There is expected to be more than fifty thousand motorcycles participating in the Big Toy Run, this year.. If the run gathers up as usual, that means about twenty five thousand will meet in Dallas and twenty five thousand in Ft. Worth... (guesstimating, of course).. Well folks.. that's a "heap of motorcycles".. A lot of enthusiastic rookies always show up for this annual specatable in the metroplex.. Years past.. they are usually the ones who'll experience problems.. breakdowns, wrecks.. wipeouts, etc...When that many motorcycles run together, those things are to be expected..Especially at the point where the east bound merges with the west bound, in Arlington at the convention center.. There are a few little things that you might remember that should keep everyone safe.. 1. Don't get in a hurry, just keep up.. You will be riding close with motorcycles in front, behind and on each side of you.. 2. Don't get anxious and eager to impress anyone with your bike handling skills.. Ride your own motorcycle and hope those bikers so close to you will do likewise.. 3. Never panic and always keep your "cool" if things happen to get just a little scary around you.. 4. In case of a minor problem on your motorcycle, take your time and gradually work your way to the side, so that you can stop safely..You will have plenty of help.. 5. The speeds are varying, from start up to the convention center.. Riding this close means that every rider must focus on handling his own motorcycle.. You'll be running from approximately 10 mph to 70 mph.. Formation riding is a little bit intimidating to many.. Too close is dangerous, but not close enough is equally dangerous.. Sudden changes in speeds and/or changing positions of your motorcycle can cause others to have serious problems.. 6. Remember that no one is challenging you and that it isn't necessary to compete with others on this ride.. 7. In past years, DPD and the cities which we pass through have escorted us and the ramps on 30 have been secured to avoid other vehicles from "breaking" into the streams of motorcyles .. Last year was an exception and a few four wheelers were on the freeway.. Watch them carefully.. most were unaware that they were seeing one of the biggest gathering of motorcycles running together, in the state.. 8. The merging together of East and West in Arlington can be extremely dangerous.. Again.. ride your own and don't panic.. Most of these riders have done this before.. They know what to expect and how to react, if necessary.. The confidence with which you operate your own bike could make the difference between a catastrophy or a safe ride.. 9. The Toy Run is an experience which you'll never forget.. Here's hoping all the memories will be good ones and you don't have to remember being the cause of a wipe out or being the victim of one.. 10. Good luck on helping make the Run a success . Everyone is welcome and it's famous for giving Christmas to little ones who might not have one without it.. Your friend in Irving Bill Walker
