Echo, Oregon TOY RUN. Motorcyles and Freezing Temps!

My day started at 7 AM, and the temps dipped at 19 degrees. Brrr....it was so cold!

Today was the day of the Motorcycle TOY RUN that we had all been looking forward to.

The weather report kept talking about this cold front moving in and the temperatures dipping to record cold!

Were we going to go? HECK YEAH!

By the time we left at 10 AM we were having a heat wave and the temperature climbed up to 29 degrees.

This is Becky. My very good friend. If she would of even HINTED that she wasn't going to go, I would of said, "HUBBY, YOU GO!"

But she didn't.
Because of that,
I just had to go. No backing out now!
We have never ridden in such cold temps. We are considered "Fair Weather" riders.
SO we practiced putting on layers of clothing.
The more layers you put on,
the more you can't move!
My only concern was that Hubby feel ALL the controls on that bike, because
I wanted to arrive safely back home!
and We did.
But from this, I know what I will and will not wear the next time.

This is Tom her husband.

And me!

My hubby is in the background here.

By the time we got to this stop, which was about 2 miles towards our destination,

We were chilled!

But it was fun!

Our Son Cameron went along for the ride also.

He is a strong person, and is always up for any challenge.

Cameron has accomplished more in is 24 years of life than

we ever did at his age.

The run was from ECHO, OREGON

to

Good Shepherd Hospital in

HERMISTON, OREGON

Which consisted of about probably less than a 10 mile run,

but in temps that were in the high 20's it felt a lot longer!

Here is just part of the gathering in Echo.

There were a total of 77 riders.

 

Here we are leaving the hill out of Echo.

I took pictures all along the way.

We had a police escort and never really went the speed limit,

which was good, as the wind chill factor was a lot less going

30 MPH than it was at 65 mph.

 This is pulling the hill out of Stanfield.

 

I took a few, "behind" pictures.

These were all: "POINT and SHOOT"!

 

 This is where I work. All the guys were outside watching.

As we drove through Hermiston, we got to run red lights!

That was a bit confusing for everyone at first.

The motorcycle riders, did not know if we should stop at the lights or not.

I think next year they should have the front two riders peal off at

each intersection to stop cross traffic.

There were drivers pulled over all along the way.

Some were just watching.

Some were taking pictures.

 

 Turning the corner to the Hospital.

 

 Pulling into the hospital.

 

 Just to show, it really was cold outside!

Here is the fountain out front of the hospital.

Yes it is quite frozen!

 

 But we all had a wonderful time.

Putting our toys we brought into the bins,

felt good!

I said a little prayer, that the children that got our toys,

would love them dearly!

 

 And last but not least:

Here is Becky and my hubby,  her "girlfriend"!

To explain this:

This past spring there were a few rides I did not go on.

Whenever they would stop for a rest,

She would ask Rick,

"If her hair was ok",

He would help her to hook her helmet.

So as a joke, she made a comment that he was her new girlfriend!

It has stuck, and we have a lot of laughs over it.

 

Becky every once in a while will write poetry.

She has for a long time, and she is really good at it.

So I want to share with you a poem that she wrote and I found in my Email this morning.

It really says it all:

LIVING FOR US

Call it mid-life crisis, or call it chasing your youth.

But what we seek is living if you want to know the truth.

We cared for our children, watched them grow and also thrive.

And cheered for every dream that their hearts did oh so strive.

But now its time we continue with our lives we set aside.

To set out for adventure on our Harley's that we ride.

We're not asking anyone's approval, we don't need that anymore.

We just need to know that there's more that our lives must have in store.

We dress up in our leathers, a fashion statement, it may be.
But its all just a part of living, being happy and being free.

And yes we know, we aren't twenty anymore.

But in our hearts we are, as our Harley's proudly roar.

So if you shake your head and think of us with doubt.

Just keep this in your mind this is what life is all about.

To follow your heart and to look fear in the face.

Then know that you have found it, 

You're in your happy place.

Becky Wiggins

12-6-09