While Toy Runs are normally seen closer to the Christmas holidays, a group in California are coming together in Spring and the reasoning behind the motorcycle event makes perfect sense.

“April is when the big group riding season begins, and we thought it would be a perfect time to capitalize on the group-ride mentality by organizing a toy drive,” said Robert Salazar, Operations Director of Two Brothers Racing.

Two Brothers Racing, OCRider.com, the International Motorcycle Shows and Original Mike’s are all coming together to organize the Toy Run taking place on Sunday, April 11th. Calling the motorcycle event Big Mike’s Spring Break Toy Ride, the first-ever ride will benefit the Orangewood Children’s Home.

Starting at the historical Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon and ending at Original Mike’s restaurant in Santa Ana, this 21-mile ride will benefit needy children in the Orange County area. All motorcycle riders in Southern California are encouraged to ride along and bring an unwrapped new toy for charity with Two Brothers Racing vans scheduled to be stationed at Cook’s Corner and Original Mike’s for toy collection.

Craig Erion, President of Two Brothers Racing, will also be supporting a mountain bike ride from Cook’s up the legendary Santiago Truck Trail in conjunction with the motorcycle ride.

“Springtime is the best time for all things two wheeled” says Craig, “Some of us would like to celebrate the season with a little dirt and sweat!”

“Springtime is when kids are supposed to be out running around, playing and having fun,” added Orange County developer, Mike Harrah, owner of Original Mike’s restaurant in Santa Ana. “Every child should experience that joy, and we want to help some children who’ve gone through some tough times in their young lives.”

Big Mike’s Spring Break Toy Ride starts at 9 a.m. at Cook’s Corner, located at 19152 Santiago Canyon Road in Trabuco Canyon, where attendees can donate their toys and register for a raffle to be held later in the day. Kickstands go up at 10:30 a.m. for the organized group ride through the Santiago and Modjeska canyons and the city of Orange to Original Mike’s in Santa Ana at 100 Main Street. There, a second drop-off point will be made available. At Original Mike’s, toy ride participants will also be treated to a raffle, lunch specials and live entertainment.

“We wanted to support a local charity in the Orange County community and thought this would be a really fun way to do it,” said Kurt Whittington, Advanstar’s International Motorcycle Shows Marketing Coordinator.