The air was crisp and clean, the sky clear and sunny on Saturday morning, December 5, as the Conyers Riding Association (CRA) held its 25th Annual ToyRide benefitting Rockdale Emergency Relief (RER).  The event, scheduled to be CRA’s last as event sponsor, saw 192 cycles heading out together carrying nearly 250 riders and passengers from a wide variety of local motorcycle clubs, including many independent, individual riding enthusiasts.

As in years past, participants began gathering at 9:00 a.m. in the front parking lot of Target on GA Hwy. 20.  Each rider was asked contribute either one new toy or $15.00 ($10.00 or a toy of equal value for a passenger) to benefit RER.  The crowd of all ages huddled together in small groups, enjoying coffee, donuts, and hot chocolate while admiring the assemblage of cycles, catching up with old friends, and remembering occasions of rides past.  At 11:00 Sheriff Eric Levett, whose officers provided escort for the ride, addressed the crowd.  The Sheriff thanking everyone for coming out and congratulated CRA on such a strong turnout.  Rev. Andy Peabody, Executive Director of RER, then gave a blessing that launched the ride.     

The riders exited the Target parking lot and traveled southward on GA Hwy. 20.  They turned right onto GA Hwy. 212 and drove northwest to Klondike Road.  From Klondike the group continued onto Union Church Road before turning onto 20 and making their way across the Parker Road interstate bridge.  

In keeping with tradition, the ride concluded at Falcons Fury Harley Davidson, 900 Dogwood Dr. (formerly Stone Mountain Harley Davidson), where lunch was provided courtesy of The Beech Foundation and Salem UMC.  Rev. Joe Peabody, pastor-in-charge of Salem UMC, served as chief grillmaster, overseeing a team of church volunteers who cooked some 400 hamburgers, 200 hotdogs, and 200 breasts of chicken.   Additional non-riders joined the ride participants, law enforcement, and Falcons Fury staff to enjoy lunch and participate in raffle giveaways.  Recently elected State Senator JaNice Van Ness (a Board Member of Rockdale Emergency Relief) was on hand to help CRA member Tim Hunter announce winners of the raffle drawings.

Hunter, Mike McDonald, Philip Tidwell and other CRA members thanked all of the attendees for making the 2015 ToyRide such a successful event for the past quarter century, and commended RER on its important charitable work in the community.  CRA thanked everyone that had donated, assisted, and participated in the past 25 years of successful and safe Christmas Toy Rides.  They also reminded the crowd that this year’s ToyRide was once again being held in honor of Robert Mayfield, a founding member of CRA who was instrumental in organizing the club’s first toy rides in the 1990’s.  Mr.  Mayfield was killed while riding his motorcycle when a motorist ran in front of him in 1996.  Mr. Mayfield’s widow, Norma, attended this year’s event and had her picture taken with the CRA members.

Near the conclusion of the event, Tim Hunter announced that the 2015 ToyRide had generated over $9,500 in cash contributions, along with many in-kind toy donations.  RER Executive Director Andy Peabody took the opportunity to assure the crowd, “Even though CRA is stepping down from their sponsorship role after 25 years of amazing leadership, the ToyRide will go on!  We look forward to sharing news with you in the New Year about how we plan to build on the foundation CRA has established.  How do you adequately say ‘thanks’ for 25 years of support?  Frankly, we tell you we love you, CRA, for all you have done for others through your leadership with the ToyRide!”