INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A motorcycle decorated as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer led around 250 bike riders during a toy run through Indian River County. In place of some helmets, riders wore Santa hats.
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With law enforcement officers on their motorcycles ahead of the group, the motorcycle riders and a red Dodge Charger participated in this year’s American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) annual toy run. Everyone was invited to participate.
Wendy “Popcorn” Capotosto said that participants didn’t need to have a bike to help.
“Pray that we raise a lot of money and get a lot of toys for kids,” said Chaplin Kim “Shep” Gemeinhardt.
Since 2010, the group has been riding the route from the now-Party Treasures store just outside the City of Sebastian to the Vero Beach Moose Lodge.
In 2009 they road from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office to the Hidden Cove Cafe in Micco.
“It’s a fun day for everyone involved,” said ABATE Road Capt. Darren Capotosto.
The group rode south on US 1, cut across Oslo Road, then south on 43 Avenue to the Vero Beach Moose Lodge. Authorities kept the pace at a leisurely 35 mph.
Many of the bikes had baby dolls and stuff animals tied to them as they made their way to the lodge.
“We just want to help all those kids that are less fortunate,” said Gemeinhardt.
