Daily Slideshow: New Orleans HOG Chapter Rides to Raise Money
See what these New Orleans Harley riders have planned to help out those less fortunate right here. This isn't just a Toy Run going on this year...
In years past, it was called a Toy Run...
On a chilly Sunday morning in early December, a charity run took place for its 36th annual event. The name of the organization is A.B.A.T.E. – American Bikers Active Towards Education. A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc. is the only recognized Motorcycle Rights Organization in the State of Louisiana. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to motorcycle safety, awareness, and realistic motorcycle legislation. They are affiliated with the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) and NCOM (National Coalition of Motorcyclist) and others. ABATE is not a club. Membership is open to all motorcyclists from all walks of life, riding all types of bikes.
>>Join the conversation about the 2017 New Orleans HOG Chapter Toy Run right here in the forum.
On a Chilly Sunday Morning in Early December 2017
In years past it was called a Toy Run. This year ABATE collected money from several donors for the children at Magnolia School for the mentally challenged.
For my club, this year’s event began in New Orleans Harley-Davidson. We met at 9:30 am, kickstands went up at 10:00 am. We rode across the Mississippi River to the West Bank of New Orleans, south on Hwy 90 where we parked and met up with several other biker clubs at the Avondale Truck Stop.
>>Join the conversation about the 2017 New Orleans HOG Chapter Toy Run right here in the forum.
New Orleans HOG Chapter President Displaying Participation Award
We had a couple of hours to kill. There was a registration area where you could also make donations. Vendors made T-shirts, mugs, sold candy and one dude sold some pretty cool biker jewelry.
Rather than every rider bring a toy (as was done in some past), the organizers went to private club meetings to introduce themselves and their organization and passed the hat around for cash donations on the spot. The donations were used to purchase presents for both kids and adults who attended the Magnolia School. The organizers spoke at our monthly December HOG Meeting. Our group donated approximately $800 toward the event.
Meet Gary French, the New Orleans HOG Chapter President displaying our participation award.
>>Join the conversation about the 2017 New Orleans HOG Chapter Toy Run right here in the forum.
...and a Merry Old Soul was He...
Santa Claus is a merry old soul who walked around to practically everyone there, thanking them for participating in the ride. Many took photos with him. After all, everyone wants their picture taken with Santa Claus! While we were busily developing camaraderie with our brother and sister bikers, a local, rockin' biker band kept us entertained prior to the ride’s launch. These guys did justice to some ZZ Top!
>>Join the conversation about the 2017 New Orleans HOG Chapter Toy Run right here in the forum.
Custom Rides
Nice custom ride – there were Touring models, Sportsters, Choppers, Softails, the Gold-Wing club. Present were bikers of all types: New Orleans biker gangs like the Banshees and the Bandidos had a presence; as well as the Christian Motorcycle Association, the Catholic Motorcycle Association, and of course, a few chapters of the HOGs were along for the ride.
>>Join the conversation about the 2017 New Orleans HOG Chapter Toy Run right here in the forum.
Santa's Sleigh Led the Way
Santa's Sleigh led the way. The parade was led by none other than Santa’s Sleigh. He would arrive like the royalty he is. It was really something to see when the toughest clubs, the HOGs, and the Christian biker clubs were together for a single purpose. Working together for a worthy cause with well over 100 bikes who participated in the event.
>>Join the conversation about the 2017 New Orleans HOG Chapter Toy Run right here in the forum.
Lined Up in Staggered Formation
Lined Up to Ride - The police blocked off Hwy 90 so the procession lined up in staggered formation awaiting the word.
“Riders, start your engines!”
The word was given at 12:45 p.m.
>>Join the conversation about the 2017 New Orleans HOG Chapter Toy Run right here in the forum.
Closed the Huey P. Long Bridge
The Jefferson Parish Police Department escorted the event. The deputies closed off the Huey P. Long Bridge with squad cars and flashing lights. Police Harleys sped past the procession as we rolled along riding up ahead of us to block off all side streets along the route keeping us safe. We crossed back over the Mississippi River Bridge – bikes from one end to the other (with no cars in sight) then headed east on Jefferson Hwy to Causeway Blvd., where we exited to roll smoothly along the winding River Road traveling west to our destination.
>>Join the conversation about the 2017 New Orleans HOG Chapter Toy Run right here in the forum.
Santa's Triumphant Entry
As we pulled through the school’s arch, students were standing along curbside donning Santa hats, wide-eyed and cheering as they marveled at Santa's triumphant entry.
Two Elves in the Side Car
Event organizer and ABATE VP Glenn McGovern rode with his two daughters in this sidecar to the event. Once everyone was there we parked in a lineup practically from one end of the school to the other.
We were fed lunch – ham sandwiches, jambalaya, and hot chocolate or coffee - while these special people enjoyed the wondrous event dedicated to them with merriment.
As their names were called over the loudspeakers, Santa handed each individual the Christmas presents we had all provided. Another successful event for some people who care.
To learn more about ABATE and their events, feel free to check out their website.
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.
RIDE ON!
>>Join the conversation about the 2017 New Orleans HOG Chapter Toy Run right here in the forum.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
