Original publication: BikerTrash.com
Original byline: Keith “Windwalker” Schnyder
Christmas! – Bah, Humbug ?
Story by Keith “Windwalker” Schnyder
Photos by John “Stormrider” Morgan
(C)2001
If I keep telling myself it is all for the kids, I can manage to make it through this season of commercialized bliss. I’m not sure how or when it happened but Christmas somehow lost it’s meaning
Just when I’m about to give tradition the boot each year, I’ll get a call from one of my friends to go on a toy ride and everything changes. My bro Stormrider and I hit three toy runs on three consecutive weekends this year leading up to the weekend before the big day. It’s always an eye opener and the little things that happen seem to be what make the big difference.
The first one we went to is a local toy run in Ontario, California put on by ABATE. It was their 12th annual and they do a great job. It happened to be the smallest of the three but the closest to home and it reminded me of the fact that kids in my own neighborhood could go through a Christmas without toys if this group didn’t donate their time unselfishly to make a difference. While there, a friend’s soon-to-be wife told me that for three years, when times were tough, she got her kids Christmas presents from toys donated at this ride. It made me feel good to be a part of it and stirred to life that sometimes forgotten meaning of Christmas. Kids are welcome at this event and along with food, drink, vendors and raffles, they also have games kids and adults can compete in.
The following weekend we went to the Crossroads in Yucaipa, California, to an annual toy ride sponsored by the Hells Angels. This toy run feels real. Real bikers doing something to make Christmas better for kids, pure and simple. It’s also a good party with food, drink, raffles, live music and lots of bikers. Everybody has a good time and I’m sure all the toys donated brought out a lot of smiles on Christmas morning. No kids here, with the exception of me and a few others I know of, but the bottom line is still everything is done with the kids in mind.
The third weekend, which was a week before Christmas, we headed to Tijuana, Mexico, for the biggest of the three toy rides. The poverty I’ve seen in the U.S. doesn’t compare to anything I’ve ever seen in Mexico and the simplest of gifts bring wide smiles and appreciation.
The Solo Angeles and South Coast Harley in Chula Vista make this event a reality and it exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas.
There aren’t enough toys or money for everyone and that’s the sad part but the families that benefit get touched righteously. You can see it in their eyes – the look in their eyes bridges the language barrier. We all laugh in the same language. Revolution Blvd., the main drag, is for bikes only on the day of the toy run. Block after block of bikes on each curb and doubled up in the center of the street. No car traffic. Even the Tijuana police are on motorcycles. The streets are filled with bikers and locals in a party atmosphere that is unique to the time and place.
If someone tries to tell you Santa Claus doesn’t exist, tell them you’ve seen him – and he was on a harley.
Remember, it’s all for the kids.
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