BP Bike ride nets $14K for Toys for Tots

Fifty-five riders participated in the 22nd annual Toys for Tots BOB (Bikers of Blooming) Ride on Saturday, July 24.
Motorcycles and a variety of muscle cars and recent vintage cars were driven in the BOB Ride. Riders came from Blooming Prairie, Ellendale, Geneva, Albert Lea, Austin, Brownsdale, Waltham, Austin and Owatonna.
J & H Liquors owners Harvey and Nancy Farr have hosted the BOB Ride every year and they claim that the rides have produced over $150,000 for Toys for Tots.
This year's ride raised $14,265 with more donations yet to be received.
The route of the ride was unknown to the participants until they registered at 9 a.m. The ride actually started at 10:30 a.m. with Harvey and his daughter Whitney leading the way.
The route included stops at Ostrander, Chatfield, Hayfield and a return to J & H in Blooming Prairie.
The BOB Ride has combined the motorcycle ride and Cruisin' for Cancer rides. All funds raised are directed to Toys for Tots.
Last year's ride was cancelled due to COVID-19.
In 2019, the ride raised an all-time high of $17,000.
Farr said he and a bunch of his friends, about 15-20, wanted to go on a ride and decided it would benefit Toys for Tots. The rides have averaged 40 to 70 participants over the years.
Helen Shore, the widow of Jerry Shore, long-time supporter of Toys for Tots, was present for the 22nd ride. She said her husband, a former Marine, dedicated many hours to Toys for Tots. He passed away on May 29, 2020.
For Farr, the BOB Ride's purpose gives him satisfaction, knowing that kids will get Christmas presents.
Farr says he isn't playing Santa Claus, he's just helping make all kids' Christmas more enjoyable.
Farr looked at his watch, which was nearing 10:15 a.m. He then sounded his shrill whistle and called all riders together to hear a pep talk. Farr said a prayer and wished for a fun and safe ride. Farr and daughter Whitney then took their place to begin the ride.