Bert’s Blog

Saturday afternoon was another very special event for kids. It was the day that our Harley Chapter delivered Christmas gifts to the Cumberland House, the local charity that we help support. Although Peggy and I did not actually ride with the group on the way to the Cumberland House (errands got in the way), we were able to see the group leaving the dealership led by the fire engine. We attempted to follow them but the police were too efficient. While you can run red traffic lights when you ride with an event like this, the same rules do not apply when following in a car. We then turned around and drove up to the corner of the street where all of the bikes would turn to get to Cumberland. Peggy counted 77 bikes that participated in this event; most of whom we knew. It was great watching Santa ride up on his Harley. Doug is a natural at this!

When we all came into the library to watch the kids open their gifts, it was a wonderful feeling. Each child had a large decorative bag in front of them, and they patiently waited for the signal to start opening their gifts. When they did start, the group in front of us had a young boy in it that we were watching. He opened one of his gifts, saw that it was a Nike box, and did not show any emotion yet. It was almost like, oh it probably is just a box that they recycled. He opened the box to find the pair of Nike shoes that he wanted, and smiled a little. He slowly looked inside to see the size, and when he confirmed that they were the right size, his smile got even bigger. Then he quietly made that gesture that we are all familiar with that goes with a “YES!”. It was so touching, and was rewarding knowing that we were just a small part of what the entire chapter provided for all of the residents of the Cumberland House. What a great Saturday afternoon for Peggy ad I.

Next Sunday, December 16th, is the big DFW Toy Run. Now we all know that things are bigger in Texas, so it should be an amazing event. Last year there were approximately 42,000 motorcycles that rode in this event, with riders converging on Arlington coming from Ft. Worth, Dallas and Grapevine. Last year’s run raised over $1,000,000 in toys to be given to needy children for Christmas. This will be our second Toy Run this year, and we really love seeing the generous spirit of all of the riders! And besides, where else do you get to ride on freeways that are closed just for you, and run red lights when you are on regular streets? We will be there!