Halloween, NanoWriMo Begins, and the 30th Annual Toy Run

Another Halloween has come and gone. For the first time in many moons, we did not spend the month of October frantically creating costumes. As a matter of fact, we stayed in Halloween evening and we enjoyed every minute of it. Rainey, as Elmo, was our first trick-or-treater. We only handed out candy to about 40 kids. I discovered that all of the children in Wichita are tromping through College Hill to fill their Halloween bags. At least, that's what I figured after friends of ours who live in College Hill described the onslaught of children at their homes. 1,700 kids. I can't even begin to imagine not only handing out that much candy, but buying that much candy.

Now I know that NaNoWriMo begins today and I'm officially one day behind in racking up the words, but today was also the 30th Annual Toy Run. This was our 5th ride and one of the best with perfect weather and a group of 18. We started at the VFW on 2nd and Douglas for a breakfast buffett of scrambled eggs and biscuits and gravy. We lined up around 11:00 at Lawrence Dumont, then headed over to The Stadium for after-breakfast beer. The bikes filled both parking lots this year, so I'm very interested in the final count. Last year there were 3,300 bikes. I'm betting 4,500 this year.

The Toy Run is such an amazing event. My friend Chandra interviewed Brad and I for an article she is writing for The Eagle. She asked what our favorite part was about the run. We couldn't find just one. It's the entire day. But, I guess the ride itself is the most amazing aspect. When those engines fire up at 1:00, I get goosebumps that remain with me until we drop off our toy. I sit on the back of Brad's bike, waiting our turn to pull out of the lot, watching as row after row after row of bikes head out with toys strapped to their bikes, bikers in Santa hats, bikes decorated with tinsel and lights. And when we finally pull out onto Maple it is incredible to see all of the people line up along the street. This year, the streets were filled with people, from Lawrence Dumont to Park City,  children waving, veterans giving us the thumbs up, peace signs, men waving Old Glory. The feeling is not easy to describe,  it is pride and humility, a greater sense of community, and joy, and peace.

And, when we arrive at the Coliseum and the Color Guard is at the entrance and the Salvation Army volunteers hug you, shake your hand, and thank you for your gifts, well, it is the best way to begin the holiday season.

So, yes we enjoy ourselves, have a few beers, hang out with friends, see people we haven't seen since the last Toy Run, but it's really that feeling we get during the ride that makes it all worthwhile. And it is that feeling, that hope, that I cling to all year long.