Toys for Tots charity ride set for today

Organizers of the Law Riders/U.S. Marine Corps Reserves 16th annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride are glad that today’s weather forecast is clear and around 70 degrees.

Two weeks ago, Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and nearly 1,000 of their closest motorcycle-riding friends had to delay their charity ride through the Lowcountry.

“We usually do it the Sunday before Thanksgiving, but we postponed it because it was cold and rainy (Nov. 17) and really cold that Sunday,” ride spokeswoman Kathey Brennan said. Organizers always set a rain date, which they’ve had to use two or three times.

She said she doesn’t expect participation to be affected by the later date. The goal is to top 1,000 bikes this year.

“The last time we had to use our rain date, we still had a good turnout,” she said. “We try to schedule it on a day there are no conflicts with other rides.”

The route for the police-escorted, 50-mile ride changes each year.

This year it makes a loop around Summerville, starting and ending at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson, and going through Ridgeville and parts of Berkeley County.

“This year we moved to a new location,” she said. “We loved having it at the Coliseum, but it was just not very compatible because they normally had a game or show going on that day, so we always felt like we were in a hurry. At the fairgrounds, we have more space and time.”

Spectators line up along the route to watch the motorcycle parade, which also has many riders in costumes, she said. It can take up to 30 minutes for them to pass.

The ride is a family event and open to anyone. Food and merchandise will be available for purchase from vendors.

The event collects about 1,000 toys and at least $3,000 annually for the local Toys for Tots program.

“We just want to do what we can to be able to bring joy to kids on Christmas,” Brennan said.

Reach Brenda Rindge at 937-5713 or www.facebook.com/brindge.