Miserable George & Val Gal

As much as he tried, Ol’ Man Weather simply COULD NOT dampen the spirits of nearly 4000 riders who came out under cloudy, dingy, skies to take the ride for the kids…to supply Santa with toys for the under-privileged little ones…the Shriners, and other agencies in greater Brevard County. The group began massing at Merritt Square Mall, on SR 520, at around 8 AM, Sunday, Dec.1, and continued building until 12 Noon, when ABATE Pres. Mike Pope gave the “kickstands up” command, which started the mass exodus over to US 1, and south to its destination, Wickham Park Pavilion in Melbourne. The assembly and start of the run were captured fabulously from high in the air…in a police helicopter…by my daughter, ValGal! Thanks to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Dept. for that opportunity!!

Soggy grounds greeted the crowd at Wickham Park, but they slogged through it all to fill up several trucks with toys and games for the needy kids. Free hot dogs and drinks made the weather a little more bearable, as did the “Kissing Camel”, a chance to bash a car with a big sledge hammer, numerous vendors, a live band, Doc Holiday, a 50/50, and other activities as well. The Warlocks of Brevard also presented the Shriners with a check for over $13,000 from their Biker Bash in Nov.