Special delivery: Diverse motorcycle clubs join forces for kids

OFF THE WIRE
By Ryan Sabalow
ANDERSON — Shining chrome tailpipes and black leather vests contrasted Sunday with plush teddy bears and plastic action figures.

For the 28th year, close to 500 motorcycle riders gathered for the annual United Bikers of Northern California toy run. The group met at the parking lot of the Walmart in Anderson and traveled, engines roaring, to Anderson River Park.

Each of the bikers had at least one toy strapped to his

or her bike. The toys were collected at the park to be given to the north state’s Salvation Army chapter.

“Every year we fill up a whole truck,” said Don “Mac” MacNeil, the bike club’s manager. He stood next to fellow club member Dale Hackney of Jones Valley who was dressed up as a very convincing — and jolly — Santa Claus.

A diverse group of bikers participated.

The group ranged from Christian clubs with names like “Back from Hell” to the Hells Angels, which police for decades have described as an outlaw motorcycle gang.

The Patriot Guard Riders and the Missing in America Project, groups that support fallen servicemen and women, also attended.

Tony DeMarco, a member of the Missing in America Project and a member of Star Touring and Riding Redding Chapter No. 302, said the groups agree beforehand that there will be no confrontations among the members, many of whom are rivals or have very different points of view.

“It’s prearranged — for one day there’s peace between them,” DeMarco said.

The overwhelming sentiment Sunday was that even the toughest looking bikers have a soft spot for needy kids.

“It’s always worth taking a weekend for a kid, always,” said 56-year-old Anderson resident Linda Rivera, a member of a local Harley Owners Group (HOG) chapter. “To think of how many kids don’t get presents, because their parents can’t afford it or for whatever reason, it’s heartbreaking.”