Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/714189
66 nSeptember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Sue Bee Dolan COOS BAY, ORE., JULY 15–17—As I sat drinking coffee with my husband, the sound of bikes roared past our house on their way to the annual Coos River Bykes for Tykes Run. My husband and I laughed, knowing we would soon hop on our bike to ride the long three miles to the run. This ride is nothing compared to leaving our home in Allegany and riding the bike on our annual trip to Sturgis. We can ride home to our own bed, we can ride home to get a jacket or change our clothes, and we can ride home to let the dog out. The fact of the matter is that it is really enjoyable just to hop on the bike and attend one of the most awesome events of the year, practi- cally in our own backyard. Allegany is a small rural com- munity in the midst of forestlands. Every year, on the third week of July, about 500 bikers from all over to party on the river. Here is where we meet Walt and Sandy Evans, owners of Coos Cycle Supply in downtown Coos Bay, Oregon. All year long they work their butts off to make money for the Bykes for Tykes Toy Run in December. Every year they make sure children that would have nothing for Christmas have something, including brand new bicycles. Our hosts are Kurt and Chris Milby of Allegany. They have a gorgeous plot of land with all the facilities for this event, with lots of fl at camping areas, and the West Fork of the Millicoma River running at the back of the property where you can cool off if it gets too hot. There is a huge cus- tom fi re pit, benches, tables and a big covered stage for the awesome musi- cians that play here every year. Local bands like Done Deal, Damnit Jim, Charley Freak and Run Forest Run have all performed. This year they got the gals of Hell's Belles to come play for us. These ladies literally rocked the forest on Saturday night doing all AC/DC covers and I swear, if you closed your eyes and just listened, you might think Angus and Bon were in the house. They are that good. Saturday afternoon is a time of catching up, listening to some good music and having fun in the sun. The bike games are always good for a laugh, and the winners always get a nice bottle of Crown Royal. One couple from Eugene won three times. They were known as the Triple Crown Winners. Corey Parks had been trying for a few years to win the slow race and this year he fi nally did it! He had the biggest smile on his face. His lovely lady friend, Amber Marie, was there to take his picture—because that is what she does professionally—and celebrate his win. Corey also happens to work at Coos Cycle Supply. And what is a run without a wet T-shirt contest? This year there were 25 "sets" of ladies up there strutting their stuff. Walt made it clear to the crowd that there would be no picture taking, and the crowd listened to him. That is respect for sure. Sandy and Walt take a "time-out" from the raffl es and games to spend some precious moments with their grandson Preston who is moving to Oklahoma soon. Preston is a toddler and he loves Harleys and this event is COOS RIVER BYKES FOR TYKES RUN Down by the river All the elements of a perfect party See "Coos River," page 71, column 1 Someone had to break in the new pavement Dinner is served Men and meat from Elkhorn BBQ! These guys know how to cook!