On August 23, 2009 the seventh annual Walt Gray run was a success for charity and riders alike. Some of those interviewed that day were happy to provide some candid answers about their feelings.  When asked why he chose to participate in the Walt Gray Run, a biker named Darryl said it was the first motorcycle run he had ever joined and he wanted to get out with the crowd with his new Honda VTX1800.  “I just wanted to see what it was like to ride with hundreds, thousands, of bikes and riders,” he said.  “It was an awesome experience  to see all the bikes filling the parking lot at the college (Sierra College in Rocklin, CA) and then to ride the roads with hundreds of bikes in front of me and more behind me.  I had never done anything like that before and now I can’t wait to do another run.” 

You can LINK TO SMUGMUG PHOTO GALLERY to view or purchase from an extensive collection Walt Gray Ride photos.

And when asked if his intent was charitable, he admitted it wasn’t necessarily the first priority but paying the donation fee was well worth the experience.  The biker grinned and commented ”it was a good feeling to have people holding up signs saying thank you and waving though …” as he rode the back route from Sierra College to the fairgrounds in Grass Valley.  For a first-time experience this biker chose one of the largest charitable runs in the Sacramento area. Even the traffic control was appreciated and Darryl’s reviews of their assistance was all positive.  “It was fun seeing the official cars and motorcycles blocking intersection traffic and starting the run for the first few miles. It made me feel like a celebrity. They did a great job and everyone was really friendly.”

Many of the riders felt the same about the ride when asked why they did it and what they liked about it.  A veteran couple said it was their fourth time doing the Walt Gray Run and the 2009 ride was a favorite due to the scenic route planned and the number of bikers. Another positive factor mentioned was that the weather was warm but not unbearable and the fairgrounds had nice shade trees. Although there was a strong theme of leather, sleeveless shirts under vests were donned by both women and men and  into the second half of the ride jackets were stripped as the day warmed.  No one raved about the lunch provided but they also didn’t really complain.  The agenda wasn’t food; its was the ride that mattered and the ability to do something positive with their biker passions. 

For those who have never witnessed nor participated in a bike run, they may not expect to see the wide variety of both bikes and people.  All makes and models were welcome but the majority present were cruisers with some sport bikes and a few trikes.  Custom painted, chopped, factory originals, chromed, cushioned and even old and dull bikes filled the lanes as far as the eye could see.  Senior and middle-aged, bearded, clean- shaved, laughing, quiet, thousands of riders attended.  It appeared to be a function for the more seasoned folk as the crowd was conspicuously short of younger riders and the increasingly popular racing rockets.  As a whole, the run was a cooperative and friendly event working for a positive goal with people enjoying their motorcycles and fellow riders.

One of Darryl’s last comments was to say he hoped to do the Walt Gray Ride For Kids next year and bring three or four of his friends and their wives along to join him on the run. “Many people still have really negative images of bikers no matter what kind of bike they ride or what they wear or look like. It was nice to show the world that we can get along, obey traffic laws, support children’s charity and have fun all at the same time. I’ll be looking around for some other runs to try out now but I know I won’t miss the Walt Gray eighth annual next year!”  Please check out the collection of photos at SmugMug – hundreds on file!

Other Articles by Susan Raines

1. Walt Gray Run For Kids is a Roaring Success       
2. Hot August Night Hosts Classic Cars Galore
3. Interracial Relationships: Black & White       
4. Turning Fifty – The Quandaries of Aging Gracefully