There’s always lots happening this month, and oddly, considering the rest of the country is under deep freeze, SoCal always seems to bring us some fun riding weather. Kicking off my December is the new location for the 29th annual ABATE Local 19/PV H.O.G.’s Toy Run on December 3. Last year’s was held at Pomona Valley Harley-Davidson. Didn’t ask what happened, but I notice its new locale is the American Legion 112 at 310 W. Emporia in Ontario. I’ve seen this ride through quite a few venues and I’m looking forward to it here too. The entry fee has changed a bit, but $10 and a new unwrapped toy is still a killer deal! It’s always been a favorite run of mine and I’m looking forward to the changeups. Lots of fun music and a carnival-like atmosphere will ensure you having a great time… “Flagman” Frank Waldrop always reminds me of the Roque N Lifestyle Toy Run—this year on Saturday, December 9. Ride registration is at the Roque Center, 10936 Dale Blvd. in Stanton from 8:00–9:00 a.m. Cost is $10 per person, plus a new unwrapped toy. Check out Flagman Frank’s Facebook page for more details. It’s got a new end game, so be sure to check it out… Held in Indio, the International Tamale Festival is on the first weekend in December. Look for free motorcycle parking at Valley V-Twin, which is directly across the street from the festival on Indio Boulevard…Not only do we have Christmas this month, we have one or two birthdays to celebrate, also. John Gage, here’s wishing you a fun one. Same goes for Joe Muscolo. Ms. Janice Post, hope you’re planning a great day! Penny DeRoo, wishing you the best! Brenda Eisenacher, happiest of birthdays too. Bo Romero, have a great day. And to Jeff Michaels, “radio personality” at KPLM out in the desert, hope your day is super fun! Jeff Mercer, you make your birthday a good one this go-around. Same goes for you too, Don Singleton. Denise Goolsby, you have a fun day over there at the City of Palm Springs. Chris Garcia, have a good birthday. Lance Hamilton, you too. Luis Martinez, you have a great day too. Vicki San Felipo is still running the incredible Accident Scene Management classes, providing lifesaving information—what to do at the scene of a motorcycle accident before EMS arrives. It’s not just first aid. Oh, and it’s her birthday too. Hope it’s great! Juanita Muscolo, hope you’re planning a fun birthday. Same goes for you, Sally Merrit! And Daniel Entzminger, you have a fun day too. Kathy Concodine, one of my Words with Friends pals, hope you have a fun day. Wes Brooks, I know Crystal will make sure your birthday is special this year. Carleen Cuevas is a New Year’s Eve baby—hope your December 31 birthday is filled with lots of fun. Joan Taylor, we miss you honey, hope your birthday is fun. Rhonda Brogden, you have a great birthday this year! Lexie and Steven Estudillo celebrate their third anniversary, and the birth of their second child and Lexie’s birthday. Congrats you two—on everything—wow! Colin Adamik celebrates his birthday the same day I do, as does Debbie Campagne’s hubby, Scott! And I’m sure he’ll help Debbie when it’s her turn later in the month, so happiest of birthdays to each of you! It’s been a year, and the well wishes continue for healing for Sgt. Jeff Merritt, an Indio motor officer who was hit and severely injured while on duty. He is a respected police officer, and someone who loves to ride, either his work bike or his Harley. Keep him in your well wishes. Emy and Denise Goyette, welcome to your first Christmas in your lovely new Utah home!… You know, that’s it for me this month. I’m off to do some Christmas shopping—as always, on the bike. Parking’s a piece of cake, as long as you shop small! Speaking of shopping small, keep it small town, instead of mall. Love shopping in Covina, Claremont, LaVerne, Redlands, etc. The shops are much cooler and individualized, not cookie-cutter, like the malls. Parking may be scarce, but it’s a lot easier on the bike! I’m expanding my column a bit in January, so anything you have for anywhere in California, I’m happy to include you in. If you have friends, shops, even events for Northern California, shoot me an email—as always so happy to hear from you! See you in the New Year—till then, enjoy your holidays and your ride!
