It was wet is all i can say. Sparky and his daughter Brandy got to Carrows and noone else decided to brave the rain. At 9 am the rain had stopped but the roads were wet. The traffic was lite but several (must be newbies in California) cars had a hard time making the on and off ramps as we saw them off the road and tow trucks making money. Other than the road wet we did not see any rain untill Grass Valley. Once in Grass Valley it had become a lite mist for the most part (the type that really soaks you).

 

Once we arrived at Nevada City at the county goverment bldg we noticed that there were very few riders. We figured that this might be a very poor showing for the kids. But as we got closer to the Noon time start the bikes were coming in in droves. Everybody loaded with toys for the little ones. Yes Santa does ride a motorcycle.

 

We snaked our way through Nevada City to Grass Valley with the streets lined (much smaller crowd this year. Must have been the rain) with well wishers and kids. We ended this wet trek at the Nevada County Fair Grounds where we gladly left our gifts of toys and food.

 

Knowing that the children would soon be there to receive their gifts many of the Santa's (myself included) made a hasty retreat to home so that we would not be found out. We left the elves to hand out the toys and food to those who so need this help each year.

 

The number of vendors were up this year selling everything from books to leathers. This maybe growing to something larger in the coming years. 

 

The homeward ride was wet all the way home.

 

From Thom Staser

Thanks Sparky.  We had 414 bikes, and were able to feed over 400 families, with help from a lot of people like you and your friends!  Thank you very much!

 

Sparky