Yes we did! At one o'clock on the money the parking lot of steel horses sprung to life as people got in line to ride out of the Capital parking lot and down SE 14th Street. I had no idea what to expect but boy was I in for an amazing surprise!
SE 14th Street had a Des Moines police officer at every intersection so that we could blow through every red light. I know Dan was loving it because he has this red light bad karma thing that follows him so I know he was like, yes...yes...yes! I had chill bumps the entire ride. There were people along the way that were waving and honking. It was the coolest feeling and it was all in the name of helping kids! What better way to spend your Sunday afternoon...riding and donating a toy so that a little child can have a brighter Christmas. Awesome!
I'm really glad that Monique and RJ joined us for this event. I know we all really enjoyed it. The riding season is drawing to an end here in Iowa but I know there will be many more weekends of fun ahead of us!
Happy Riding! IHG :)
13 comments:
Ms. IHG,
I remember my first toy run back in 1986 I think it was. Back then the ride started at the fair grounds and went clear out to Cherry Glen at Saylorville Lake. Once there a pig roast was waiting for you to go with the cold ones you packed with you. I’ve since stopped going on the runs five years ago because there are just too many people and the ride is just too short. Now I just buy something and give it to friends that I know are going. What I enjoyed the most was helping my Marine buddy sort the tons of toys each year at the armory. I got more joy out of that then I did giving of things.
But yes it was a great day for a ride. I hope you got away from the crowd and got to enjoy a nice ride like I did.
fasthair
It's really cool when a ride is escorted, and lights controlled. Neat to be a part of an evnt such as this.
The Clauses seem a bit out of place though.
Sweeeeeeet! Thanks for the picts. Sounds like you had a great time. I relate to the "chills". It doesn't matter how many years or runs have gone by, I still get the rush. I was suprised to see the CMA M/C actually riding. Usually those guys are running traffic detail or gate watch. Feel sorry for 'em sometimes.
Cops that help you run reds? heh, amazing how the mentality changes with the geography.
Sounds like you had a great time Steph. Toy runs are great for your heart. It was a really nice day. I rode up to Anamosa then back down to Sutliff. These days are quickly comming to an end. Take advantage of every good day from now on. dan
Our toy run is coming up next month. As important as our hospital fund raiser is, I love the idea of doing something for the kids at Christmas time. I'm sure you were warmer on your ride than I'll be on mine!
You got some great pics there. Nice one with you and Santa. Did you tell him what you wanted in your stocking this year? LOL! Love the Staties too. For me it wasn't so much weird to see cops among all the bikers as it is to see cops wearing brown! They look like park rangers to me. Out here, city, town or State, the cops all wear blue.
So how long was the ride? Where'd it end up at? Was there food and beer or a band or anything?
I can't wait for our local toy run in December. It will be my first, but I will be riding with Dave. I'm just way too intimidated to ride in that large of a group, maybe next year.
Sounds like a great day Steph, it always feels good to do something for others. The pics are great!
be still my heart...more pic of old restored Harleys. Y'all are gonna all keep on baiting me till I have to start on one :)
I love the toy runs. Our HOG chapter does a huge one every year. It's great to see the smiles on the kids' faces and the gratitude of their parents. It's one of our events that requires the use of dark sunglasses. (To cover your teary eyes)
Glad you got to go. Thanks for sharing.
looks like fun and the guys with cigars can't be all bad!
I've been on a couple toy runs with my pals in Panama City. It's always fun to see the "biker version" of Santa. There are usually kids present at these events too, and it's cool to see there eyes as big as saucers looking at all the bike and bikers. Thanks for taking us with and I'm glad you didn't have to miss out this time.
WOOHOO!! The Toy Run remains one of my favorite events, even if it does signal the end (or close to it) of the riding season. We had a great time as always - and thanks to the folks at the Eagles Lodge for their hospitality! Sorry I missed seeing you, Steph, I thought I might recognize you from your blog photo, but now that I see what you were wearing I don't remember seeing you at all! LOL Great photos - hope to be able to meet you one of these days! ~ Janet
Janet-
How could you miss her? She was the one dressed in black.
What a great ride this was! I love the lady. What an inspiration she is! You are too! The kids will have toys this year again thanks to people like you!
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