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I'm also doing Super Market Sweep here in Frisco on the 4th of Dec, The charities will go towards th SF food Bank. And dont forget CRANKSGIVING !!!!!!! one of my fave alley cats of the yearrrrr!!!!!!!
Well the next question would be who is on the team?
I'm 100% down to help coordinate DJs, Sound-system, and food as I did last year.
That still leaves:
- venue (usually the hardest part)
- ride-planning for: LB, SGV, NoHo, Hollywood, Pasadena, NELA Westside East LA, etc.
- toy donation
- keg (s)
- etc.
I still have the Tamale Lady's number ... if/when we have a critical mass of people saying that is is happening for sure ... i'll ring her up and reserve the date.
I don't want to derail the thread ... but Self Help Graphics was super rad and super helpful to us ... as they have been for years for so many people. It would be great to do a ride or something on their behalf.
Location has been the tricky part.
We have been pretty lucky with the weather
2006 was a bit cold and misty and it sprinkled a bit but it didn't dampen our spirits.
2007 Self help graphics was picked in part because we had the option of going indoors ... but most people partied outside.
It looks like this snowball is starting to tumble down hill, so if anybody has any great ideas/ connections about where to have the party near downtown ... I think we should start looking ASAP.
- The place should be cool with noise and rowdy but (mostly) respectful ridazz.
- Able to accomidate 3-600+ people
- Cool with beer
etc.
As far as $$ goes.
Last year Dee&Mr. Raymond raised money at the Noche de Bicycletes Meurtes ride by selling Tee-Shirts. That paid for the beer and we were able to give a little money to self help graphics for hosting. The Tamale lady came out for free, but food plates were $5
The year before, we had drink tickets for $1 donation i think, and that reimbursed people for the keg with some beer given away at the end.
In 2006 I think the venue was donated. we were mostly outside except for the DJs, The Bar, and the toys. it worked surprisingly well, even though it was little cold and damp ... people hung out and partied for quite a while.
Perhaps someone could design a t-shirt for the Medieval Ridazz ride, or a generic MR shirt with Roadblock's blessing?
Any connections with printing places on deals?
Who is stepping up for All City Toy Ride '08?
Hmmmmm. Welll we should at least try farmlab then.
Anybody have a contact that could could pitch the idea to them in the best light?
For a pitch to a venue to be successful we should
- determine a charity to receive toys
- get a graphic worked out
- and perhaps put together a simple info flyer
im totally down to help out. if you guys can get together and buy blank shirts im totally down to screen print them granted that they're a one color design as i can do more that way
[ im mostly a paper printer, so while i can print on fabric i fail on fabric registration. ]
ps. if any of you were able to check out self help graphics chicano printmaking archives ocnsider yourself lucky.. BEAUTIFUL prints.
One of my best friends, whose either first or second ride ever was last year's All City Toy Ride, works for The Alliance for Children's Rights. They pass toys out during the holidays, and on the two big National Adoption Days, which they coordinate with volunteer attorneys in the LA area. They work mainly with kids in foster care in the LA County system.
Here's what they do, from their website at http://www.kids-alliance.org/about.asp:
Founded in 1992, The Alliance for Children’s Rights has helped more than 50,000 children throughout Los Angeles County: children who are living in foster care, children with learning disabilities, children who need medical treatment or public benefits, and children in need of legal guardianship or adoption.
Through direct legal services, community education, and advocacy, The Alliance’s diverse programs are not only serving the immediate needs of children and families, they are also helping to create systemic change that will protect the future of children for generations to come.
each area plans its route, spoke cards, ride leadership etc.
since we tend to converge at olvera st. at a specific time its important to have the rides planned well so we can all arrive around the same time.
As far as routes .. you can always refer to the routes from 2006 and 2007 linked above.
Sounds great!
You want to make contact with them and see what their needs are?
If our timing works for them? if they can pick up toys on friday night 12/1/2?
I you are down to do shirts ... i say run with it.
recruit help etc.
as far as shirts we have no $$
but we can try and get donations from AA or someone else
or ... we can ask somebody to front $$ and get paid back after shirts are sold.
another approach that wouldn't help us raise money would be to have free live screen printing so ppl can show up at the ride and walk away with an MR shirt... a gift for the ridazz!
sorry,. I thought the reason they didn't have it there was because of the no Alcohol rule. Or was it something I was going to do with Veronica and Chickenleather. Who knows......Glad to be wrong about this.
"This year Mr Raymond and I wanted to let someone else take the "Noche Ride" and "Toy Ride"(crespin,hint)
I hope whomever takes it will put in the soul and heart that we've always tried to show you guys.
There's great ridazz on here and I simply wanted to see others step up and kick ass.
Im old,cranky rida now and probably be best to step aside and let the new blood kick ass ,but yes, i wanna put the pressure to make it a kick ass ride.
I shouldnt have spoken for Raymond but sure his reason was close to mine.."
Good looking out trickmilla..You were key on the previous rides.
Farmlab- we did not have it there because they a a film shoot that day.The person i contacted was pretty cool about it.
Originally Allen and I dealt with a person that gave us dead end and no asnwers until I spoke to Olivia Chumacero,Please call her.We wrote a nice proposal letter.Purpose, charity,stressed respecting the spot.
Last year we spent $300 on venue,$350 on beer,$200 ,200 for portable potties, 100 miscellaneous (I offered some cash to guy with lights and speaker).
Im glad you guys are doing this..I finally get to just ride and enjoy it.
Im good for donating a keg.
im up for posting it up and helping out as much as possible! but i would need all the info on the meeting points, time, etc. also help with making a flyer thing.
I have a surplus of I (bike) LA shirts and would be willing to hand them over for the Toy Ride to get them out of the house (or for any other MR related fundraiser).
And yes Dee I know I still owe you one. I'm free tonight so email me your # and I'll personally come over TONIGHT after the debates and give you your pick.
So basically the job would entail coordinating with all the individual ride planners. to post start time and ride info as it becomes available.
Make your contact available and have people send you the info.
If you want to get started post the ride with whatever information we can muster at the moment ... you can use 2006 and 2007 ride listings (linked above) as a guide.
I'm sure a graphic will materialize soon but for now the image from 2006 is pretty damn classic we can work with that for the time being.
Email me if you have questions I'll help you as much as I can.
I just formed a google group
If you want to help in the planning of this ride and be in email contact with others who are planning the ride OR you just want to keep an eye on the off board discussion ...
Hate to say it guyzzz,
the I Bike LA shirts are from Team Midnight Ridazz ALC, and I think we are still planning on using them this year. If I am wrong I will let you know. Sorry
"Ms. Stephanie ... can you try and secure the charity or hook up a contact?"
@trickmilla, No problem. Consider it done. Email me at femmesdl at gmail dot com, and let me know exactly what info you need, what kind of organizing we need to put in place (probably just getting someone to come to the end point and pick up the toys?).
funanu ...
so your going to touch base with farmlab?
if so ... lets see if we can get confirmation from Ms. Stephanie first so we can step to them with a confirmed charity.
.....................................................
All, is there any objections to booking the tamale lady again this year?
for those who wern't there:
She comes out for free.
Plates are $5
Drinks (sodas and Champurrado) are $1
The Tamales are delicious.
The vendor was recommended to us by Mama's Hot Tamales
We still need any possible leads for venues. If anybody has any connections on any downtown venue that could host several hundred ridazz ... pls let us know!
christmas lights are cheap and can make just about anything look festive.
we need to focus on a finding a space that we can use for free first ... then think about throwing a little money at somebody if there is no other option.
I don't know what it would take, but I know that the firehouse where they filmed Ghostbusters, down in the Toy/Warehouse district, is available for rent. We may have some leverage in regards to price because it's a toy drive. Maybe free. : D
what about the parking lot at sci arc? alcohol is gonna scare away most places cuz of the insurance liability of one of the jackass ridazz getting hurt.
I've been to events at Fire Station No. 23 where they were serving booze.......
I think that the only rule there was that you had to be inside, no loitering around on the street/sidewalk
SCIARC is a good suggestion, and they usually do a Halloween party, we should crash that and, in the process, talk to the coordinator and see what we can work out
I'm waiting to hear back about a 15000 sq. ft. warehouse in dtla on the 3rd floor.
The guy i spoke to was totally cool and when i mentioned we cycle, he asked if it's anything like midnight ridazz or crank mob?
his partners ride fixies and they've ridden some m.r. rides.
I made it clear we are very minimal...just need a place....no frills.
one of his concerns was cleanup...i said no problem....dozens would show up saturday for clean up. Sounds promising. He's gonna call me back about how much it would cost for the night. he said it probably wouldn't be much at all.
We have a great track record with cleanup.
There have always been a big group at the end to help clean up.
If there is next day clean up necessary we could always have a day after ride to the spot.
...................
I just checked with the Smell. They are 100% down but can't do booze.
Jim Smith from the Smell suggested we we check out Little Radio.
the guy i spoke to said they're there every sunday so if some of us wanted to go down there and speak to them in person, it may cinch the spot. they have plenty of room for bikes.
im down for next sunday to go talk to them. i cant this weekend. also, is there restrooms in that building that we can use? cuz i was thinking we might have to get a portable restroom thing.
restrooms, showers, etc...they first mentioned $3000 for the night thinking it was like a formal gathering with rental stuff, lights, security, catering.....when i said we're cyclists doing a toy drive for charity, he started to see the full picture....
So, I've been thinking about doing the Day Of The Dead ride, and have it posted, and some people have been supportive in the decision, but I was wondering if it would be alright with the original starters (deesimple + Mr. Raymond), I don't wanna just take over. Anyway, the reason this is relevant is because if I did the ride I'd sell shirts and some pastries and would be happy to give some dinero for this.
@FUNANU
tc4tb email is dashishere at gmail dot com
As Raymond said yesterday yesterday....Go with it..handle it ..make it good..
Hey I got a good lead yesterday on a place.The guys that runs it said thumbs up but we did not talk specifics..Its you guy's decision on where and how you do it..Just let me know if you want the info.
do it to it. go for it. i'm totally fine with someone else doing the ride, and its my belief that no one really owns any of these rides. we're all just kinda jumping in the lead whenever its needed or whenever we feel like it.
*the spot Dee and I checked out would be perfect and the guy running the place is a rider. its near downtown and not too exposed to the street which would be good for late night partying.
2006 MAP >>>
Is wicked but we definately need to add a few more routes.
MR is is ALL CITY and we need to make this one look like a spider web!
We have Starting points for
NELA and West LA
We Need Starting Points and Routes and ride leaders for:
Long Beach
NOHO
East LA
SGV
Hollywood
KTOWN/Mid City
South Central
South Bay
Beach Cities
etc.
ALL CITY!
Come on y'all! step up and reprezent your neighborhood. Help us set up start points and routes from every corner of the city.
If you step up to plan, test, or lead a route we we will do what we can to get people to pitch in and help you.
If tallcans4tallbikes is not leading NoHo I will be more than happy to take over and bring the valley ridazz to the toy ride.Let me know I will have a start point and route for you right away.
Read the thread I called DIBS already... depending on when we have to meet the other group I plan on stopping at a toy store on the way over there. And CVS to throw coals at the store manager and call him a grinch.
okay so i just spoke to Olivia over at Farmlab about hosting our event. she will give me an answer by friday cuz she has a meeting with the rest of the peeps. they will not charge us for the night. also, we will have to clean up after the event. electricity is free so we can set up for a DJ.
i really think we should have the meet up at Olvera St earlier. 11pm is late. people do have to ride back. also i might be wrong but i thought the redline train was gonna be running till 3am this december?
The problem with an earlier meet up time s that rides that start from further out (ie. Long Beach) are already meeting at 8-8:30 to get to Downtown in time,
I'd be worried that an earlier time might be tough on the people that have to get home from work, eat dinner and get to the start point.
But then again do the Ridazz in LB even have jobs?
I'm leaning toward doing what we've done in the past unless there is overwhelming support to switch to an earlier time.
The issue with early meeting spot was that you would need to
statrt riding too early from Westside,SGV,LBC .Patrick is right , that was the issue we had..
If everyone knows the end spot, then people will make arrangements to get home..you could stay all night at Farmlab..
We should hear from more ppl on this ... especially the people who have to truck long distances ... LBC, SGV, SOUTH BAY?
meet and arrive ... whachu thinkin?
We should make up one flyer for all area to pass out with one diffrents start point and time leaving.In hopes of getting more ridazz and more toys for the kids
tallcans4tallbikes do you have a start time and start place yet I want to hand out flyers with time and place at the next valley ride for the toy ride.
Hey, I have a question... can we donate used toys as well? My sister has a shitload of toys that I would rather see being donated to this then laying around my grandma's house.
WHOA thanx Crossbones, yeah lets meet at NoHo Park, 730pm RIDE at 8pm. ONE stop for toys at a toy store, simultaneous stop for booze before the trek to DTLA. Stick to the hard stuff people it might be chilly!
We are sooooooo close to knowing.
If the location we are working on works it will be perfect!
We'll have to see.
I'm hoping to find out today or tommorow!
I'm still working on a location too. It's a burner that has a band space. It's in the area we're looking at. Hopefully there will be some word on it this week.
Keep trying ...
I'm really hoping for this space ... but still waiting to hear back.
Roadblock came up with a pretty awesome plan b ... but a fixed space with still be better for a few reasons.
Fu ..
What rides are nailed down?
How many start points do we have?
what areas do we need to cover?
We need people this week to help prepping the space (on tuesday or wednesday) this is a great chance to see the space for those interested in decorating!
The space is large! it has a back projection screen (slide show anyone?).
Oh I forgot to mention ... the space is so rad that our generous host said we can party all night, and people can even crash if they need to sober up or wait for the trains to start up in the a.m.
how many spoke cards should i make for WESTSIDE? anyone? anyone? I'm doing a few different designs and could use some help cutting them out and laminating. email me. barleye@hotmail.com
Hey there! I'm still pushing the Noche Shirts. There is still plenty left! It's a little late in the game but i'll give whatever we make to the toy ride.
ACTR shirts could happen. Just got us a deal for some shirts if we should need them. (Need to confirm by monday) A mixed bag of colors and styles! Everyones shirt will be different.
All we need to do is get someone with the equipment. I can handle getting the screens burned and maybe even a pro to help print them. Yes! Lets do this!
Unfortunately there was a hitch with the paperwork and Fat Tire will not be able to donate huge amounts of beer. However, I think we are gonna get a few cases of beer kicked down from some sympathetic parties.
So, It may be wise to try and hook up a keg or something.
The weather should be good. Clear skys. A little chilly into the night. Bring a jacket.
I had proposed this on another thread and got 1 yay and no nays.
* Leave Sierra Madre Villa Station at 8:00 PM (except we don't have
anyone to lead this ride - I just saw it suggested on the google group
)
* Leave Del Mar Station at 8:30 PM (I'll be there)
* Leave Highland Park Station at 9:00 PM
* Arrive at Olvera St at 9:30 PM - 30 minutes early to allow for
delays.
We might post the meet times 30 minutes earlier than the leave times.
I'll be at the Central Park stop, and plan to lead the ride via
Del Mar, Arroyo Blvd, San Pascual, York, Figeroa.
Eric
cel: 714-906-8686 (post on event page for Del Mar)
i've never been able to make this ride in the past... so just for clarification, is there going to be a big ride after everyone after all the areas meet up between 10-11, or is that the pretty much the party?
please keep in mind, that there are lots of people who are going to want to catch a midnight train to get back to pasadena or Long Beach, if we ride too long between olvera st. and the party spot there are people who will not have much time at the after party.
Redline is running till 3am
Blueline and Goldline are running on their regular schedules.
A lot of people asked to make the ride happen earlier specifically so they would have time to enjoy the party a little before riding/ training home.
This is not my ride.
This is the Ridazz ride, and I think all possibilities are open to civil discussion.
"FUCK THAT" is not civil discussion.
In fact its incredibly disrespectful to the people who have poured time, money, blood, and tears into making this ride and party the best they can be.
There are lots of interests here from people who have will have already ridden 20+ miles on a heavy bike, and will have to catch a train, to people who are planning all sorts of things for the after party that they would like to have enjoyed by as many people as possible.
And I am sure, a lot of things I haven't even considered.
It deservers more consideration than FUCK YOU LETZZ RIDE.
Personally I think a less than direct route would be cool. There is however, a time factor that we should keep in mind.
For anyone who's able to - definitely stay late for the party and ride home or catch the early morning train.
Some people have a schedule such that they'll need to get home at a reasonable hour - such as myself. I need to pick up my daughters at 9:00 AM and be reasonably awake.
I don't think the ride or party should be planned to accommodate those people because it just isn't possible.
Suggestion for early departers:
--------------------------------------
My suggestion would be to let people know when it's time to head to the train station (last Goldline 11:54 PM, last Blue Line from 7th & Metro: 12:45 AM, last Redline: 3:00 AM) if that's what they plan to do. This could take place at the party or on the ride.
Whoever is in the lead could try to keep an eye on the time, stop for a short break and let people know that it would be time to head to the train station. Most likely one or more of those that want to head out will know how to get to the station and can lead others.
Trickmilla has done a ton of planning for this event. I mean seriously, he has put a lot of effort into finding the venue location. This will be like the Ridazz Winter Party. The ride aspect will be the convergence to the first meet point. Make the most out of your ride to Olvera street. The ride to the venue should not be very long because we only have so much time to party at this venue.
For those veterans coming, please help by encouraging others to respect the property we are staying at, to not litter or piss anywhere other than the portapoties and trash cans that are rented and borrowed. Thanks!
I don't think we have to take the most direct route to the after-party ... but yeah, some people did express a desire to get to the party a little earlier than past years so they could hang out of a bit longer before trekking back.
Partying till the trains start is a possibility. But that doesn't work for everyone.
If anybody is interested in discussing the possible route between Olvera St. and the after party we should discuss it offline, because the after-party location is not going to be public knowledge before the ride.
for people riding with the pasadena group, and meeting up at sierra madre villa station, the meet up spot is the dead end on the other side of the parking garage in the map from the post
So as I said,,I just got a keg for friday..(Fat tire)..I think Trickmilla will get cups or else bring your own(no fucken big gulps)...
See u fuck ups there..merry xmas...
This meeting spot needs to be corrected on the event page.
Pasadena, Sierra Madre Villa Goldline Station
Meet at the dead-end next to the parking garage
Contact: James, 626-806-2649
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2434860
Meet at 7:30 PM, leave at 8:00 PM
This meeting spot is missing from the event page.
Pasadena, Central Park
Adjacent to the Del Mar Goldline Station
Contact: Eric, 714-906-8686
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2422023
Meet 8:00 PM, leave at 8:30 PM
If you want to ride to this and there is no route in your area, ( E.G. South Central, Orange County, East LA, San Pedro, Etc.) MAKE IT HAPPEN!. Post it here with the details.
It's kind of late to do, but maybe you'll get some heads to show. ..
Otherwise meet up at another start location already posted - see the calendar post for details.
Thanks Borfo! I...um...tried that? I checked the date, it's right, month, day and year. But I keep getting a message that the site needs my name & pw when I click edit...and it only sometimes loads the page. when it does, i don't know what link it is that you say I should post. And I'd like to add to it...I'll try again later I suppose.
But, for now: VALLEY RIDAZZ!
Valley Ride to the Toy Ride
NoHo Park, Magnolia & Tujunga.
Meet at 7, Ride at 8.
Sir mister Tallcans4tallbikes will be escorting you this evening.
Any questions? Good, I didn't think so.
Send me a message via ESP if needed.
Yeah- stops along the way! We got too. Can't show up to party without putting down a few tallcans on the way. This is a toy ride anyway; not one of those serious spanex-wearing training rides. Let's hook up the kiddos and party! WHooo!
@ tallcans is the valley ride gonna pass the redline station? all the flyers that where put out at the local bike shops have the NoHo redline as the meeting point.
Does anyone have a backdrop they would love to lend a rida in need? My backdrop plans have fallen through, and I might just use the wall, which should be fine, but if anyone has a backdrop with C-stands or however, that would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.
Tallcans and I are leading a ride from my house to the Tuj & mag intersection we will then ride from there to the NOHO station to pick any one else up. Then we will head down the Chandler path to Victory. If you are late follow or meet-up on the path. There will be a Toy purchasing stop at the Toy R Us on Victory and Chandler.
BEST TOY RIDE EVAR!!!!!! Valley RIDAZZ ripping it up again! Let's see- Official stop to buy tons of presents at Toys 'R Us in Burbank,1 beer stop, then RAIDING THE LIGHT SHOW ILLEGALLY in Griffith park!!! WE made it all the way to DTLA, and back safely and drunkenly in the Underground Red Line Limousine! We had a good turnout, and a fun run over there, can't wait to do this again. THANX Fat Tire and the venue, this tradition shall live on!!
Good job Trickmilla...Was cool to see everyone jumping in..specially the guy that was pumping for Barleye..that guy was a riot at the pump.Props to the people that made it happen...Great fucken porta potties.bad ass shirts I got..Everyone was in a fucken festive mood..was a great ride...
Good to hear from you, Tommy! I miss all the SD folks, Cretins, etc. Drew (sd, not me, makes LA his home away from home...so that's awesome) Wish I could have seen you Tommy....maybe we can do another LA to San Diego ride in the Spring with the whole original crew!
And, I'm glad to hear that All City Toy Ride III was such a great success!
aw man, last night was A+.
lots of love going on. lots of apologies, lots of laughs, and the middle-of-the-road cuddle puddle was all sorts of happiness, even when gopez steamrolled the pile.
its SO unfortunate that bikes got stolen at this ride. so horrifying, most especially the brutality aspect. I left my bike unlocked up on the fence too, i think the shitty bike/horrible paint job makes it less than appealing to thieves, but still... it could have happened to me too.
I get pretty upset when i get a citation, i cant even image having my bike stolen from me.
My deepest sympathies, and i WILL keep an eye out.
I left the venue really late, and ended up stumbling into bow and sparrow, while some dude was painting. i just sat up on a ladder and watched while the same same was on repeat for about 2 hours.
I somehow ended up with towlie's santa suit at my house
i lost my mini hat, and mini mini hat.
I had a great time, the interior was lovely, the exterior was love
Did anybody find my white santa-clown wig? i dropped it inside or outside somewhere in the entire road, the dirt shoulder/parking the wooden deck, etc. i could have been anywhere. did the clean up crew see it? Please holla.
That's why the toy ride is my favorite ride of the year. That was a fucking blast. And thanks to Tren Way for doing the best pre-ride in the city, El Conquistador rocks, and happy birfday banafoam, er yo de, er ms stephanie, er SANTA, er whoever else's has a birthday this year!!!
When I walked up to give my gift, I have to say I was a little dissapointed and upset. This was pretty late in the game too being that I had forgot there was a gift in my pack. But walking up to the van I only saw about 5 to 7 trash bags of toys. Someone please tell me we filled up the van and this was the the second one! Please! All I am sayinig is that FUCK, out of 500 cyclist we only filled up single digit bags! That is not only fucked up but embarrasing. The first post for this ride was October 13 and I know some of you have a job issue, but shit in 3 months if you werent able to raise 5 to 10 buck to buy a toy for a good cause and represent our WONDERFUL community your fucked up. I hope we didnt offend the non profit organization who volunteered thier time to sit there for a couple of hours (probably rented a van) expecting a good sizable donation. I mean, someone please correct me. All I am saying is that I think it was fucked up if you came on that ride that was flawlessly provided for you (with free alcohol) but didnt bring a gift.
I was a little disappointed at the number of toys as well. I think next year we should make donation mandatory to get inside, or come up with another incentive of some sort.
That being said, I know that Diego and Sharon, who were in the Uhaul bagging the toys, were both really grateful for the toys. They wanted to be sure that everyone knew how happy they are to get these donations. Apparently, they ran out of toys at one of their holiday giveaways in East L.A. last year, so every little bit helps.
I had a blast! Trickmilla, Funanu, Barleye, everyone else who worked to put this together, it was a great night with really good vibes. Say thank you to the people who donated the space, because it was perfect. Thanks thanks!
+1
I was really upset seeing how many riders were not carrying a bag of any sort. People with backpacks or Target bags hanging out of their pockets are the people that made the vibe of this ride awesome. Those of you who showed up just to party without giving anything to the cause for the celebration... you should be ashamed of yourself.
I was also bummed about looking in that van and not seeing it packed. Shit we filled two big vans full two years ago!
I had a feeling there wasn't going to be very many toys simply because it wasn't stressed above. Go back and take a look. The only place it really said to bring a toy was on the ride ad to the right. Of coarse most of the ridazz that were at the previous years brought toys, but there was plenty of newbies that I'm sure didn't.
I'm all for making admission to any up coming toy rides mandatory gifts or a $21 charge.
I'm glad somebody brought up the relative paucity of toys. I noticed it right away when I got to the BD and saw a lot of riders with no toys or no apparent means to carry them.
It can be said that we didn't stress it enough, but is it really that hard to figure out if a ride is called the "Toy Ride" what's expected? I was able to pick up three toys that day for less than $20. The real problem to me is that there are people who contribute and people who just freeload. Figure out which you want to be. I suppose it was ever thus, but it's just disappointing.
This, along with the bike jacking, theft, and assaults puts a rather sour taste on what was otherwise a great evening for most of us. And I won't even get into the route highjacking, because it seems petty to bring it up in light of all this other stuff.
yeah i was trying to avoid talking about this but i cant help it.
yes im also sad to see that not everybody got toys for the kids. I mean yes we understand times are hard right now but a small $5 toy is not hard to get. i do feel that a lot of people came out for the free beer and freeload. Seeing how empty the van was made me sad.
I say that next year we have a "bring a toy and get a free beer" type thing.
Hey, my "numb-skull-of-a-small-fleet-owner" boss comes up short on our paychecks, but I was still mindful enough to know what the cause was all about.
Picked up some mighty, imagination-firing gifts that I know will stir some little kids head!!!
Anyone can come on the ride, but next year, a toy or two should be the ticket for getting into the bomb-ass, party/mosh-pit.
Yes, and there probably were too many, rookies, armed with fixed-gears and trying to look like tools!!!
HEY I SHOWED UP WITHOUT A TOY, I HAVE MY REASONS, AND I DID NOT GET A FREE BEER FROM THE EVENT, BUT SOME CHICK GAVE ME A BEER, AND ANOTHER WOOD SMOKED ME OUT.
no because you didnt go to the party looking for free beer. ur not like that. ur better than that. which is why i have respect for you. besides, you plan rides and pull a music trailer. you deserve a free beer!
No Eddie, your not a free loader, but I am the WOOD, who smoked you out! ANYTIME BUDDY!! Just ask, that goes for all of you ridazz! I didn't have anything but twenty dollar bills, so, I donated $20 for 2 beers, $20 for 1 shirt, and my donated gift was purchased in 1986 by my folks on vacation. Was tough finding an unopened gift, I don't know if I have anymore.
Hey Eddieboy, when I refer to "freeloaders" I'm not talking just about toys - most of us are well aware (or should be) that you contributed in various ways, including showing up the day after to clean up.
As Mark & Engels put it, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need".
Oh, yeah, I wanted to say I loved the route around downtown, not too short, not too long. I'm glad we didn't go straight to the venue. And it wasn't too long for the birthday gang that had been riding since 3pm.
Wow ...
I pretty much went two days without computing
And I am finally back with some what of a recovery.
I'm actually going to bust out a thank you thread inna minute. but I want to respond to the idea of how many toys came in.
We had a great party and a great time.
The toy thing bares mentioning.
2006 was epic with 2 vans full. I think those bags did look pretty puny in the back of that big U-Haul. I'm not sure how big the total take was. 2007 was more abstract because they were stuffed in a refrigerator then hauled out by the LAFD in handfuls.
Not sure but I think we got more toys this year than in 2007.
I'd like to hear from Ms. Stephanie about how many toys came in and where they went. But I am pretty sure, the org(s) that got the toys are gonna be pretty psyched. And the number of toys will be in the hundreds.
If the take was too small we only have ourselves to blame.
It could have been communicated more prominently on the flyer.
More flyers could have been printed out and put in shops. We could have emphasized it our emails, myspace, posts, and when we talked to our friends.
However,
Personally, what's really important to me is that people showed up and had a good time.
I didn't invest effort in to organizing this just so we could gather up a bunch of toys, as important as that is.
what is more important to me is creating the opportunity for people to be able to represent the Ridazz with some love and a giving spirt.
The presence is more important that the presents.
I also love this ride because it is a chance to celebrate and thank the Ridazz for being on the street day after day. For supporting each other and generally being committed to make LA and the world a better place through out daily decision to get on a bike.
Yeah ... maybe there was a few total free-loaders. Vultures that go to whatever free party they can find. Those people will come and go.
But if somebody, came here for the first time, didn't know what's up and didn't bring a toy .but had a great ride, went to an amazing party, met some really cool people, and got hook on Midnight Ridazz, then I'm really happy, because, next year maybe that person will show with a toy, maybe they will bring out 20 friends, maybe they will help organize the ride.
And that for me is what it is about.
I put my energy into this ride to get people psyched about this ride as a tradition. I knew that if we banded together and built on our past mistakes and past successes that this ride would be cemented as a tradition till the day that LA has more bikes than cars on the road.
So if you want to see more toys in the truck next year.
Learn from the mistakes we made this year, step up, and make it better next year.
Speaking of next year, I am going to do 2 things I have never done in my 3 years of being a part of the All City Toy Ride.
I am going to ride my bike on one of the rides
and I am going to bring a toy.
I haven't heard an actual count of the number of toys donated, but I can tell you that the folks at The Alliance for Children's Rights were really, really excited by the donations. They even shared some of the toys with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, which donates toys to low income families every year, and which has received far less donated toys this year than in years past. There was absolutely no disappointment coming from either organization, whatsoever. I think any disappointment being voiced in this thread is purely Rida self-critique - we want to see ourselves do better next year.
I will get more information on the toys and the programs, and post here for you all.
"Not sure but I think we got more toys this year than in 2007."
2007 was pretty good actually. There were two piles, one inside around the fridge, and one at the base of the stairs. It took quite some time for the firemen to load up the toys. 2006 definitely had the most toys, though.
The size of the bags shouldn't dictate how many toys were donated....mine for example was a small stuffed animal I picked up on my ride to the start point. It's too easy to say some were free loaders.....since you're never gonna get a 100% rate of return on it.
I had an excellent time. You know how to make an event as good as you possibly could? PARTICIPATE.
I lead the westside ride, served beer, brought a toy, and cleaned up the next day with eddieboyinla, mr. rollers, and Trickmilla.
I know not everyone has Facebook, but here's a preview of the photos I took at the Toy Ride. I haven't uploaded all of them yet. I'll upload them to the gallery here, as well, when I have time.
What free booze i brought 2 toys bro and got no free booze! I got jipped! LOL i dont care at least i covered 2 kids plus my own this year! and a few others!
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Ridazz Roulette!
Westside is meeting at Helms Bakery Parking lot on Venice Blvd., a block or 2 east of National. ---->
2006 MAP >>>
...
try again ...
white on black or black on white?
We have a venue!
TOY RIDE POSTER WITH CORRECTIONS
Ok it should be right now.
If you want to ride to this and there is no route in your area, ( E.G. South Central, Orange County, East LA, San Pedro, Etc.) MAKE IT HAPPEN!. Post it here with the details.
Tallcans and I are leading a ride from my house to the Tuj & mag intersection we will then ride from there to the NOHO station to pick any one else up. Then we will head down the Chandler path to Victory. If you are late follow or meet-up on the path. There will be a Toy purchasing stop at the Toy R Us on Victory and Chandler.
definitely awesome. one of the best times i've had in a while. 
FUCK YOU EDDIE!
IT WAS A MATTER OF NOT HAVING ANY MONEY.
