It was Christmas in October as motorcycling advocacy group DuKane A.B.A.T.E. held its 36th Annual Toy and Food Run on a perfect Sunday afternoon in Sycamore. Roughly 700 bikers and other attendees listened to politicians and live music while eating, drinking and generally having a great time.
The event is held annually to provide toys and food to needy children and families in the region. Two large flatbed trailers were completely filled with items donated by the group.
A.B.A.T.E. is a group that advocates for the rights of motorcycle riders locally, at the state level and nationally. With the mid-term elections drawing near, there was no shortage of politicians present to pledge their support for the riders and seek their votes in November.
The headliner was State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), who got the crowd going by citing the effectiveness of A.B.A.T.E. in Springfield.
After reminding attendees that he would be back in Springfield in November for the veto session of the legislature, he cited guns and autonomous vehicles as being of particular interest.
“Let me tell you something, they’re coming after your guns. We’re not going to let that happen. They want autonomous vehicles on our highways, we’ going to watch that very carefully.”
He assured attendees that “we’re going to do our best to make sure the interests of A.B.A.T.E are well-represented in Springfield. Just like we’ve done it in the past, we’re going to do it in the future.”
DeWitte was followed by Judge Susan Clancy Boles, who is running for the Second District Appellate Court, as well as Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog. Peirog, who isn’t up for re-election until next year, announced a petition she intends to create to lend support for creating a motorcycle riding track and facility in Kane County, long a DuKane A.B.A.T.E. goal.
DuKane A.B.A.T.E.’s mission includes modifying what it considers to be the negative image of bikers in the public mind.
“A lot of people have a bad impression of motorcyclists, but I dare anybody to find me a better group of people that do more for their communities and these kids,” chapter President Chris Hansen said. “Bikers come together and take care of their community. Always have, always will.”
The event was preceded by a biker run involving over 100 hundred motorcycles riding from Elburn to Sycamore, and the day’s events also featured a burnout competition, a biker rodeo, a mechanical bull and more.
