A Righteous Ride – V-Twin
Motors 30th Annual Toy Run
M
ention the name Greeley anywhere in Colorado, and
chances are you’re going to hear a lot of bad jokes or
comments about odor. What you probably won’t hear too
often is that Greeley is home to the longest running toy
run in Colorado, the one that’s been hosted by A Righteous
Ride – V-Twin Motors for the last 30 years.
Willie Spaedt, one of the owners of the shop, started the
run with his best friend TC in 1984. For the most part, the
weather has been in the run’s favor, with bright blue Colorado
skies and above freezing temperatures allowing the bikers to
gather toys and raise money for the Salvation Army. Randy
Haag and Willie have been setting up early and making coffee
at the start point for the riders while The New Plantation, a
Cajun restaurant in Evans, prepares to receive the crowd at
the end of the ride.
With large boots to fill, Nacho Alvarado took on the role of
Santa after TC passed away in 2014, and he has delighted
kids of all ages for the last two years. Nacho led a huge
crowd from Greeley to Evans with help from the Evans
Police Department. Even the fire department joined in the
celebration with lots of lights flashing at the station along the
route. Families waved to the riders along the route, and it was
hard not to get choked up turning the corner onto 11th Avenue
where a crowd of kids stood with a sign thanking A Righteous
Ride for their commitment to the community.
The two businesses also organize a poker run to benefit the
Weld Food Bank on the first Sunday of May every year. 2016
will be the 27th annual event. See ARighteousRide.com for
details when the date approaches.
Thank you A Righteous Ride – V-Twin Motors and The New
Plantation!
Abby Clabough
(Photos: Abby Clabough)
28 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
January 2016
www.thunderroadscolorado.com