Myrtle Beach, SC Toy run avoids city limits

OFF THE WIRE
BY: Eric “Big E” Rutherford
Source: thesunnews.com
The Horry County chapter of ABATE will host its annual Toy Run to benefit local charities on Saturday. Staging will take place in the Inlet Square Mall parking lot near Belk. Each year hundreds of riders participate by donating a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more; or, by donating $10 cash per rider or $15 for a rider and passenger. The ride leaves at noon sharp and there will be an after-party at City Line Saloon at 4711 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach.
In the past there has been a police escort and the ride has gone from the mall to the McDonald's located on the south end of Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach where the toys are collected. In recent years, after Myrtle Beach city officials decided to ban the spring and fall motorcycle rallies inside city limits and to enact more than a dozen anti-rally ordinances, many riders voiced opposition to taking the ride inside the city. ABATE maintained the ride was about the kids and not the city. Despite that and the state supreme court's ruling that abolished a number of the ordinances, including the city's helmet requirement, several riders at last year's event chose to make their donations and ride only as far as the Harley-Davidson dealership just south of the city line, pulling out before crossing into the city limits, honoring the ongoing, grass roots boycott of the city of Myrtle Beach.
I spoke to Horry County ABATE's Chapter Coordinator Rebecca "Sunny" Rowan, who said ABATE hopes police will escort the ride again and that this year's toy run will end at the McDonald's restaurant at 1734 U.S. 17 Business N. in Surfside Beach instead of the Myrtle Beach location. She was quick to say, however, that the reason for the change had nothing to do with Myrtle Beach politics, and that it was about the safety of the riders (ABATE was concerned about people abandoning the official route at the dealership) and to avoid higher insurance costs, which would be required to take the ride inside the city limits. She added she hopes future runs will return to Myrtle Beach to give the participants a longer ride; and, to allow more locals to see the parade of bikes in support of area families. It is common for people of all ages to congregate along U.S. 17 Business in lawn chairs and golf carts to watch and wave to the hundreds of bikes and bikers as they rumble by.
According to www.HorryAbate.com, "ABATE of Horry County is a motorcyclist's rights organization dedicated to preserving individual freedom and promoting safety. We fully support rider training, safety, and educational programs.Our members also raise funds for the less fortunate, through charity runs and benefits.We encourage our members to become active in their local communities. ABATE works to protect the rights of all motorcyclists through anti-motorcycle legislation both here in Horry county, and across the United States, by becoming an ABATE member. ABATE is non-partisan and welcomes all riders.We give those with a strong interest in motorcycling an opportunity to unite and become part of one of the strongest motorcycle organizations.ABATE feels that all of us, from lifestyle rider to off-road, are brother and sisters with common interest...Riding free!"
Another winter event that is coming together is a Beach Biker Bingo game being orchestrated by Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson that will take place throughout January. I spoke to Denise Triece, the Marketing and Event Coordinator for the local dealership, who explained anyone (not just bikers) will be able to pick up bingo cards at the main dealership located at 4710 S. Kings Highway. Each week in January players will visit participating area businesses, on bikes or in cars, along the Grand Strand to draw their bingo numbers. These businesses are being encouraged to extend special offers to the participants. The game will culminate with an oyster roast at the main dealership on Jan. 29, when prizes will be awarded.
My wife Sissy and I plan to host one of the stops at our restaurant, Pizza Grill-a, in Litchfield Beach. Players at our location will win coupons good for a variety of free food items based on the bingo letter they draw at our location. If you would like to play; or, if you have a local business and would like to participate as a destination, call the dealership at 369-5555 for more information.
The Harley dealership is also promoting extended hours for the holidays. Normally closed on Mondays, the dealership has been open for retail sales (no service or rentals) on Mondays since Nov. 29 and will continue through this coming Monday. You can also take advantage of free gift wrapping with purchase every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.
Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/12/16/1870889/toy-run-avoids-city-limits.html#ixzz18QXBWPzj