Chicago Toys For Tots MC Parade
 

This was the first time for me and definitely not the last. I had a great time despite the 17F temp at 6:45 am when I left. 55 miles one way for me, too.

The start was at Dan Ryan Woods at S. 83rd and Western Ave in Chicago. There were several thousand bikes and maybe 6 Urals, one may have been a Dnepr.
https://i.imgur.com/PxSmEvzl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/E2zwUX0l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TjufQZol.jpg

This guy, I think his name was Rob, had a heck of a load.
https://i.imgur.com/1GPyV52l.jpg

Cj's load was impressive, too.
https://i.imgur.com/uFBuGdxl.jpg

Not really sure what this is. Looks like a Dnepr with a Ural engine.
https://i.imgur.com/pmxqKurl.jpg

The parade ran north on Western Ave from 83rd St, 8300 south, to Belmont Ave, which is 3600 north. Almost 15 miles. With that many bikes around me, I didn't take any pics along the route but I did learn this ride is a very big deal.
https://i.imgur.com/cS7zvE5l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YMw99NCl.jpg

One thing did happen that kind of restored some faith in humanity for me.
https://i.imgur.com/1qKW8h7l.jpg
I did not buy any of those toys. As I was stopped waiting to get into the finish at DePaul Universty Prep, a guy and his kid walked up and placed those on the sidecar and told me that the toys were their donation.:tup:

Already looking forward to next year.

Awesome! I always wanted to participate in something like this. I seem to always find out when it's too late to join in on one of these parades.

Friend Casey talked me into it. I usually shy away from these things but may do others in the future. The local ABATE chapter here does a toy run in the summer that I may do next year.

The Christian Motorcycle riders provided coffee and donuts at the start. As cold as it was, it was appreciated.

glad you enjoyed it. I always like going to them too.