By Peter Day
Staff Writer
LUCERNE VALLEY, Calif. — Once again, the spirit of Christmas has arrived early in Lucerne Valley.
This year, some 50 or so motorcycle riders, a.k.a. “bikers,” rolled into town Saturday on their Harleys, Indians and other classic-styled bikes, destined for their annual barbecue feed. A picture-postcard day greeted the riders who were carrying toys, games — and money.
“The older kids, what do you buy them?” asked Cindy Demel who came with her husband and adult son, who first joined the event when he was a youngster. “Cash always works.”
Others from Demel’s group, Abate Local 44, based in Hesperia, have participated in the annual ride.
“I have a newspaper (Leader) picture from the first time I came here about 20 years ago,” one rider said.
Members of the Trinity Riders and a new group from Lake Elsinore also were among the leather-wearing attendees. For years, a group from Westminster would make the long trek.
Jo Richards, a longtime resident and beloved newspaper columnist, organized the first Toy Run, which is hosted by the Lucerne Valley Roadrunners and other local volunteers, 22 years ago.
“I was young when this started,” Richards said. “I was 61.”
This year, Woody Hart, president of the Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce and a former two-time honorary mayor, cooked up his famous baked beans and helped volunteer extraordinaire Jerry Byars tend to the grill. Perennial barbecue master Chuck Bell also demonstrated his culinary skills. Among the volunteers were Billie and Larry Stebbins, Jean Magee and Sharon Cross.
For several years, when the Toy Run was held at Country Styles (now the Cadillac Antiques Store), the event was held in early December. But, according to Richards, the weather was getting colder (and the bikers are getting older.) So she moved the event to the park, where there are tables, barbecues and other amenities, and conduct it in the more temperate fall.
“The bikers are a busy people,” she said. “They always have a rally or a ride to go to and we’re fortunate that they still remember us.”
As Santa and Mrs. Claus — who were visiting from the North Pole last Saturday — attested, the barbecue, baked beans and cool lemonade certainly hit the spot, but the event means much more. In December, after the town and others pitch in with additional goodies and gifts, the Roadrunners will see to it that 150 local families and 350 children will receive gifts.
“That’s how many we’re responsible for,” said Santa, decked out in his splendid red suit.
Then, with the Toy Run luncheon well under way, a faint rumble got louder and louder.
“I still cry when I hear them at the Four-Way Stop,” Richards said tearfully. “I can’t believe they come out for this every year.”