B
O
O
Z
E
F
I
G
H
T
E
R
S
 

Saturday, December 8 dawned clear and cold, however it was The 16th Annual Nevada City Toy Run, followed by the 10th annual After Toy Run Party put on by the Boozefighters Chapter #6 in Grass Valley. These are two of our favorite events and we do not like to miss either one. With plans to ride we got everything in order then stepped outside only to be hit by a cold blast of air, checking the thermometer on the car port found it to be pegged at 18 degrees, well we took another look at the situation and found they had sanded our road earlier so let wisdom be the better part of valor and decided to cage it. These old bones just don’t do real cold on the scooter any more. Changing from riding to the cage meant different clothes and just toss the toys in the back so off we went.

Stopping at The Dew Drop Inn, the new home for the Boozefighters to see how preparations were coming for the party we found the food already being prepared, vendors putting up their tents and tables and chairs already in waiting for the crowd.

Everyone seemed to be in high spirits in anticipation of a good showing. These guys are really becoming well known in the area, not only for their good deeds but for the food they serve. If you have never attended one of their Cajun dinners in early October you have missed a real treat. So what was on the menu today? Chili and Stew prepared by none other than Sidewinder, a patch holder in very good standing. As he said when we went through the line and asked which was best he said and I quote,” both made with the same amount of love.” We could hardly wait. But we still had a toy run to attend.

While hanging out at the Dew Drop the continuous roar of motorcycles gave us the sense that a lot of folks bundled up and made the ride. Heading up the road to Nevada City it was a continuous stream of bikes. The Rood Center was packed so we headed back to a friends house where there was a sign being prominently displayed by 3 Boozettes advertising the After Toy Run Party. Being a good place to watch the Bikes go by we parked and awaited the parade of Bikes. And what a parade it was. For almost 45 minutes every kind of motorcycle from Vespas to V-Rods kept coming. There were Santa’s galore as well as Mrs. Claus; every bike seemed to have its gift well displayed. There were teddy bears that dwarfed the riders and side cars filled with packages. The riders were throwing candy which the children gladly ran after. We saw bikes stop and take candy to the elderly that were parked on lawn chairs cheering the riders on. There were smiles as big as all out doors. At moments we really wished we were among the group, instead we took photo after photo of the cheerful riders.

The group crowded into the fair grounds and handed in their gifts and then did the biker greeting, lots of hugs for new and old friends. A time to visit and get reacquainted with those we may not have seen in awhile. Then off to The Boozefighters After Toy Run Party.

As we pulled in there was already very little space in which to park. This new clubhouse is just wonderful, but the parking can be a challenge. There are three places in which to get some liquid refreshment, the main bar, the Boozefighter bar and an outside on the deck bar for beer only. There is a wonderful area which we understand used to be a swimming pool that is now all covered with grass on which was set up the aforementioned tables and chairs as well as the vendors. There was also a large fire pit in which there was a nice fire blazing away. The crown began to trickle in and then it seemed as though a steady stream flowed down the drive, but soon it was a river of scooters looking for a place to park their sled. Once the bike was parked it was find some refreshment and a spot to sit. Soon the call went out that the food was being served and did the bikers line up. Must say we have never seen such a polite group of folks. The line formed quickly and as those with their plates full passed those still in line I heard many say I hope there is plenty left, it looks great. The conversation seemed to dwindle as more got served and began to dig in. According to Big Daddy, International Vice President and Charter holder for Chapter #6 at least 250 folks showed up to eat and enjoy the hospitality. As with any event there were raffle prizes provided by many of the Boozefighters themselves and from local communities as far away as Rocklin. The traditional 50/50 drawing was also held, though the winner did not want his name revealed. Locktite, Event Co-coordinator, did a superb job of announcing the winners and presenting the prizes.

There were many clubs present, including Hells Angels, Grandfathers, Too Much Fun Club as well as Hog Chapters from all over the area. Everyone was having a good time as the Christmas spirit seemed to fill the air. With the raffle prizes distributed, the 50/50 winning number drawn, the sun slowly sets into the west, and the chill air returning many pointed their iron ponies home. However a number did gather around the fire pit and others gathered inside to listen and dance to the great sounds being put out by the Holcomb Brothers Band. Another wonderful day providing gifts for those not so fortunate and then a great party with food, music and friendship. What more is the season about? Cold, yes but warm hearts, good hot food and warm friendships make it a most wonderful time of the year.

C
H
A
P
T
E
R

6