The 27th ABATE motorcycle toy run brings in 35,000 toys

[totalmotorcycle]

The 27th ABATE motorcycle toy run brings in 35,000 toys
By JEFF BILLINGTON World Staff Writer - tulsaworld.com





The annual ABATE event highlights the generosity of motorcycle riders.

Some came dressed in Santa Claus hats. One woman had a small Christmas tree stuck to her head. Almost all were dressed in black.

But the common denominator for all involved were toys, and thousands upon thousands were collected.

The 27th annual ABATE motorcycle toy run roared through the streets of Tulsa on Sunday, possibly causing a few headaches for area drivers, but also creating a memorable holiday for thousands of less-fortunate children.

The event benefits the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots campaign, and ABATE, or American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, gathered about 35,000 toys, said ABATE spokesman Tommy Harrold.

"Last year, it was big, but I think this year is going to be just as big or bigger," Harrold said.

Riders and motorcycles gathered near 52nd Street and Riverside Drive, then snaked their way down 15th Street, then to Sandusky Avenue at Expo Square, where they were then escorted by Tulsa Police, said Sgt. Skipper Bain.

Bain said police estimated about 3,000 motorcycles were in the event. City workers also made sure the route was free of ice, sand and salt, Bain said.



"We had a few problems with impatient motorists on Cherry Street, but other than that, everything seemed to run smoothly," Bain said.

Motorcycles ranged from Harleys to Kawasakis and Hondas to Vespa scooters. Even a few motorcycles with sidecars stood out in the procession.

Mayor Kathy Taylor also participated, hitching a ride with Santa Claus at the front of the caravan.

"This really shows the spirit of Tulsa, to see this many people give up their Sunday, and to get this many toys together for the local children," she said.

Paul Brinker, former ABATE president and current safety officer, stood tall with his psychedelic top hat, something he's worn for 15 of his 27 years with the toy drive. He said this year's drive far outdistanced the first couple of rallies.

"We thought we were king dogs when we had 20 or 25 bikes," he said. "Now, we have lawyers, doctors, politicians, people from all walks of life. This has definitely grown to something we're all proud of."

ABATE member Carol King said one of the organization's goals is to shed the negative image sometimes given to motorcyclists.

"This shows the heart of the biker. Part of ABATE's mission is to change that Hollywood stereotype," she said. "Bikers as a group have a lot of heart. This is about the kids, and this ranks as one of the largest toy drives in the country."

Many of the motorcycles were decorated with wreaths and garlands, and the majority had an unwrapped toy strapped to the back.

"I had toys on my bike this morning, and my husband said, 'That's not enough,' " King said. "So we went out and bought more. This is about making sure children have something for Christmas."