TIJUANA -- The goal remains the same over 25 years: See the happy faces of children when they receive a toy.

That's what several motorcyclists said who were among the nearly 2,000 riders who participated in the 25tth edition of the traditional Caravana de la Felicidad (Happiness Caravan) Sunday afternoon along avenida Revolución.

There, motorcycle clubs from Tijuana, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Oregon distributed 6,000 toys to children who faced a Christmas without a present.

"Our son wanted a bicycle, but we had already told him that we could not buy him one because I'm unemployed and with my husband makes we barely have enough for household expenses," said Miriam Hernández, 24. "But we found out about the caravan and now God has helped us."

She was among one of the estimated 3,000 people who weathered the cold and light rain waiting more than three hours for the riders to arrive with their chromed Harley Davidsons.

"It touches my heart to give a toy to a child," said Jesse Vega, a 52-year-old rider who has a fence business in Oceanside. "I have six children and seven grandchildren. I hope they carry on with this tradition."

He and his wife, Yolanda Vega, 47 años, have participated in the caravan for nine years.

As many as 7,000 riders have taken part in past editions of the caravan, said Mariano Escobedo, president of the city's tourism agency.

But several factors have led to a big drop in ridership, among them fear of the violence across the country, the lengthy border waits and the recession, he explained.

If that weren't enough, riders this year faced the threat of rain, because that poses a danger to motorcycles, said Miguel Guerrero, a rider from the Tijuana motorcycle club Sólo Ángeles, who has participated in 20 of the 25 caravans.

San Diego Harley-Davidson donated dozens of bicycles, said Guerrero, whose club donated $10,000 to buy more gifts.

And each rider brings at least one toy, "even though there are some riders who bring cars packed with them" he added.

"For me, this event means seeing a child smile, seeing a child happy, it's very gratifying," said Carlos Altamirano Aceves, a 58-year-old rider from the Sólo Ángeles club who has three grandchildren. "That's why we have kept it going for 25 years."

omar.millan@sandiegored.com