Sunday was a bit cool as the Road Sofa left the barn with a bag of toys for Sunday's Toy Run. Not too bad but definately leather weather! Ray and Donna on the other hand had left a bit earlier than me, heading over from St. Cloud and they surely needed the warm weather gear while Bob and Sandy making the run up from Melbourne Beach also hit the road early enough to need the layers.
The plan was to hook up at the Fabulous 50's diner in Cocoa for a bit of breakfast, then head over to the BP at Peachtree and US 1 to meet two other Southern Cruiser chapters, Krutch and the Palm Coast gang and John, new Harbor City First Officer who was bringing a group up from down south.
The Palm Coast group pulled in first, a bit chilly but certainly dressed for the event. They were followed a short time later by John and the Harbor City group. After we all introduced around, we saddled up for the short run over to the mall. John led us over to Forrest Ave, we made the 520 turn, and headed on over to the mall. By now we were about 14 bikes strong and a pretty good showing for the coastie Southern Cruisers!
The bikes all started pulling out right on time at noon but it was a bit before the line made it back to us. Once underway, the run on down to Melbourne was about 45 minutes or so and we were pulling in to the BCC campus and Wickham Park about 2:00.
The run was very well organized, ABATE of Brevard did another outstanding job, pretty amazing feat when you wrap your head around the fact there was somewhere between 7,000 and 10,000 bikes depending on who was reporting on it. This year's run benefitted the Shriner's hospital in Tampa and local groups like the Brevard Sharing Center and South Brevard Charities.
It's always a good feeling to do what you can for those less fortunate and from the looks of things, there's going to be a lot of smiles on those kid's faces come Christmas morning!
Stay tuned for upcoming rides, not sure when or where, I'll be out of comission for a few weeks gettin' over more work I'm having done on my outriggers but I think we can hook something up for after the holidays.
If anything comes up before, I'll be sure and let you know but if not, you all have a safe and Merry Christmas and an equally safe New Year!
Thanks to all who've come out and cruised the highways and byways with us, It's been a great year and there will surely be more to follow next year!
'Till then,
Ride Safe!
Steve Rasin' Kane
SCRC FL Space Coast Chapter 122 First Officer
