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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 24, 2005 Motorcycle toy benefit shifts gears with move to Gold Hill By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune GOLD HILL — Santa on a cycle may not be welcome in Medford, but this city is happy to be the destination for motorcycle riders participating in the 25th Annual Toy Run. Gold Hill, instead of Medford, will play host to the two-wheeled toy-drive on Dec. 3, organizers say. Gene Nelson of D&H Harley says after having his parade permit twice denied by the city of Medford, he decided to look for a friendlier welcome for him and his fellow motorcycle Santas. "Maybe this is fate," says Nelson. "It seems like it’s been a really good fit." Nelson says the Royal Order of Moose in Gold Hill — and the city itself — have been supportive of his fundraising and toy-collecting efforts for the Children’s Miracle Network of the Rogue Valley Medical Center and the Salvation Army in Medford. Advertisement "The last four or five years we’ve filled up a 3-ton delivery van with toys from floor to ceiling," says Nelson. "We also raised $4,000 in cash." Nelson says riders from Merlin to Yreka will participate in the 2005 drive. More than a few likely will sport red hats and white beards, he said. The Gold Hill Moose Lodge is leasing the I.O.O.F Hall at the corner of 4th Avenue and Estremado Street for a post-parade party, says Nelson. Police will temporarily block Fourth Avenue from Dardanelles to Gustaf streets to through traffic from about 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., says Police Chief Dean Muchow. Nelson says locals should come by for a cup of chili or a hot dog and to listen to live music by Dan Danielson and the Oregon Rain Band. All proceeds from T-shirt sales, donations and the auction will go to the Children’s Miracle Network. All toys will go to the Salvation Army in Medford, he says. "Everyone’s welcome," says Nelson. "You don’t even have to have a motorcycle." Nelson hasn’t decided which of his eight bikes he’ll ride, but whichever one it is, his sidecar will be attached. Nelson says he hopes his shotgun passenger will be a child from the Miracle Network. "I like to bring the sidecar so someone can go for a ride who might not normally be able to," said Nelson. For more information on the parade, see the Web site, www.roguevalleytoyrun.com . Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail Motorcycle toy benefit shifts gears with move to Gold Hill ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Salvia Divinorum Student Loans Online Pharmacy tcg student loan consolidation Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Advertisement s