Toy Run - 2014

That time of year once more......Xmas....really? Already....bah!


Yet again, time for the annual MRA toy run. Get some toys, ride some road, give to kids....done.


An old mate whom I've not seen or ridden with for years was back in town after working interstate, then enlisting. He's keen for a toy run.




Added bonus? He's just bought an Ape. Another Shiver in the ranks.....game on.

We meet at my place and head off to one of the official start points in Port Melbourne. We're early this year so have time to get parked up reasonably well.



All types of bikes gather and gather. A larger turnout than last year, and - as always, VicPol were at the ready for an escort.

We'll take all sorts.....

Without breaking tradition we convoy out of Melbourne to Calder Park Raceway. Meh. It's hot, it''s a freeway - it's not for us......that's why we do it.

Once we arrive, donate some toys - have a wander around then point the bikes home.

The obligatory toy run pin.....to add to the collection.

\BitSar

Another year done.....

Toy Run -2013

Every year me and my riding buddies participate in the annual MRA toy run for charity. This year was no different......

Giving toys to needy kids is the name of the game and the turn-out this year was very strong indeed, upward of 4,000 riders and pillions combined!

As always, everyone met at my place on Sunday morning before heading to the meet point - we were running late this year so had to start way at the back of the pack.......no matter, this ride is pretty sedate and boring - out of Melbourne, up the freeway to Calder park raceway - done and done.

We arrived middle bunch - many other feeder rides were heading in from all over the state.......a good turnout I should think - shame about the bloody weather! Bah! Melbourne eh?

(click to enlarge)

The Ape's in there - it's like a Where's Wally?

The amount of effort some riders put in to decorate both themselves and their bikes is quite astounding.....these guys took it pretty far - Reindeer and all!

Completely by chance I walked up to a Boulevard to grab a pick......got a tap on the shoulder....turned out to be the bike of an old Netrider mate who I haven't seen for ages - small world........

And of course, as is tradition, I got my 2013 commemorative pin to add to the collection - Happy Santa this year.

All in all - another successful run, another chance to donate some toys and give some needy kids some smiles........

\BitSar

--Ho, Ho, Ho!

Toy Run - 2012

Each year the MRA in association with the Salvos organise a Toy Run charity ride..................
Each year I ride and bring a Toy donation for needy kids and their families..........a good excuse for a ride eh?

***

The guys met at my place for a Man's breakfast whilst we got the bikes ready and strapped on the tail-bags full with our gifts.....................almost like Ye'old St.Nick with his sleigh and sack...........although, I think our rides have just a little more horsepower...........

We headed to the official meet point in Port Melbourne where hundreds of bikes were congregating......all manner of decorations and costumes........riders really do have big hearts.....

As the Port meet point is an official start location it attracts a large amount of riders making travelling in convoy quite difficult...............VicPol get involved and help to get the bikes out to Calder park safely.................they even let us through against Red lights....shepherd us onto the Tulla Freeway without having to wait........and.......turn a blind eye to some of our Mods...........thanks boys!

We arrived at Calder park Raceway.........

Once at Calder park we give our Toys......talk to vendors and see the displays.......

Each year there are Stunt and Trials riders who amaze the crowd...........but that's not the reason why we do it......this ride is for the kids........but hey.....a little rider-entertainment can't hurt eh?

Thanks for the ride fellas......

\BitSar