It annoys me to admit it, but between the number of toy runs on the calendar, deciduous leaves dropping and the bizarre crunching sound when I walk upon them, it’s pretty clear that fall is upon us. Don’t get me wrong; like a lot of you, I love the fall—the amber light, long shadows, fall colors and whatnot. I just wish the cold snap that accompanies the season would hold off a few more weeks. How about an Indian Summer? Heck, I’ll bet you’d be hard pressed to find a Native American who wouldn’t like the sound of that (insert heavy sigh)… On October 6 it’s the Ninth annual Grants Pass Toy Run with chow, auction, prizes and competitions at the Fruitdale Grange on Parkdale Drive in Grants Pass. You don’t want to miss the barbecue, and bring your own grub to add to the potluck array—but remember, no double dipping. Santa will take part in the 1:00 p.m. parade so there’s a draw for kids and for the child in all of us. Any and all of your questions can be answered by the all-knowing Spanky (whose moniker hardly suggests that, but trust me) who can be reached at 541.659.8715 or by e-mail at freeflitterfly@msn.com. Hey, it’s no different than Limp Lee; it’s a handle that points to some fun. And yes, pun intended… Also on October 6, there’s an event called Come Ride With Me, a breast cancer awareness poker run and fundraiser. Registration on the day of the event is $30 and includes a run T-shirt (for those who get in early; no guarantees for you latecomers) and your poker playing card to be stamped at the stops. Park and register at Captain Jack’s Bar and Grill in Sumner, where the day begins and ends, but in the morning you’d best get crackin’ by 8:50 a.m. Give Beth a call at 253.403.3038 if you have questions. More info can be found at www.multicare.org/home/motorcycle-ride… Belfair, Washington, is the place to gather for JR’s Hideaway Motorcycle Swap Meet at 22540 NE State Route 3 in Belfair. If you haven’t been to JR’s Hideaway this is your bona fide good reason. No cost to participate, and it’s a mighty friendly place. Date is Saturday, October 6. Check out the place online at www.hideaway-jrs.com… And on October 13 it’s time to celebrate some serious tenure at Vancouver, Washington’s Columbia Harley-Davidson Motorcycle’s 68th Anniversary shindig at the shop at 1314 NE 102nd Street. The history of this dealership is worth your ear, and a pretty good thumbnail of their admirable road can be found on the website (www.columbiahd.com). So come celebrate their big day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on October 13. More info by calling 360.695.8831 or visit the website… On October 12–14 you might want to participate in a ride to benefit St. Jude Cancer Research Hospital that is in honor of young Brittney Mallory, who died at age 18 from a brain tumor. This will be the 9th annual Brittney Ride on the weekend of October 12–14. The story of Brittney is of unimaginable loss; a lovely daughter with an inoperable tumor that took her future away and broke up her family in the wake of it. The positive strength of Brittney’s mom and her supportive new husband, Dan Bell, has turned devastation into hope for others. The poker run cost amounts to $55, a sum that includes the poker run entry, breakfast and dinners to get you through the weekend (lodging is not included). If you come to dance only, the cost for the live music Saturday is $10 (otherwise included with full $55). All proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in the hopes that others can be spared such devastation. The Brittney Ride is presented by the Motorcycle Superstore and the days will include (but not be limited to) the poker run, live and silent auctions, 50/50 raffles, a live concert and more. The poker run starts at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, and is a 65-mile ride through the back country of Douglas County in Oregon. Registration is at noon at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville, Oregon. Questions? Call Dayle Mallory-Bell at 541.664.8585, visit www.brittneyride.com, or e-mail dayle@butterfliesforbrittney.org… At the end of the month, October 28, it’s the Havana Street site that will find the NW Classic Motorcycle Club having their 3rd annual Halloween Swap Meet at the Spokane Humane Society at 6607 N. Havana Street. It’s all about classics, not about flavor, so all makes and models are encouraged. Vendors are asked to pay no fee beyond the $5 for admission. And yes, a piece of the action is going towards the Humane Society. The action begins at 9:00 a.m. and if you have questions the man to ask is Bootmaker, who’ll pick up at 509.294.1249, or Grover at 509.939.9911. More info is also available at www.nwclassicmotorcycleclub.com or by e-mailing gmcglasson1@msn.com… And lastly, a jumpstart because you likely won’t have your papers by the early date in November. So on the 3rd of the month, ABATE of North Idaho will hold their 23rd annual Toy Run. This is the pride of the Kootenai Chapter Road Dogs and benefits the Marine Corps League Toys for Tots. If you can, bring a toy or purchase one at the Road Dogs’ toy stop at Wal-Mart. Things begin at 11:00 a.m. at Lucky’s (a.k.a. Lawrence’s Motorcycles) on Government Way in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Questions are being happily taken by Pastor Ernie at 208.691.5008…
