I have a T-shirt that says this.
Yesterday I did.
I participated in the Toys for Tots parade on a motorcycle. In December. But that wasn't the scary part. The scary part was getting there (and getting home) while being a passenger on on a Harley. We had to drive to and from my boyfriend's home on the South Side (aka Hegewisch). Don't know where that is? Think Hammond, Ind., or Calumet City ... only it's still in Chicago. Or just click this google map link.
The point: It's really, really far. And there's lots of highway time. In our there-and-back trek we took both the Skyway and the Dan Ryan. OMG. And I"m still wondering what I was thinking.
It was cold. And there were big trucks, stupid drivers and speedsters galore. I have never appreciated driving a large SUV for the week more. In addition to heated seats and, well, windows that can be closed, the cage of an actual vehicle just makes me feel safe. At least safer.
It's a good thing my boyfriend is a good driver who uses blinkers and leaves the appropriate amount of space between him and the car in front of him.
But still.
Luckily, I do know what I was thinking. I was thinking about the toy drive and participating in something that does a lot of good for children who need it. Plus, once we actually hit Western Ave., it was really fun.
I loved seeing the bikers with their decorated motorcycles and Santa hats. I loved seeing a pink little girl's bike strapped to the back of a Harley. I loved seeing, grizzled men with tattoos, long beards and skulls painted on their bikes carrying Barbie to the donation truck.
I might even brave the cold (and the scary highway) to do this again next year.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: Motorcycle, Toys for Tots, Western Avenue
The Toys for Tots ride is one of the best things about the holidays. Bravo for braving the cold--and the Dan Ryan.