Hundreds of motorcycles escort Santa on toy drive

By: BARBARA HENRY - Staff Writer | Saturday, November 19, 2005 11:00 PM PST ∞

OCEANSIDE ---- On a toasty November morning, hundreds of motorcycle riders gathered at the Oceanside Harbor for a holiday toy run that's in its 18th year.

"I can't remember missing one," said motorcycle rider Mel Epperson, as he directed traffic Saturday.

Epperson's club ---- the Oceanside chapter of the Goldwing Road Riders Association ---- expected to collect hundreds of toys from the roughly 400 cyclists when the morning ride ended at Casino Pauma. The toys will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves' Toys for Tots program, which provides holiday gifts to children in low-income families.

Technically, each rider needed only to bring one unwrapped toy and pay $5 to participate, but many show up with more than one children's gift, organizers said.

"Some of these guys, they open their saddle bags and the toys pour out," said James Pratt, who co-directs the club chapter with his wife, Jean.

Take Epperson for example. Asked what he's donating, he responds, "It's easier for you to see than for me to tell."

Then, he opens the trunk of a car and pulls out a pink doll carrying case, a model fire engine, a stack of coloring books, several puzzles and some stuffed animals.

Going overboard isn't just limited to the toys ---- that was evident before the silver, black, and even bright yellow, motorcycles left for the road run.

Jack Ferguson of Bellflower delighted in showing other riders the many upgrades he had made to his yellow Honda Goldwing 1800. On cold days, his handgrip-warming system kicks in. When he needs a cool drink, he sips from his specially installed, supersize cup holder. His cell phone hooks into a charging arm next to his global positioning system.

The second seat where his wife rides is no less comfortable. The bike's heating system directs warm air both to the front and back of the vehicle. If she grows bored with the passing scenery, she can always watch her favorite movies on a small DVD screen Ferguson installed.

How much has he invested in his bike?

"With the camera system, we're getting real close to $40,000," he said.

The camera system? Well, Ferguson's a photographer, so he's made it possible to shoot both still and video camera from his bike.

Saturday's event began with a free breakfast and concluded with a free lunch at the casino. About 464 motorcycles participated last year, organizers reported. Founded by retired Marine Ed Morris, the motorcycle run used to go from Oceanside to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Changes to military safety precautions since Sept. 11, 2001, have led to a new route, Pratt said.

Saturday's weather was expected to boost attendance. In prior years, rain has threatened, James said.

"This is probably the best weather that we've had," he said.

Contact staff writer Barbara Henry at (760) 901-4072 or bhenry@nctimes.com.

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