Toy Box Bikes, LLC

T'was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
And to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.
His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States Soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.
Soon ‘round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my Corps."
With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head.
And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black,
With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice so clean and pure,
"Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmasmy friend, and to all a good night!

The pilgrimage has begun. Safe travels to the racers, pit crews, and spectators as they make they way to Bonneville for the Motorcycle Speed Trials.

Ride Hard, Ride Fast, Ride Safe!!!

Went for a lunch and ride and ended up in Ashboro, NC. Great burger here. The restaurant was even better. Dessert was going upstairs and seeing a bunch of old iron some restored, some 100% original and some unrestored.

This bike is a gem. However it has been sitting for a number of years. Gas and oil tanks need some cleaning out, big S&S carb needs a good cleaning as well.

New starter upgrade, rear tire mount/balance, and rear breaks. Let’s ride North Carolina!!

Crossed back into British Columbia today and made it to Fort Nelson BC.
Unbelievable scenery, motorcyclist dream roads!
348,000 odometer miles
Milwaukee or bust.
Can I make it by the 14th? If I do it will be 49 States 2 provinces and 1 Territory since March
120th Harley anniversary party!
In memory of my 343 Firefighter brothers killed on 9/11. Never Forget

Start the new year off right by purchasing your vendor spot or general admission tickets now. 🙌 We wish you the very best for 2022. We'll see you in September for the best

Happy Two-wheel Tuesday!! The move is complete and now finally working on bikes in Fayetteville/Fort Bragg area. The weather is turning.