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Bikers provide many kids with blessings

Ridge Erickson, Aurora

Published December 12, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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The roar began before noon on East Colfax Avenue on Dec. 7. As the roar grew to a crescendo, I expected it to fade, but the roar kept on. That loud roar represented thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts expressing the American spirit through their joy and love of freedom.

These wonderful people were riding their motorcycles to Children's Hospital in Aurora to deliver toys which will surely bring joy and happiness to a place where it would be most appreciated and all too often missing ("Bikers revved up for 23rd annual toy run," Dec. 8).

My theory is that motorcycle riders have so much joy from the freedom they relish on two wheels that it overflows. Have you ever noticed that when there is a cause that could use some big numbers and big hearts, the motorcyclists are there? I don't ride a motorcycle but it is very easy to see why they do. The looks on their faces told that story. May all of them receive at least as many blessings as they provide.

Comments

  • December 12, 2008

    6:48 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Rangerjoe1 writes:

    Very True

  • December 12, 2008

    7:52 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Michael writes:

    Merry Christmas and if only everyone could ride (or get a ride on) a motorcycle (specifically a big ole' HD) maybe the world would be a better place.

  • December 12, 2008

    8:43 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    leftside writes:

    JimmyB, come in here and tell me about your Harley.

  • December 12, 2008

    9:17 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Acemon writes:

    That "load roar" also demonstrates their anti-social behavior and contempt for anyone not a biker. Loud exhausts make things difficult for all riders, not just Harley owners.

    I am tremendously pleased those people made life happier for the less fortunate, but must they break the law to do so?

  • December 12, 2008

    9:32 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Michael writes:

    Ace - Are you perpetually angry and looking for the slightest reason to criticize in an otherwise heart-warming story? You slam the bikers right out of the gate, and then grudgingly offer praise?? Merry Christmas to you.

  • December 12, 2008

    9:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    CWW writes:

    Acemon, if you'd ever been on a bike, you'd know that the noise is to alert car drivers you are around. Loud pipes = save lives.

  • December 12, 2008

    10:08 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Clarence_Boddicker writes:

    But helmets are for sissies, right?

  • December 12, 2008

    11:27 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Acemon writes:

    CWW - I own four motorcycles and have ridden since childhood. Study after study has shown that loud pipes only irritate the people around them. Having the sense to look around and pay attention is what will save your life. As the AMA so well puts it: loud pipes lose rights. Many cities are banning motorcycles in certain places and certain hours because of overly-loud motorcycles, which affects those of us who obey the laws with our quiet bikes.

    Michael - You have a lot of nerve to accuse me of being "perpetually angry and looking for the slightest reason to criticize" when you're one of the most contrary and arguementative posters here. Yeah, I said some things about people who cheerfully break the law - wouldn't you? I love what they're doing for the kids, but can't they do it in a less intrusive and disruptive way? The bikers' "freedom" comes at the expense of loud noise which offends a lot of people. The image of being "outsiders and outlaws" doesn't help, either. The letter writer's statement of "American spirit " is nonsense - real Americans don't go out of their way to offend their fellow citizens.

    I say again that I am tremendously pleased those people made life happier for the less fortunate, but must they break the law to do so?

  • December 12, 2008

    12:33 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Michael writes:

    "...real Americans don't go out of their way to offend their fellow citizens." - Ace
    Does that include atheists - specifically atheists in Washington State?

  • December 12, 2008

    12:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Darwin writes:

    CWW writes: "Acemon, if you'd ever been on a bike, you'd know that the noise is to alert car drivers you are around. Loud pipes = save lives."

    Using that logic, I should drive around in my car keeping my hand on my horn. I agree the motorcyclists are doing a great thing but many of us do far more than a toy or two but don't make a display of it by forming a car caravan.

  • December 12, 2008

    1:40 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    INC writes:

    Clarence,
    as exposed a Motorcycle rider is out on the road. all a helmet does is
    1) Obstruct the peripheral view if the rider.
    2) Obstruct the hearing of the rider.
    3) make for a good looking corpse.

    not to worry when jumping buses or fountains, I always wear a helmet.

    taking toys to Children at Children's is always a nice ride no matter how cold the thermometer seems to be. the warmth derived from the endeavor makes it feel like July.

  • December 12, 2008

    2:24 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Michael writes:

    NoDoubt - I agree - but I hate helmet hair!!!

  • December 12, 2008

    2:37 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Acemon writes:

    Michael - Stop trying to provoke things by saying nonsense like "Does that include atheists - specifically atheists in Washington State?" What do atheists and Washington State have to do with the discussion. Are you totally unable to have a civil discussion?

    NoDoubt - I fully support your right to ride and applaud you for wanting to be safe and I hope you have great rides all year long. You wrote: "As long as I ride, I will always put loud pipes on my bikes. My safety is more important than some delicate flowers pointy little ears." I love hearing (and feeling) top fuel dragsters at Bandemere, but I don't try to make my truck sound like them. You also wrote "I'd feel unsafe and embarrassed to ride a bike that sounds like a sewing machine." By contrast I'd rather wear a dress in public than ride a bike as sophisticated as a Model T. Your bike has a horn - try using it.

    INC - My helmet doesn't block my peripheral vision, nor reduce my hearing.

    I'm outta here. Y'all talk about whatever you want, or slam me as hard as you can, but I won't be here to read it. Later!