ABATE Toy Run at AP’s Hideaway – Macon, Georgia

Upon the arrival of the bikers, around 1:30 p.m., a BBQ lunch was served. The bikers didn’t waste any time getting in line for the food. Alice Padgette, the owner of AP’S Hideaway, helped serve the meals. Danny Outlaw of Outlaw Bar-B-Que catered this great lunch.

I got on my bike on this cold morning and headed to Macon, Georgia. About the time I arrived in Eatonton, Georgia. it was time to stop for a hot cup of coffee at one of the local fast food restaurants. I noticed across the street in Turner Park a log cabin was setting off the road. I found out that it was the Uncle Remus Museum. The building is similar to the one occupied by Uncle Remus, the lovable character made famous by Georgia author Joel Chandler Harris. Now I know why that big rabbit statue (Brer Rabbit) was standing on the lawn of the courthouse in Eatonton. When the city limit sign of Macon came in view, the air began to warm up for a decent ride.

Jim George, the State Director, was on hand supporting ABATE of Georgia District 7 with their local toy run. The last time I saw Jim was at the ABATE of Georgia State Election in Macon, Georgia. I didn’t get the chance to ask Jim about his injury to his right arm. I hope the injury was not serious. This toy run is one of the many events ABATE supports across the state during the year.

During the afternoon five bands entertained the bikers. I have heard most of these bands at bike rallies around the state over the past year. The band that started the music off was Big Mike-N-The Booty Papas followed by Rendezvous. The Buttercats, Skeeters and Deepfried kept the music going all day.

Local sponsors donated more than 100 prizes to be given away during the day. Harley-Davidson of Macon was one of the bike shops that donated prizes to the toy run. The prizes ranged from a leather coat, Harley shot glasses, a Harley pitcher, and T-shirts.

Sunday, all the bikers will meet back at AP’S and take the children from the Georgia Industrial Children’s Home shopping. The money will be divided up and credit cards will be given to the children. Everyone had a good time helping the children and is looking forward to next year.

I wanted to stop by the Whistle Stop Café to eat dinner on the way back. There is a little town north of Macon, Georgia that is the setting of the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Juliette, Georgia has become a favorite place for bikers to ride to on a Sunday afternoon to eat dinner. I rode about 25 miles up to Juliette, Georgia, and I turned off Highway 87 onto Juliette Road and made a right turn onto McCrackin Street. Down at the end of town on the left side of the street sat the Whistle Stop Café. It was just like stepping into the movie, and you could almost see the characters coming down the street. The trains still run along the side the Ocmulgee River, but the old train engines have long gone. Upon my arrival I found the restaurant was closed on this Saturday afternoon. But, I still enjoyed the ride through this small town in Jones County. This is one of the trips I like to take at least once or twice a year for the fried green tomatoes and the scenic ride through the national forest. If you are ever riding your bike in the Macon, Georgia area on a Sunday afternoon, stop by the Whistle Stop Café. Oh! By the way, don’t forget to get some B.B.Q.; it’s all in the sauce.

The Georgia Industrial Children’s Home is an innovative leader in providing optimum care to homeless, abused and neglected adolescents. This children’s home and the foster homes across the state function as independent families, just like your own. All the residents lead normal teenager lifestyles, keeping busy with various activities. Each night they gather for meals around their own kitchen table, as a family. If you would like more information about The Georgia Industrial Children’s Home, go to their web site at www.gich.org.

I hope to catch you on the road next time!

Story & Photos by Tommy Pittard