Bendigo Toy Run - 3rd December 2005
Well, it’s been run and done for another year. Successful again, thanks to the riders from the local area and visitorom out of town. We had 117 bikes, and quite a few more people than that. The run was organised by a number of key people from local clubs, one of which was our own Wizza.
Clubs participating this year included VMMA, Ulysses, Allies, Cental Victorian Riders, Bendigo Social Riders, and I thought I glimpsed some guys from the Patriots and maybe a few 1% patched club fellas not wearing their colours. The lead up to the event was very busy, and many riders were looking upwards and to the TV to figure out what the weather would do. It was great to see the weather behave itself for a change and we were therefore blessed with a fine, but somewhat overcast day.
I arrived early at the start point so I could duck into K Mart and buy some goodies, and then waited for start time. At 0955 we mounted up, having had our briefing, and proceeded out of the carpark, only to see Matt, Jane, Maria, and Eric just arriving – just on the nick of time. (how unusual.... NOT) Wizza quickly gave them some instructions and they tagged on the end.
Hendo was busy all day taking photos on his new whiz-bang digital SLR camera (sort of like the one Drew has) so I will be asking him for a few snaps to support this report. Our route took us from Kangaroo Flat to Eaglehawk to White Hills the finishing in the CBD next to the old town hall.
The usual sale of Toy Run badges and raffles occurred, and all enjoyed a BBQ. The presentation of toys to St. Vincent de Paul, once again nearly filled their truck, and the BBQ sales/raffle/donations totalled close on $2000.
Jane, and Eric won prizes in the raffle, and we got a free bag of corn chips. We parted company about 1400 with Matt, Jane, Eric, and Maria going for real coffee at a shop where they could cash in one of their prize vouchers. Other VMMA members in attendance were Andrew George, Ian Ray, and Mal Pethybridge.