Paul Lux always believed that the holidays were for children.

&uot;He always enjoyed the holiday season,&uot; said Patrice Jones of her late dad. &uot;We wanted to do a bike ride in his honor.&uot;

On Saturday morning, the second annual Lux Memorial Toys for Tots ride commenced, as over 30 riders – more than double the amount from the inaugural event – pedaled between 33 and 66 miles around Suffolk (they had a choice between one and two 33-mile routes) for the kids. Each participant brought a toy for kids age one to 14, which would be given to local charities and churches.

&uot;I was looking for a long ride, and I heard about this through the Tidewater Bicycle Association,&uot; said Ron Melinauskas of Chesapeake (riders came from as far away as Richmond to bike). &uot;It was very enjoyable. There was a pretty good breeze, and not too many cars. I brought two Fisher Price toys and a game.&uot;

Tim Heiler carried in a toy frog that teaches the alphabet and some Nerf balls.

&uot;The frog looked educational for kids, and the Nerf balls looked like they’d be fun for kids to have,&uot; said the Suffolk rider. &uot;I know the folks who put this on, and it’s a good cause. I enjoyed the countryside.&uot;

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com