Monday, Dec. 12, 2011

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Chili

Eric "Big E" Rutherford

 

If you haven’t learned by reading it in this column by now, Chili Dawg is my 2001 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic. On Saturday, though, Chili was our reindeer as my wife, Sissy, and I rode in the 2nd annual Toy Run hosted by Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson to benefit the American Red Cross.

Our first stop before the ride was to pick up some toys to donate. Like most toy runs, the participants are all asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy or to make a financial donation. Sissy picked a battery-operated microphone (think home karaoke or Mr. Microphone if you are old enough to remember those ads) and two sets of Play-Doh, because as she said, “Who doesn’t like Play-Doh?” It was actually pretty thoughtful of her because she was deliberately trying to choose things that would appeal to boys and girls.

When we were getting dressed for the ride I was sure to bust out the chaps, leather jackets, and gloves. Sissy suggested it might be too warm for them, but I have started too many rides wearing what was comfortable only to regret not wearing something warmer once I got up to speed and it was too late. Temperatures outside were in the 50s so we were comfortable riding in our full leathers, but inside the Dollar General, temperatures seemed to be in the low 90s so we may have been slightly over dressed. We both ditched the gloves and I took my chaps off before the day was over.

The ride began at the main dealership and went a modest 11 miles to the Beaver Bar at the County Line in Murrells Inlet where owner Leslye “Mama” Beaver had the place ready for all of the riders. Inside there were free hot dogs and hamburgers. Outside there was plenty of parking; lots of rocking chairs in which to kick back; the burn barrels were lit filling the cool air with the smell of a warm, cozy fire; and music was playing on the outdoor speakers. We ran into a number of friends and hung out long enough to visit with them and spend a few minutes with our hostess, Mama Beaver. We had a few errands to take care of after the run then a Christmas party with our Sunday School class that afternoon, plus a night at the MMA fights at the convention center that evening so we kept it pretty brief. All-in-all, it was a nice morning. Sissy and I counted approximately 125 motorcycles, so I know plenty of kids will be blessed this Christmas thanks to everyone who organized and participated in the event.

And speaking of Christmas benefits, the local chapter of ABATE, a motorcycle rights organization, will host its annual Toy Run on Dec. 17. This ride has been around a long time and there are always hundreds of bikers participating. It is not uncommon to have a police escort and to see locals lining the streets to wave as riders go by. The ride begins at the Inlet Square Mall parking lot and will end at the McDonald’s in Surfside Beach.

The ride used to go to the McDonalds on the south end of Myrtle Beach, but after city officials tried to legislate Bike Week out of existence, organizers decided to end it south of the city limits. Many riders were planning to bail out of the ride at the Harley-Davidson dealership to honor the ongoing boycott of Myrtle Beach and ABATE’s officers didn’t want to run into traffic problems.

The after-party, however, will be inside Myrtle Beach city limits at Donny’s Saloon, at 1213 3rd Ave. South. Owner Don Emery deserves a pass on the boycott as the former owner of the always biker-friendly Dog House Saloon, and as one of the few Myrtle Beach business owners who was both vocal and active in his support of Bike Week. In fact, he even ran for office (unsuccessfully) in an effort to help get us and local biker-friendly businesses like his some representation on the city council.

Finally, if you haven’t finished your holiday shopping; or, if you need a way to pick up some extra spending money, the Beaver Bar will host a motorcycle swap meet Saturday and Sunday at the original, “Little Beaver,” location at 3381 U.S. 17 Business. Sellers will set up at approximately 9 a.m. each day and there is no cost to participate as either a buyer or a seller. Sissy and I are planning to do some shopping there Saturday morning. Sunday would be a good morning to go, too, so you could also swing by for the weekly biker breakfast buffet. If you want to dig out your excess motorcycle stuff and turn it into cash; or, you need more information, call the Beaver Bar at 357-6353.