There are lone wolves in every walk of life, in every hobby and pursuit, but in motorcycling – there is a lot of group atmosphere as well, especially when it’s for a good cause.
That’s what the West Kootenay Toy Run is all about: people with similar interests getting together around the activity that binds them, and turning the whole thing into a positive experience.
The event has become an annual event since getting going in 1988, and for the most part, according to spokesperson Vince (involved for seven years) the level of participation has been on an upward trend, weather not-withstanding, over the years. Five hundred to 700 are expected for this year’s run.
A motorcycle raffle has traditionally been a glamourous high point to the run and, this year, like last, the appeal has been doubled-up with a pair of gleaming Harley Davidson’s on the raffle block.
“The grand prize this year is a 2013 Super Glide Custom 110th Anniversary Edition,” said Vince on Labour Day, “and the second prize is a (new, retro-model) ‘48 Sportster.” What a great raffle and a large overall turnout really mean is that an assortment of very good causes in the area are supported.
The September 8 event starts with registration (the delivery of an unwrapped toy or a $10 donation) at the Castlegar Community Complex along with a pancake breakfast courtesy of the Castlegar Lions Club.
Once on the road the next stop is on Baker Street in Nelson at about 10:45 - where registration will have been underway since 9:30. Then it’s off to Salmo for lunch at the firehall.
The Salmo-Trail leg will conclude on Cedar Avenue at 1:45, followed by a Rossland appearance at 2:30, ahead of the 3 p.m. windup back at the Castlegar Complex, with refreshments and dinner courtesy of the Castlegar Special Olympic folks… live music by ‘No More Madness,’ community displays, vendors and awesome door prizes.
The merriment will conclude with the two bike draws starting at 6 p.m. – good luck to ticket holders!