Santa, ABATE take 50-mile motorcycle ride in annual toy run

Photos by Tom Rivers

RIDGEWAY – Al Schumacher, a motorcyclist from Middleport, dressed as Santa today for a 50-mile ride around Orleans County.

Schumacher has wore the red Santa suit the past several years for the annual toy run led by ABATE in Orleans County.

There were 23 motorcyclists in the ride today. They have to pay either $20 or donate a toy to be part of the journey that started at the Ridgeway fire hall on Route 104. Motorcyclists headed west before getting on Route 18 and going east across the county towards Kendall. Then they got on Route 31 in Holley headed west towards Albion before getting on 31A and going back towards Medina. The ride ended at the Vets’ Club in Medina.

Don Sloper, president of the local ABATE chapter, said the toy run has been an annual tradition in September for about 40 years.

The group usually raises $600 to $1,000 which is donated to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee for their annual toy drive during the holiday season.

“It’s good riding weather for us and it gives them a good start (on the toy drive),” he said.

Al Schumacher and the other motorcyclists get ready for the 50-mile ride.

Santa rode on a trike motorcycle. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office provided an escort for the toy run.