Motorcycle toy run will go on, with changes

As with so many other activities this year, the ongoing pandemic has caused changes in the annual holiday motorcycle toy run sponsored by the Ocala Harley Owners Group (HOG) and War Horse Harley-Davidson.

The event historically has included festivities at the dealership as well as a motorcycle convoy to the downtown square, where toy-bearing participants would gather with children from local help agencies for a meal and entertainment. This year, because of social distancing restrictions, the toys donated during the event will be given to area agencies for later presentation to local children, but there still will be a police-escorted ride through town.

This year’s event will begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, when motorcyclists start gathering at War Horse Harley-Davidson, at 5331 N. U.S. 441, for ride registration, which will end at 11:30 a.m.

“At noon, kickstands will go up for registered riders and they will leave the dealership and go north on U.S. 441, then right on Northwest 100th Street, right on Northeast Jacksonville Road, left onto State Road 326, right on Northeast 58th Avenue, right on East Fort King Street, right on Southeast Tuscawilla, left on Silver Springs Boulevard, right on U.S. 441 and back to War Horse,” said longtime organizer and participant Guy Mongello, who also is director of the HOG War Horse Chapter 4695.

Cyclists are asked to bring one unwrapped gift. There is a $5 entry fee per rider. Participants will be treated to a catered lunch and live music. The Big Red Bus bloodmobile will be on hand and “Santa’s helpers” will offer bike washes.

The next day, on Sunday, Dec. 6, the dealership also will be site of the inaugural Ocala Cars and Coffee Christmas Car Rally. That event begins at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $10 to secure a spot in a police-escorted ride that will leave the dealership at noon and travel to Mojo’s on State Road 200. Participants at this event also are asked to donate one unwrapped toy.

To learn more about both events, visit warhorseharley.com/events.