Back again to the Wise County Toy Run after missing last year! This was the 17th annual run making it quite a long history of toy runs. It was a cold one this time with temperatures coming in at 48 degrees. This meant we rode the hour to get there in a wind chill of 38 degrees, then the toy run itself, and the ride back home. We bundled up real good and it wasn’t all that bad once you settled into it.
Every rider probably has their favorite toy run in their local area. Ours is the Wise County Toy Run. It's more of an MC-supported run than the others that take place in the area. It has strong community support from the residents of both Decatur, TX, and Bridgeport, TX. People will park along the route in anticipation of the motorcycles coming through. Riders will decorate their bikes with lights and toys that they will be donating at the end of the ride. It’s a huge parade event with lots of waving, signs residents make in support of the toy run, and bikers tossing candy to the kids as they ride by.
Low Attendance
This was the lowest turnout that I have attended. Not sure if it was due to the cold or what but it was only half the size of the previous ones I’ve attended. Security was present in extreme force with local police, county sheriff, DPS, and some other officers dressed in camo-type uniforms heavy laden with ammo, weapons, and vests. They even had a dog they were running by the bikes. Possibly for drugs or firearms? Most of the MCs that usually attend were still there supporting the annual event. It was still a lot of fun and I met a lot of riders who I really enjoyed talking with. As far as I know, there were no accidents or incidents which in itself brings a good ending to the toy run.
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