I will never ride in another Toy Run

[Serk]

Background - I've ridden in numerous "toy runs" over the years, including being staff for one of the largest ones, blocking traffic, etc...

However...

/RANT ON

This morning, my wife had a very invasive medical procedure performed. I took her home, and by the time I got her back into bed, the anesthesia from the hospital had worn off, she was literally crying in pain.

The doc had written a Rx for some good oral pain killers, I made sure she was settled in, then headed out to get the 'script filled. Got it filled, asking the pharmacist to please do it quickly, since my wife's literally crying in pain, they were understanding and got it filled top priority.

On the way home, I'm just a few miles from home, when suddenly I notice we're sitting at a green light, not going.

That's when I see it... The motorcycle cop blocking traffic, and an endless stream of motorcycles going by with teddy bears strapped to many of 'em.

No where to turn around, no where to go, I was totally stuck, for nearly 45 minutes.

By the end of it, I found myself wishing some of those riders would get hit and killed. No, I'm not proud of that thought, far from it, but then I got to thinking, if this was making ME so angry, and I'm a rider, what kind of effect does this kinda thing have on NON riders???

Once it finished and I was finally free, I then had to take about another 20 minute detour to get to my house since the toy run was blocking the main street into and out of my neighborhood, I had to circle way around to get to my home.

So anyway... Sorry if I pissed anyone off, I just had to rant... Yes, I agree that the toy runs do good for a worthy cause, but seriously... Can't we just go put a toy in a drop box somewhere? Do we REALLY need to stop city streets to show everyone how cool we are???

Okay... I feel better now. Even if you think I'm a freaking idiot, thanks for letting me rant and get that off my chest...

/RANT OFF

[GiG]

...but seriously... Can't we just go put a toy in a drop box somewhere? Do we REALLY need to stop city streets to show everyone how cool we are???

  +1 

I don't take ANYONE seriously that throws a parade to demonstrate their charity and celebrate their own greatness.

Best wishes.

[Lyn-Del]

Just one more reason I choose not to participate in toy runs either. 

[Jack]

I drop mine off at the collection site or organization sponsoring.  I just don't like riding with a lot of folks that I do not trust their riding skills.

[BamaDrifter64]

I don't do toy runs, nor anything else where traffic is stopped.  If it's that large, I don't want any part of it.

However, wishing some of them would get hit and killed is just wrong, dude.  Remind me if we ever ride together to keep you in front of me.   

Dave

[Serk]

However, wishing some of them would get hit and killed is just wrong, dude.  Remind me if we ever ride together to keep you in front of me.   

It was a fleeting thought, and not a serious one, and as I said earlier, not something I was proud of, but I'll admit, my blood was boiling by the end of it...

[Detn8er]

I support the premise of the toy runs but don't do them around here because for so many of the "riders" this is one of maybe 5 times they have ridden all year.....I've seen enough to know to stay away. 

[Lyn-Del]

I support the premise of the toy runs but don't do them around here because for so many of the "riders" this is one of maybe 5 times they have ridden all year.....I've seen enough to know to stay away. 

That's the main reason I don't go.

Another is one group here the Toy Run takes the toys to the kids, and then everyone stands around and watches the kids open the stuff.  For some kids, that's cruelty, and I won't be a part of it.

[alph]

I got stuck by a police funeral procession once.  30 to 40 minutes of waiting just to cross the street.  I wasn’t pisst off though; some cop got killed doing his job.  What’s 30 minutes to me anyway, when that cop won’t ever be able to spend time with his family? 

[Normandog]

I no longer like riding in large groups. Been there done that. don't like for all the reasons mentioned above.
I support the idea behind toy runs but I once talked with a lady who volunteered to help get the toys from the drop off point to the kids. All volunteers but her picked out the toys they wanted and the kids got what was left.  I'm done with 'em.

[bigfish_Oh]

I've never been in one, but I feel enough reasons to donate another way now. I never realized a few of these things.

[Romeo]

...but seriously... Can't we just go put a toy in a drop box somewhere? Do we REALLY need to stop city streets to show everyone how cool we are???

Same here Brian


  +1 

I don't take ANYONE seriously that throws a parade to demonstrate their charity and celebrate their own greatness.

Best wishes.

[big turkey]

Used to do them but this year I quit , just for that reason you talked about.

If you need to be seen doing charity work then you ain't doin it for the right reason.

The Highway Patrol has a program where people donate money to the fund and they have a fresh

Teddy Bear or other stuffed toy to hand to the child or children ,after they were

forced to haul off the mom or dad to jail.

Kinda keeps the child from losing it right then and there if they know someone cares.

Good Cause.

It does not block traffic either.

AL

[Duckwheat]

Jesus you guys would bitch if God came back and walked on water during his return. So what you had to wait 45 minutes. If your wife was in that much pain I would have got a piece of the Doctor's ass that released her in that condition.

With all the bibles getting read amonst this group you are the most intolerant bunch of _ _ _'s I have heard in a while.

So what if some guy wants to ride around with a Teddy Bear on his bike. He isn't holding one of BiG AL's multiple guns on you making you ride along. For every impatient soul sitting there in traffic brooding I hope there are 10 who think about doing something charitable for the first time.

Maybe we can get you guys some hormone supplements to help you through this really difficult time in your life.


DW

[ricoman]

Jesus you guys would bitch if God came back and walked on water during his return. So what you had to wait 45 minutes. If your wife was in that much pain I would have got a piece of the Doctor's ass that released her in that condition.

With all the bibles getting read amonst this group you are the most intolerant bunch of _ _ _'s I have heard in a while.

So what if some guy wants to ride around with a Teddy Bear on his bike. He isn't holding one of BiG AL's multiple guns on you making you ride along. For every impatient soul sitting there in traffic brooding I hope there are 10 who think about doing something charitable for the first time.

Maybe we can get you guys some hormone supplements to help you through this really difficult time in your life.


DW

some truth in what you say Duckie.
Now step away from the screen-you will soon be flamed by the tolerant

[Tundra]

Toy runs & group rides
I prefer to ride with a select few, who I know and trust their skills and judgement

[Robert]

Jesus you guys would bitch if God came back and walked on water during his return. So what you had to wait 45 minutes. If your wife was in that much pain I would have got a piece of the Doctor's ass that released her in that condition.

With all the bibles getting read amonst this group you are the most intolerant bunch of _ _ _'s I have heard in a while.

So what if some guy wants to ride around with a Teddy Bear on his bike. He isn't holding one of BiG AL's multiple guns on you making you ride along. For every impatient soul sitting there in traffic brooding I hope there are 10 who think about doing something charitable for the first time.

Maybe we can get you guys some hormone supplements to help you through this really difficult time in your life.


DW

I dont think Serk is a Jesus freak so thats how misconceptions get started.  In fact it really is amazing how much opposition there is to posting anything religious. Example is beating a dead horse thread and admin stopping anything to long. Otherwise I agree with what you said although I am sorry Serks wife had to be in pain and I will pray for her. I also understand Serk being upset it is hard to see someone you love in pain. I live in a small town and they sometimes hold events that block off main easy routes so when I know thats happening I always go well out of my way to avoid it. When you are in a emotionally charged situation its really hard to think of all the details clearly.

[MacDragon]

Toy runs & group rides
I prefer to ride with a select few, who I know and trust their skills and judgement

I'm with you on that one... I'm very apprehensive when it comes to riding with a larger group where I don't know most of the riders... If I do choose to ride those, I would rather be in the back so I can watch them... rather than glueing my eyes to my mirrors which can be more dangerous.

[Skinhead]

Jesus you guys would bitch if God came back and walked on water during his return. So what you had to wait 45 minutes. If your wife was in that much pain I would have got a piece of the Doctor's ass that released her in that condition.

With all the bibles getting read amonst this group you are the most intolerant bunch of _ _ _'s I have heard in a while.

So what if some guy wants to ride around with a Teddy Bear on his bike. He isn't holding one of BiG AL's multiple guns on you making you ride along. For every impatient soul sitting there in traffic brooding I hope there are 10 who think about doing something charitable for the first time.

Maybe we can get you guys some hormone supplements to help you through this really difficult time in your life.


DW

Dude....  You crack me up!

[Doc809]

Serk. love ya bro and I'm really sorry that your better half is not well.  Hope she heals soon!!  With that said, I rode the Garland Motorcops for Kids toy run yesterday.  Lots of riders that I did not know (several hundred).  Not a single accident or incident.  Traffic was blocked all over Garland and the streets were lined with people standing or getting out of their cars to wave and encourage.  I don't need to be SEEN doing it.  I need to do it!  Lots of burned kids will be benefited from the effort and it was worth all the trouble.  Every nickel will go to the Shrine hospital without "administration fees".  All volunteers!

[Skinhead]

Bikers have always been some of the most generous people, even those who don't have much.  They especially have a soft spot for kids and VETs.  Probably because we were all kids once and thought, "I can't wait until I old enough to do that!" when we saw a motorcycle go by, and a lot of bikers are VETs.  They know what it is like to be told what to do, and lose some of their freedom, to fight for the freedom of others.  They revel in the of feeling freedom inherent in riding.  I think we are willing to help someone out, because someone helped us out once, when we were broke down, out of gas, lost, or broke, or all of the above.

A large motorcycle procesion is impressive and awe inspiring, but group riding isn't my first choice.  

I am really proud of the VRCC and the members that contributed over $7000 to our charity at IZX.

[bogator]

  OK, boys and girls,----Serk was just ranting, no harm done.--he will be alright tomorrow, thank you for
a place to rant, now , back to the ranch, lets get some WORK done,hup 2-3.    God Bless you all.            Serk I'm Prayin for ya'll.

[Disco]

I didn't do the Motorcop run this year for the same reason I didn't do the Collin County Childrens' Advocacy run.  Too many bikes, too many riders whose skills I question, and most importantly - too much time sitting around waiting for everything to happen.  I'd rather be riding during that time - so I did.  

Serk, I completely understand your frustration.  I've had too many opportunities taking Janet to the doc for pain-inducing procedures - so many that they call me Nurse Dave - but it was not the ride's fault.  It was your doctor's fault.  He or she should have prepared both of you better.  

Here's what we do:  1) Pain pill prescription filled before the procedure.  2) Halcyon taken as we leave for the doc.  3) Halcyon taken when we get to the doc.  4) Pain pill taken after the procedure before the ride home.  This results in dulled, if any, pain during and foggy, if any, memory of the procedure.  In fact, one time she didn't even remember the stop at Baskin & Robbins on the way home.  Then, as soon as we get home, all she wants to do is sleep.  

[SCain]

Yesterday 4 of us rode in the Rio Rancho Toy run, there was about 3 to 5000 bikes. We waited for awhile letting the majority of bikes leave then we got into line, rode about 1 mile and everything was stopped, Rescue and police had the road blocked, evedently someone crashed and went over the bars. They had to airlift this person out with head injuries, and all this happened doing less than 15 mph.
We (4 valks) finally turned around and headed out on our planned ride, rode up throught the Jemez Mountains and had lunch in Lacueva at the Ridgeback Cafe, Green Chili Cheese Burger, yum. Rode back through the mountains and went over to the Gilman Tunnels because one with us had never been there (the tunnels is where they filmed 310 to Yuma), had a great ride even though someone was injured.
Toy runs are dangerous as mentioned above and I feel they are for a good cause, but when you get that many bikes together something is going to happen.

[Willow]

Entitlement mentality will take us often to places we shouldn't be and our fleeting thoughts will let us know we're on our way.

Seriously, Serk, you need to take some time to get over yourself.

That said, I do understand how your concern for your wife's pain could get you to a plce where the world appears to be stopping and waiting for the wrong people.

Take care of her and I hope she gets better quickly.

[sugarbee]

Serk, I met your wife at Hotglue's earlier this year. I hope she gets better soon and will not be in so much pain. God bless

[Serk]

Thanks for the mostly positive thoughts, yeah I was ranting, and it felt good to get it off my chest...

Doc - I think you were in the ride... Was that the one coming down Rowlett road in Garland to the Shriner's place right on Lake Ray Hubbard? And yeah, I've done that ride myself in previous years. If so I personally apologize to you for my fleeting thoughts of stupidity. The only reason I'd mentioned that was to make the point that if even I as a rider was having those thoughts, imagine what the people who already don't like motorcycles were thinking...

Anyway... Yeah, I apologize for any thoughts of violence, they were fleeting at most, but I still stand that there are better ways to do good then blocking city streets for long periods of time... Please understand the thoughts of anger towards the riders were momentary.

Yes, there was a small group of people at the front waving and cheering, but the rest of the people backed WAY up were cussing and complaining the whole time... They weren't seeing noble bikers riding to help children. They were seeing a parade of self back patting show offs blocking a major road for an extended time.
 
That was more my point than anything, not so much that is pissed me off, I'm a rider myself, I know the fun, and warm fuzzies you can get riding in these things; but my point was that doing that pisses a large segment of the population off against bikes, bikers, etc, and do we really wanna get that many people that negative against motorcycles...

And for what it's worth on the medical procedure - It's one my wife has had done twice before this year with nothing more than Tylenol level pain, otherwise we would have gotten the scripts filled beforehand. This time, nothing went wrong, it just was far more painful then it had been in the past. I don't "blame" the doc, or my wife, or myself, or even the toy run, it just happened to hit a nerve or something that caused a lot more pain this time than the previous two. The script was given to us as a "If it's worse than Tylenol, you'll want this". Most of the time this procedure doesn't cause horrid pain, but it sometimes can.

[Bobbo]

I have done many charity and funeral rides.  I often wonder what’s going through the minds of the people forced to wait for possibly an hour for us to go by.  I could visualize the frustration some must be going through.

A few weeks ago, I had a dental appointment that kept me from participating in a PGR mission for a local fallen soldier.  On my way to the appointment, I noticed police setting up roadblocks on a fairly major roadway, which my dentist is on.  I had to take a few side roads to get past the area being blocked, and made it onto the roadway.  As I sat waiting to make a left turn, police blocked the next street up, but not the private drive I was turning into.  I was amazed to see the funeral procession I missed coming down the street!  I immediately turned off my bike, dropped the kickstand, and stood beside my bike, helmet in hand.  At least 100 PGR bikes passed by, along with police.  As the hearse made it’s way, I snapped to attention and saluted the soldier.  After the last vehicle passed, I wondered how many irate people were behind me, since I now had to put my riding gear back on, and fire up the bike.  I was stunned to see at least 20 cars lined up behind me, with most of the drivers standing beside their cars, either saluting, or having hat in hand.  As I made the turn, most hadn’t gotten back into their cars, and were talking to each other.  I guess it may not be common to get upset at any parade that blocks traffic.

[Skinhead]

I guess it may not be common to get upset at any parade that blocks traffic.

I'm sure in this case, people understood why the bikers were riding. As a show of gratitude and respect.  And they would have had to stop for any funeral procession.  A toy ride or general group ride may not have elicited the same level of understanding from inconvenienced motorists.

Thanks for setting the example and showing your respect for the fallen.

[SANDMAN5]

You would think that most small towns (at least) would somehow be able
to split extremely large groups into 2 or 3 smaller groups and have their
departure time staggered  or slightly different routes. Probably be hard
to do in some cases. I rode in one charity ride, never again. Unless I
know everybody that will be around me. Too many 'unknowns'.

[RoadKill]

If we all ( and I really mean EVERY HUMAN BEING) helped one another when we could and there were LESS entitled people thinking 'better them than me', we would have no need for toy runs and charity poker runs etc... Until then show support where you can, but one step up (try doing both) is to give what you can/when you can and not wait for a group ride to feel better about yourself, try a RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS!

         It says MUCH more ,IMHO 

[Detn8er]

Jesus you guys would bitch if God came back and walked on water during his return. So what you had to wait 45 minutes. If your wife was in that much pain I would have got a piece of the Doctor's ass that released her in that condition.

With all the bibles getting read amonst this group you are the most intolerant bunch of _ _ _'s I have heard in a while.

So what if some guy wants to ride around with a Teddy Bear on his bike. He isn't holding one of BiG AL's multiple guns on you making you ride along. For every impatient soul sitting there in traffic brooding I hope there are 10 who think about doing something charitable for the first time.

Maybe we can get you guys some hormone supplements to help you through this really difficult time in your life.


DW

I dont think Serk is a Jesus freak so thats how misconceptions get started.  In fact it really is amazing how much opposition there is to posting anything religious. Example is beating a dead horse thread and admin stopping anything to long. Otherwise I agree with what you said although I am sorry Serks wife had to be in pain and I will pray for her. I also understand Serk being upset it is hard to see someone you love in pain. I live in a small town and they sometimes hold events that block off main easy routes so when I know thats happening I always go well out of my way to avoid it. When you are in a emotionally charged situation its really hard to think of all the details clearly.

Congratulations Robert you made it into the whiners club....Remember when you typed that to Stanley???  Willow spanked your hand and now you take every opportunity to pout about it... Get over it. Maybe you should take his advice and start your own blog and post a link to it so you can Preach 24/7.....Below is a direct copy and paste of your post to Stanley...He was doing fine as long as everybody was with him but when people including me finally said get over it. he bugged out and hasn't been back since.....





Congratulations Steamer you made it into the whiners club. Yea its a tough break and yea the guy that came in is going to have a hard time and your happy about it. What a whiner, with all you have this is the focal point of your life. Get a grip and go on you will be fine.If you enjoy your job and have a good work ethic nows the time to show it.its really easy to have a good work ethic in easy times not so easy when you dont get your way, so be helpful to he new guy and really show a good ethic. How about taking the smiley off the last post about respect. Its never a good thing to wish someone bad.

 
Get Over It Eagles powered by Aeva
 
 
« Last Edit: October 26, 2010, 09:05:24 AM by Robert »  
 

[f6rider]

Well before we get a full fledged flaming going on here may I off this suggestion.

The next time this happens why dont we give some of Serks wifes pain killers the Kids instead of the Teddy Bears??!! The Kids will be happier and we can have a  motorcycle Teddy Bear tug of war contest  and use the stuffing to plug our ears so we dont have to listen to those darn Harleys!! [/b]

[Disco]

And for what it's worth on the medical procedure - It's one my wife has had done twice before this year with nothing more than Tylenol level pain, otherwise we would have gotten the scripts filled beforehand. This time, nothing went wrong, it just was far more painful then it had been in the past. I don't "blame" the doc, or my wife, or myself, or even the toy run, it just happened to hit a nerve or something that caused a lot more pain this time than the previous two. The script was given to us as a "If it's worse than Tylenol, you'll want this". Most of the time this procedure doesn't cause horrid pain, but it sometimes can.

So, go get it filled and put in the cabinet in case there is a next time and it's worse than Tylenol level pain.   

[Hoghead]

I have ridden in quite a few large groups with the PGR and done some toy runs and other group rides. I agree that a large group increases the chance of an accident. I feel these events are important and the majority of the people are there for the right reasons, not to be seen or for any gain. I myself have had some of the most gratifying experiences in some of these runs. As far as the public or non bikers, the majority of them don't mind the delay of the knowing what these cause is. I have seen lots of positive reaction from them. I myself have been upset over being delayed in traffic. Usually when i'm in a hurry or in a stressful situation such as Serk was in. You know when i'm on the road every person that passes me is a maniac and every person in front of me is an idiot.