LIHU‘E — Santa Claus rode a Harley Davidson at the Keiki Toy Run, Sunday. Santa arrived at the Historic County Building atop a lavishly decorated Harley with more than one rider hitching a ride as strapped to the front a
LIHU‘E — Santa Claus rode a Harley Davidson at the Keiki Toy Run, Sunday.
Santa arrived at the Historic County Building atop a lavishly decorated Harley with more than one rider hitching a ride as strapped to the front a reindeer with red antlers was joined by a host of white dogs and Elmo in the back seat.
Santa describes his ride as a 1999 Road King with a Screaming Eagle kit, Hooker exhausts and a tuning kit to make the ride go faster.
“I’ll be 66 so I’m shipping this bike to Oakland, Calif., or somewhere and will be touring the nation,” Santa said. “All of this on Route 66 to celebrate my 66th birthday.”
As Santa made his appearance, KQNG on-air personality Ron Wiley made sure the world knew of the arrival of the gentleman in the red suit.
“There is only one Santa,” Wiley said from atop his ride provided by Tim Lach of Kaua‘i Harley Davidson.
Normally seen in his two-seat Suzuki automobile, Wiley said his involvement with motorcycle dates back to 1967.
“From 1967 to 1996, I only rode a motorcycle,” Wiley said. “Then I met Laura and I got a car.”
But for Sunday, Wiley was transported back in time to enjoy the camaraderie of motorcycle enthusiasts.
“Laura’s name is ‘Laura A. Wiley,’” Ron said. “That means I’m wearing a helmet because it’s the LAW.”
Stopping by to visit Santa, Jack and Nadine Meyers made a long trip to ride in the Keiki Toy Run.
“We’re from Portland, Oregon,” said Nadine. “We found out about the ride through the Internet and arranged to rent bikes from Kaua‘i Harley Davidson.”
Nadine said they belong to the Rose City HOG Chapter and after connecting with Rocky of the Kaua‘i HOG Chapter, the trip became a reality.
In Portland, the Meyers ride Harleys and for the Sunday ride, Kaua‘i Harley Davidson arranged for the couple to be atop Harleys.
Nadine rides a 2004 Road Glide in Portland, and on Sunday, was on a 2009 Road King. Jack rides a 2000 Heritage Softtail in Portland and for the Keiki Toy Ride, was sitting atop a 2009 Heritage Softtail.
“The Kaua‘i Harley Davidson people were really nice,” Nadine said. “They met us at the airport, took care of our luggage, and after we got our bikes, even dropped off our luggage at the hotel.”
Nadine said the entire trip has been a wonderful experience.
“This is so, so nice,” Nadine said. “The people here are very accommodating. It’s just like home.”
The Ride unfolded under ideal motorcycling conditions — a warm sun, light breezes and clear skies.
“I’m nervous,” said Russell Haluapo, the event organizer. “There are a lot of bikes here and I know there are bikes out there that haven’t made it here, yet.”
Spectators that milled through the sea of motorcycles noted this is one of the biggest toy runs with motorcycles of all types blending together to help make Kaua‘i’s needy children’s Christmas a little brighter.
Haluapo said Dai Arnado was in charge of getting the toys distributed to children island-wide, and based on the number of riders, there appeared to be enough toys to fill the wish lists.
As the convoy thundered out of the historic County Building, one rider who was videographing the event because her bike was in the shop, said, “I never realized there were this many Harleys on this island.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
