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The 2008 Newcastle Biker Toy Run

Date:
By Wom Battle

Big John, a Newcastle "biker" identity, has been organising a Biker Toy Run for 31 years and the three of us (The Road King, Me and my son) went on it.  Bad weather threatened all morning but after a quick call from Roy, we were going to brave it and our enthusiasm was rewarded with a dry run.  We rode over to Sandgate where everyone met up and were greeted by a huge number of bikes (I'll wait for the news to get the final tally). I saw everything from goliath Gold Wings to posty bikes, Vespas and more Harley-Davidsons than I thought could possibly be in our city.

There was almost a carnival atmosphere as lines of bikes formed and their riders and pillions (including lots of kiddies). There were bikes with antlers, helmets with Santa hats and beards and everyone was strolling around.  I thought it might be reminiscent I guess of the Sunday promenades that used to happen in Melbourne in the 1800's with gussets and bustles replaced by monikored t-shirts and patched leather vests.

Facial hair was the order of the day, despite Movember being over.  This gathering of bikers truly defined a mixed bag brought together in a common cause. Providing toys for children and raising funds for the Salvation Army.

Also noticeable were large numbers of stuffed toys of all shapes and sizes strapped onto various parts of the participating bikes.

10am arrived and right on time the cavalcade of leather clad enthusiasts fired their machines into action creating almost a ground shaking roar.  Significant congestion out the gate as riders jostled for position in the line and shortly thereafter we were out on public roads lined by families eager to experience the parade. Cameras and video cameras were the order of the day for onlookers and pillions both. Lots of waving and cheering, squeaking of horns (I tried mine out for the first time and it's got a very virile note).

My son was very busy waving and snapping pics over my shoulders. Progress was relatively slow, below 50kph as the huge contingent snaked its way to the Newcastle foreshore.  It is safe to say that most were glad to arrive, it was certainly warm and muggy and on this end of the trip the carnival atmosphere definitely prevailed.  There were tents serving drinks and food, jumping castles and live music entertained the participants as they delivered their gifts to leather vested Salvos waited at the foot of the stage. Big John gave heartfelt thanks to all of us to rousing cheers and the Lord Mayor and his wife took the opportunity to say g'day.

I'd never been to anything like this and was really surprised by the lines of people lined up to buy patches and have them sewn to their leather-ware and badges similarly displayed.  I guess that's something I'll learn more about in the future but right now it doesn't really make sense to me (I was never a Scout either).

I had a chat to someone I last saw probably 16 years ago at their retirement and was blown away that at 72 he was still kicking and riding a Kawasaki Vulcan around with his Ulysses mates.  I also saw Kevin who sold me my Harley and his offsider enjoying the day.

After having a good look around and checking out the other bikes we decided it was time to leave.  A leisurely ride home and another 29 kilometres clocked up very slow but quality all the way.

 

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March 2024
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