Motorcycle riders softened their rough and tough image to spread Christmas cheer Sunday morning at the 24th annual Toys in the Sun Run hosted by Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach.
"It's all about doing it for the kids, it's the christmas spirit, decking the bike out and going out and showing bikers do care," said participant JC Hernandez.
Riders put on Santa hats and strapped stuffed animals and new toys to the back of their motorcycles for the 20-mile ride. They rode west on Pembroke Road to I-95 North, to I-595 West, and finished at Markham Park in Sunrise with a big celebration.
"Feels good, we both went out shopping, we got our toys and we're ready to go," Margie Grimes said before the parade.
To participate, bikers brought a new toy and made a minimum $10 donation. Proceeds go to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood. Truckloads of collected toys will go to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, which will distribute presents to needy families this holiday season.
Police officers shut down portions of the route for about three hours during the ride.
"This is the number one biggest bike event for the kids in the whole state of Florida," said a rider known as "Hoop."
Bikers say it's not just about the thrill of the ride.
"The camaraderie of all of people, the bikes, everyone's got toys everywhere," said participant Linda Bergey.
