The Toy Runs

Every year the Independent Riders for Children and Charities (IRCC) holds two Toy Runs. A Toy Run is similar to a "poker run," the difference being that you need to bring a new, unopened children's toy along with the $10 entry fee for the event. At the end of the year the toys and money are distributed to local charities (chosen each year by the IRCC's elected board of directors).

The Toy Runs are unique as they're one of the last "group rides" in the area. A group ride is when we ride together in one big herd, as opposed to the normal, modern poker runs where people go from stop to stop on their own, at their own speed. The IRCC Toy Runs welcome people to ride at their own speed (we encourage it, actually, if you're not comfortable with a group ride), but most of us enjoy the feeling of togetherness that comes with a group ride.

It must be noted that riding in a group is NOT "riding in formation." We do follow rules of the road, including hand signals, but we ride staggered. We post road guards at crossings where necessary, and we always have one or two chase vehicles in case of problems.

The IRCC has two Toy Runs each year. The "original" is held the Saturday before Labor Day each August, and usually begins and ends in the Greater Brunsville Metropolitan Area. In 2009 the IRCC will be holding an additional Toy Run in the Alta/Storm Lake region as well. Each run goes roughly 100 miles or so and has about five stops. At the end there is a gathering for door prizes and setch.

Attendance at the Toy Runs vary, of course, from year to year, but we generally have a fantastic turnout. You do NOT need to be an IRCC member to attend a Toy Run, though you may certainly join whilst signing in for the run. It should also be said that we generally have eight or ten automobile-type cars and trucks in each run -- we're NOT limited to motorcycles. We have cruisers, tourers, crotch-rockets, choppers, hot rods, cars, trucks... Whatever you care to drive, as long as you're licensed and insured, we're happy to have you!