Rock n' Roll: Local Cyclists Hit the All-City Toy Ride

With the holidays rapidly approaching, charity events have been popping up all over Los Angeles to raise money or gather toys for those in need. While some fundraisers only require writing a check or dropping off a toy, one unusual event begins well after sunset and is, well, a little more involved.

Midnight Ridazz, a bicycle-riding group that organizes late-night critical mass rides and champions bike culture in Los Angeles, held its fifth annual "All City Toy Ride" on Dec. 10.

The idea behind the ride is simple -- the execution is, well, lengthy. Namely, 15 cycling groups from Los Angeles County, some as far away as Long Beach, gathered in a pre-determined local location. Then, all of the groups biked to a common meet-up spot in Downtown Los Angeles, bearing toys in hand (or bike messenger bags, more specifically) to donate.

Originally an Echo Park-based group, the Midnight Ridazz met up at the Echo Park Boathouse. The Highland Park riders gathered at the Highland Park Gold Line Station. The Pasadena group organized at the Sierra Madre Villa Station. Then, all of the groups converged at the Olvera Street Gazeebo at 10 p.m. But that was just the beginning. After donating toys, the riders continued on to an after-party with  food, home-brewed beers and what the flyer described as, "booty rattling beats."

The Midnight Ridazz official website and Facebook page, played a crucial role in spreading the word and each region drew as many as 50 to 100 people. The Ridazz also partnered with the Alliance For Children's Rights this year.    

The All Toy Ride started in 2006, when the Ridazz wanted to turn their late night journeys into something that would give back to the community. Will Campbell, a Highland Park-based member of the Ridazz has participated in the charity ride since the beginning.

"Its really kind of free range," Campbell said. "From all over the city, we all converge to [downtown], donate the toys we carry and celebrate. Beyond just the gift giving, we do this every year to kick off the holiday season, be with great people, and most importantly give back."

"The set goal is that everyone should bring a toy," Campbell continued. "There is no set numbers we try to hit, not even any toy goal.  All we ask is that everyone participates and enjoy the holiday spirit."

The All City Toy Ride is one of the Ridazz most popular events. Randy Doe, a Highland Park resident, looks forward to it every year.

"It's the one ride I come to every year," Doe said. "Being a part of the park neighborhood council and understanding these economic times, it's always nice to be a part of something that isn't very Grinch-like."