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Toy Run 2011

Date:
By Wom Battle
Category: Rides

Today was the 2011 Newcastle Bikers Toy Run.  My eldest daughter Emlem was keen to join in and we'd organised to catch up with a mate and his wife for coffee and the ride to the start point of the Toy Run, Stockton.  After a couple of caffeine shots we were on our way with groups of motorcycles heading in from all directions merging into one another forming a continuous line of all kins of two wheeled machines heading into the Stockton Foreshore.

We found the area the local Harley Owners Group® had parked their Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and joined the twenty or so of them that were there to support the Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal. There were motorccles everywhere, I've never seen so many in one place.  The atmosphere was amazing.  After chatting, photo taking and a few laughs Big John kicked the ride off and the usual scramble to get in line and away ensued.

Turning out of Stockton on to the Stockton Bridge it immediately became apparent that traffic control organised would not protect the large group of riders from cars, with lane two on the bridge open to normal traffic.  There were no real issues at first, with cars breaking the lines of bikes when the lanes merged at Kooragang Island.  More traffic entered the frey at Industrial Drive however most drivers were very courteous and gave us plenty of room.  One knob head thought it clever to dive in and out of the line of bikes and passing them at every opportunity, there's always one isn't there.  Overall though, while more non bike traffic affected the ride I think the route was better, probably safer and with less traffic lights/stopping involved.

There were still plenty of people lining the sides of the road waving, videoing and enjoying the spectacle, reduced from previous rides though because the busier areas of Mayfield and Hunter Street weren't part of the ride.

Arriving at the foreshore we were amazed to clearly see that bikes were still leaving Stockton, and they kept arriving, and arriving, and arriving for what seemed more than an hour.  There were motorcycles everywhere, this event was certainly bigger, with more participants, than the last three I've done with, I'm told, the official figures quoting 6,000.

After dropping our toys off in front of the stage, it was time to enjoy the music, eat, drink (non alchoholic) and be merry.  There were lots of familiar faces to say g'day too, bikes to admire and discuss and other opportunites to donate.  After about an hour and a half Emlem decided it was time to head home so off we went.  Another great event, the Newcastle Toy Run should not be missed and we'll be back next year!

 

Disclaimer: This non commercial website and its content is not affiliated with or associated in any way with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Harley-Davidson Australia, the Harley-Davidson Owners Group® or any Harley-Davidson® Dealers in Australia.  The use of the terms Harley-Davidson, and Road King® are unavoidable because that's what I own and ride.  This website,  called "My Harley Davidson" , and any opinions or comments expressed herein are purely about my Harley-Davidson Road King ownership experience, a truly great experience at that. I have no intention whatsoever to infringe on any trademarks or copyright ownership of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company or anyone else.


March 2024
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