Annual HOG Charity Run 2004

Ottawa 's Toy Parade

Back in the eighties a couple of guys were shooting the breeze, possibly hunched over frosted mugs of beer in some smoky bar, when one or the other suggested that Ottawa needed an event for bikers. Not long after, a small contingent of riders were found cruising in frigid November air with toys securely strapped to their mechanical steeds, destined for the less fortunate children in the area.

Twenty or so years have passed since that day, and the tradition continues. Unlike those humble beginnings so long ago, hundreds of bikers now gathered together to support their community as part of the Salvation Army Capital Campaign, and of course, to have a little fun.

For more than a decade I have been participating in this classic event, and I have seen it go through a lot of changes. When I first got involved it was simply known as the Toy Parade, then it became the Toys for Tots run, and now it is officially known as the Annual HOG Charity Run.

The gathering point for the ride has changed often over time as well. Depending on where permission could be obtained, bikers found themselves in the parking lots of Carleton University , Vincent Massey Park , and Tunney's Pasture to name just a few.

Even the nature of the run has changed over the years. When it began, all that was expected of a participant was a toy, either new or a used one in very good shape, or a non-perishable food item. Last year the Salvation Army suggested that instead of stuffed animals, they would much prefer those hard-to-come-by dollars. They informed that this would be of far greater value to those in desperate need. Ottawa riders were now asked to register for the event with a small donation, though toys would still be accepted as well.

But one thing has remained a constant in all that time: the Parade. This is the attraction that gets most of us involved. Being part of a long line of bikes rumbling through the streets of Ottawa, traffic halted for our passing by our Harley mounted police escorts, spectators waving and cheering our noisy procession - well, it's just so cool.

2004 Annual HOG Charity Run

For as long as I can remember, rain had never fallen on our parade. This year would be no different since sunny skies and temperatures in the mid twenties were in the forecast. Our gathering point for the second year in a row would be at Britannia Park , located in the city's west end and right on the Ottawa River . It is an ideal spot to meet and hold our event not only because of the scenery and available amenities, but also because of its strategic accessibility to the Ottawa River Parkway . The parkway is a wonderful road that hugs the Ottawa River straight into the heart of the city and should be experienced by all visitors to the area. For us it also meant an easily managed high profile route that would eventually takes us past the ever popular tourist attraction, the Parliament buildings downtown.

No longer just a parade, this event has evolved into a mini-rally. There would be a live band playing throughout the day, a BBQ lunch served, a Show-N-Shine, door prizes, and of course, the quintessential biker games.

To appreciate what the Annual HOG Charity Run is all about, have look at the photos of the day's activities on the following pages. Better still, check out next year's run for yourself.

Photo Gallery

• The Parade
• Around the Park
• The Rodeo
• The Bikes