It was a foggy December morning, about 60 degrees not bac for December. I roll out about 9:30. Head down Hwy 290 towards Fredericksburg. Turn North on Hwy 16. About 3 miles out pull into Pecan Grove. Pecan Grove is an old Sinclair gas station that has been remodeled into a burger restaurant that sells beer and has music sometimes. They serve a great burger, you must try it. One of the best in the area. No joke. This is the meeting place for the 38th annual Cherokee Children’s Home Christmas Toy Ride.
There was nobody in the parking lot! I thought maybe I got the wrong date or time. After about 30 minutes of sitting on a picnic table, I hear a roar of bikes coming down the highway. After a few minutes, the parking lot is full of bikes, trucks, and cars. This run was established 38 years ago by the Martin Brothers and others in Johnson City. We pull out around 11 am to Cherokee. The bikes lead the way with trucks and cars behind. The count is 118 bikes, what a scene. All running together in one group. We arrive in Llano, some make a gas stop. We continue up Hwy 16 to Cherokee, about 15 more miles. Pull over in town to get everyone back in line for the final mile to the home. All 118 bikes pull into the home in a single file. The children are waiting as we pull in. Such smiling faces and waves. We all park and make our way to the pavilion. The food line is forming. We are greeted by the staff as we await, BBQ sandwiches and chips abound. Plenty of homemade desserts. A few words were spoken by the director of the home. Shortly thereafter the presents are distributed to the kids, They are so thankful!
Let me rewind, what makes this possible? The annual pig roast in Johnson City, Held the 2nd weekend in October. The event is held at the roping grounds by the Pedernales River. This year I think about 650 attended. They have bands playing, food vendors, auctions, and bike games. The pig and all the trimmings are quite the feast! The proceeds from all these activities make it possible for the gifts for the kids. A head count is made by the Children’s Home of how many children are at the home. The names are noted, so the gifts can be purchased specifically for that child. Volunteers, meet to wrap the gifts for each child. Takes a lot of hard work, to complete this job. Thanks to all the volunteers. I’ve attended most of the last 28 years, such a great cause. Put this on your calendar of things to do next year. God Bless!
Snook TX Toy Run 21
I’ve said this before, I never leave in the rain! Well, have to eat those words again. Leave my house in light rain, and proceed down Hwy 290 to Fredericksburg. Meet up with “Roadrunner’ at the local restaurant. After a quick cup of coffee, head east. Travel the route from Johnson City to Dripping Springs. Dripping Springs is the start of gridlock! Bumper to bumper. stop and go. This is encountered for miles and miles. It finally lets up at Hwy 290 and I35. We continue east to Bastrop. Make a stop at Market BBQ. Good bbq and cold brew. Call up ‘Cannon Ball Randy.” Meet at the American Legion for brew and gossip. We solve the problems in the world in about 2 hours. Just put us in charge!
Quick side note, Randy was involved in the annual Cannon Ball Run. It started this year in Michigan and run down to North Carolina, Arkansas, to South Padre Island. The bikes are from 1928 or earlier. Randy was one of the mechanics on the trip. They had to rebuild some of the bikes in the motel room at night. I gave Randy this name for this reason. “Cannon Ball.” Has a nice ring to it.
We say our goodbyes and continue east toward Paige. Make a gas stop at Giddings. The rain has stopped, actually not bad for December weather. We make it to Lake Somerville and check in to our favorite motel. Drop off our luggage and make a quick exit.
We ride to Snook, the site of the “Watering Hole” and the annual toy run. We are welcomed by the locals, Jody, the manager of the bar. Also many from the area, Rusty, Johnny, Bud, and many others. We swap stories till about 6 pm. At this time we are ready to load the enclosed trailer. Eight families have been picked from the surrounding towns. The kids have bought clothes and toys for each family. Each is hand-picked for their specific needs. The parents get turkeys and hams and can goods. Such a pouring of love.
Probably about 10 of us start loading the trailer. The gifts are all separated by family designation. It’s amazing how fast it goes with everyone pitching in. We call it a night and head back to Somerville. Bud says, chow at my house! What are you gonna do? Free Food! Make it to Buds, Chicken fried steak, and sides. But first, a few rum drinks and homemade wine. We tell stories till midnight, all those trips to Sturgis and Daytona, starting in 1988. Met Bud in Daytona in 1988. A lot of water under the bridge, Great friend. That’s how you know people, take a trip with them! Make our way back to the motel. Good night’s rest was welcomed.
Next morning, rain, rain, couldn’t leave the room, Unbelievable! Waited for it to pass, waited, and waited. Finally, about 3 pm were able to make it to the “Watering Hole.” About 30 bikes made the toy ride to deliver the toys and gifts. Brave souls. The “Watering Hole” dished out steaming bowls of homemade chili and chicken noodle soup. It hit the spot on this cold day. Maybe a lower turnout but excitement was top-notch. This day made a lot of families feel better about life and the future. After 30-plus years of the toy run, it just keeps getting stronger. After a long cold day, it’s motel time.
After a good night’s rest, ready for the trip home. 8:30 am departure, 45 degrees. The temperature used to not bother me so much, Well today 45 and the winds are about 30 MPH out of the north. Separates the men from the boys! Couldn’t wait to get home. Made a stop in Johnson City, hot soup, makes the body feel good. Glad we made the trip, it was a good cause, weather could have been better, but that’s the way it goes, I probably won’t melt!
Till the next trip,
Ride Free and Ride Often,
“DAD”
