Yesterday was the annual Charity Toy Run in Bunbury. After assembling at the Australind Shopping Centre car park we milled around for an hour oohing and aahing at all the shiny bikes, and a few not so shiny ones, caught up with some friends, had a cup of coffee, then readied ourselves for the ride.
My friend Brian had ridden his 1981 Triumph Bonneville and I was on my 2009 Bonneville. The other 448 bikes comprised a wide range of toys both new and old, 2-wheel and 3-wheel, smokers and non-smokers, dribblers and non-dribblers (the bikes, that is). Both our bikes ran well, as did all the others, and there were no breakdowns along the way.
My only mishap was when the visor on my helmet decided to pop another screw and I was struck in the face by a bug, which then climbed its way further inside my helmet. A quick stop and fix put me outside the group and, consequently, unescorted by police as we went through intersections. The escort was brilliant, allowing smooth flow of our traffic by blocking all intersections along the way, including those as we crossed main roads and highways. Thanks to the police who gave up their time for us.
Until yesterday, the largest group I had ridden in would have been about 30 to 40 bikes. Yesterday was a new experience, and one that I admit I was not too confident about before the event. However, unlike other rides with large numbers, yesterday's speed was sedate, the riders were quite intent on safety, not speed and daring-do. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to next year's ride. Although I am also now planning (hoping to do) a riding tour somewhere in the UK at a time when there are rallies of some sort, or perhaps a TT race to watch.
But yesterday wasn't about the ride. It was about the charity of giving for other people's enjoyment of Christmas. I trust this annual Goodwill ride and others like it all around the country, give a touch of Joy, Peace, and comfort and a very Merry Christmas.
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