Tag Archives: charity

Motorcycle News, News

Second Fire Aid Ride planned for April

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The inaugural Fire Aid Ride last Sunday (23 February 2020) has been labelled a success, attracting more than 600 riders and pillions.

Now organisers are focussing on the second event in what they hope will be a series of charity rides to encourage riders out into bushfire-ravaged communities to spend their tourist dollars and help the communities recover.

Fire Aid RideAll photos: Nick James Fraser

A spokesperson says the second Fire Aid Ride is scheduled for 25 April from the Royal National Park to the Shoalhaven area.

There is no schedule for the whole year yet, but “more will be added to the calendar in no time”, she says.

There is no fee to join a Fire Aid Ride but riders are asked to spend their money locally and donate to the Fire Aid Ride GoFundMe page.

Click here for more details on how riders can help various bushfire appeals.

Our main suggestion is to just get out and ride to these areas and buy local fuel, food, accommodation and supplies.

Inaugural Fire Aid RideFire Aid Ride

Riders on the first Fire Aid Ride ride gathered in Windsor in support of the rural Aussie town of Putty which had been devastated by the recent bushfire crisis.

The charity rides were founded by Sydney rider Jimmy Woodriff with help from Mark Hawwa’s The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride team.

“It was amazing to have so many people join us and support those in Putty who have been significantly impacted by the recent fires,” Jimmy says.

“Riding straight north from Windsor, it’s definitely overwhelming to see the devastation on each side of the road for kilometres on end.

Fire Aid RideJimmy addresses the riders

“The Upper Colo RFS were on the roadside to greet us halfway with lights flashing and kids waving, which put a smile on everyone’s faces. We had huge lines buying coffee, food, fuel and beers right through the area.”

Starting at the Macquarie Park Boathouse Cafe, the group ride made recommended pit stops at the Colo Riverside Cafe and Colo Heights Caltex along the route from Windsor, towards their final destination at The Grey Gum International Cafe in Putty.Fire Aid Ride

Jimmy says that with the big turn-out of riders, both venues at the start and end of the ride nearly ran out of food.

While fundraising wasn’t the focus of the event, many attendees still donated to the Putty, Howes Valley and Upper Colo RFS.

“Enough money was raised to assist the Howes Valley RFS in upgrading their station to make it a more suitable space for the firefighters to meet, recuperate and work,” Jimmy says.Fire Aid Ride

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Inaugural ride to save greyhounds

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Dog-loving motorcyclists are invited to join the inaugural ride to raise funds for Gumtree Greys who rescue, foster and find homes for ex-racing greyhounds.

The ride is being organised by dog-and-Triumph-loving Annie Hendley who owns two greyhounds, one from Gumtree Greys, and also owns two Triumphs, a Bonneville T120 and Scrambler XE 1200.

The ride will be held on 29 March 2020 and led by another dog-loving rider, Tex O’Grady and his new canine riding companion Rebel, who replaced the now-retired and famous Bundy.

Bundy and Rebel retireTex with Rebel and Bundy

It will start at the Bearded Dragon Hotel, Tamborine with brekky from 8am and the ride from 9.30am.

Registration is $20 per bike.

The ride finishes at Advancetown Hotel about noon where riders will be entertained with live music, raffles run by Ash from Rebel FM and lunch.

Annie Hendley Motorcycle Ride for Gumtree Greys Rescue greyhoundsAnnie and her bikes

Of course there will be several cute greyhounds from Gumtree Greys to meet and pat.

“This is the first time this has been done, although I would like to make it an annual event,” Annie says.

“At the moment 73 have clicked ‘Going’ and 351 and clicked ‘Interested’.

“Also Vespa Club Brisbane have said they will support the ride and Motorcycle Enthusiasts Club Gold Coast.”

Greyhounds in dangerAnnie Hendley Motorcycle Ride for Gumtree Greys Rescue greyhounds

Gumtree Greys says thousands of greyhounds are destroyed every year in Australia.

They try to find permanent and temporary carers for the dog which they say are “gentle, loving dogs that require minimal exercise”.

“Greyhounds make the most wonderful pets for families, couples, singles, the elderly.”

Gumtree Greys rely solely on donations. The majority of their costs are vet work, medications, kennelling and due to our regional/country area work, transport.

If you can’t make the ride, click here to donate.

Ride info

What: Motorcycle Ride for Gumtree Greys Rescue

Where: Breaded Dragon, Tamborine

When: from 8am, 29 March 2020

How much: $20 rego per bike

What for: to save greyhounds

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Helmet Hook helps bushfire animals

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If you want to secure your helmet on your motorcycle and help animal rescue efforts after the bushfires, buy a Helmet Hook for your bike.

For every $19.95 Helmet Hook bought, about $7.45 will be donated to animal rescue.

Australian importer Bill Murphy says his American supplier is a “huge animal lover” who was “devastated by the images he was seeing on the TV over there”.

“We were talking about doing this in early January while the fires were at their worst but I had no stock of Helmet Hooks at that stage due to a shipping error from the Chinese end, so we’re doing it now.”

However, Bill will backdate the donations to when his stock arrived until the end of March.

Furthermore, the USA supplier will donate $US3 (about $A4.45).Bushfire appeals help floods

“We’ll tally it all up and make the donation in one transaction, rather than small amounts along the way,” says Bill.

“We’ll publicly post up proof that we have actually donated.

“It’s not a lot but neither of us is swimming in cash so it’s a way we can help.

“Also those customers of ours who have wanted to donate but are also tight on funds can at least do a little bit to help.”

Bill says he is a vegan and regularly donates to wildlife and environmental charities.

“Along with constantly being shocked by all my favourite motorcycling areas going up in flames, one of my first thoughts were that the animals were being forgotten to a certain extent,” Bill says.

“The animals don’t have insurance and, for them, the road to recovery is going to be long waiting for the areas to regenerate. And now they are having to deal with floods as well.”

Click here to find out how to donate to the various “fair dinkum” bushfire appeals.

Helmet HookHelmet hook ratchet

The Helmet Hook sits on the end of your left handlebar.

It was designed in the USA and injection-moulded in China from 1/4″ ABS plastic and has a metal washer inserted in the middle for the bar end bolt to go through and two holes in the “J” section to fit a padlock.

American inventor George Penev says the Helmet Hook was born from frustration.

“I simply dropped my helmet one too many times. My helmet only cost me $137 and it still hurt every time that thing fell on the ground and started rolling around. I can only imagine what people feel that have a $500-700 helmet.”

  • On your seat because bit can easily fall off in a gust lot wind or if the bike is bumped. Then your helmet and/or visor is scratched and possibly damaged even to the point of not being able to wear it safely.
  • On the mirrors or footpeg because they will indent the inner lining. And don’t place it on the ground as spiders and ants can crawl inside and make a surprise visit down the road!
  • And let’s not forget that most service stations don’t have anywhere for you to safely store your helmet even though they demand you take it off before refuelling.

Nowhere to place your helmet on the top of the bowser at a service stationNowhere to place your helmet on the top of the bowser at a service station

Some bikes supply a helmet holder under the pillion seat, but they are sometimes difficult to access because you have to remove the seat first and/or the helmet rests up against the body work, scratching the helmet and your bike.

The Helmet Hook is easy to access, it can be locked securely and the helmet doesn’t rest against the bike, but swings freely by the chin strap D-fastener.

Bill says the only bikes e knows where it won’t fit is BMWs with a wider bolt, which can be rectified by people drilling out the metal washer, and some Hyosungs that did not have screw on bar ends.

You can use the Helmet Hook with ratchet-type quick release chin straps, just by threading the strap itself through the hook an can able locked with the padlock.

It may not be able to be used with some bar-end mirrors.

Australian importer Bill Murphy says the hook can be rotated out of the way so it is no hindrance to riding.

We tried it on a couple of our bikes and found it didn’t get in the way of the clutch operation.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Head-on crash leads to Careflight rally

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Without CareFlight, Tracy Jackson might not be here, so now she and husband Todd are paying back with the inaugural Roll On In Rally at Jindabyne, NSW, next month.

The Snowy Mountains rally on 13-15 March 2020 will be two years since Tracy was involved in a head-on crash with a distracted driver on the NSW Central Coast.

“She was on the roadside for an hour while the paramedics tried to stabilise her; I think she took seven units of blood,” says Todd.

CareFlight to rescue

Todd and Tracy Jackson raise funds for Careflight with Roll On In Rally in JindabyneTracy’s wrecked Harley

“Careflight were called and flew her to Royal North Shore. After eight long hours of surgery the surgeon came out and told me they had saved her life. We would know about the leg in the next week or so. The list of injuries Tracy suffered is long.”

After 10 surgeries, Tracy is still in rehab and yet to return to work but that hasn’t stopped her desire to give back to CareFlight through the rally.

“We are raising funds for CareFlight, by using silent auctions, show ’n’ shine entry fees and we have CareFlight attending selling merch and taking donations,” Todd says.

Tracy says the first person who stopped and helped save her life on that day had completed a MediSim course with CareFlight.

“It was this training that put me in a position to be here today to talk about and help raise awareness of the amazing work CareFlight do and the effectiveness the MediSim training program has in situ when needed,” Tracy says.

Rally for all riders

Todd and Tracy Jackson raise funds for Careflight with Roll On In Rally in JindabyneMagnificent riding in the Snowy Mts

The rally is designed for riders on all types of motorcycles to explore the picturesque region and also give back to local communities hit by recent and ongoing bushfires.

Todd confirms the Snowy Mountains event will go ahead, despite bushfires. Click here to read our bushfire survival guide for riders.

“If the fires are still around there may be a few roads that are not accessible, but there are great roads down there, so we will still be spoilt for choice,” Todd says.

“At this stage, road conditions and closures change week to week.

“Last weekend was pretty nasty, but things seem to be mildly better.”

Tickets and accom

The event is being held 4km out of Jindabyne, at the Station Resort with more than 1000 beds, bar, restaurant, etc.

Tickets to the event which includes live music are $49 and do not include accommodation.

Riders who book accommodation from $109 a night at the Station Resort can get a special rally deal that also includes a welcome barbecue and house drink on Friday night, breakfast and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.    

There is no camping at the resort, but there are plenty of accommodation alternatives in Jindabyne.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Jack Miller helmet aids bushfire appeal

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Like many Aussie sports stars and celebrities, Aussie MotoGP racer Jack Miller and our two-time Dakar rally winner Toby Price are raising money for the bushfire appeal.

Jack put up his 2018 MotoGP helmet up for auction and raised 22 bids worldwide.

The auction has now closed and raised $18,000!

Jack has promised to sign the helmet and ship it out to the recipient.

Jack Miller's MotoGP helmetJack Miller’s MotoGP helmet

Toby auctions gear

Toby is also auctioning his starting jersey and pants with proceeds going to the NSW Rural Fire Service.Toby Price Dakar Rally super marathon stage

It is open worldwide, just send in your bid in Australian dollars on his Facebook page or Instagram.

Current highest bid is still $13,001.

Auction closes on 18 January at 5pm (AEST).

If you can’t bid, please donate on this link. So far he has raised $2777.

Bushfire appeals

There is a host of bushfire appeals you can donate to. See the list below.

Otherwise, we suggest helping local communities by waiting until the emergency has passed, then visiting the areas and spending your money on fuel, food and gifts.

Royal Enfield Australia has announced a five-day “Coastal Tour” departing from Melbourne on 7 March 2020, navigating the east coast to Noosa on 11 March.

The event is open to all Royal Enfield riders for the full ride or partial rides in their local areas. Click here to register.

• Australian Red Cross Disaster Response and Recovery Fund;

• WIRES Emergency Fund for Wildlife;

• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital GoFundMe;

• Bendigo Bank Bushfire Disaster Appeal;

• Vinnies Bushfire Appeal;

• Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park owner Dana Mitchell’s GoFundMe;

• Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities GoFundMe;

• Mallacoota Fires Support Fund for East Gippsland on GoFundMe;

• Australian photographer Kara Rosenlund’s koala crisis bushfire recovery GoFundMe;

• Mogo Zoo on the NSW South Coast GoFundMe established by MP Emma Husar;

• South Australian Adelaide Hills Wine Region Fire Appeal GoFundMe;

• A GoFundMe to rebuild the Bargo Dingo Sanctuary in NSW;

• The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund appeal for fire-affected East Gippsland communities; and

• Zoos Victoria Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund.

Prevent appeals scams

To help people looking to donate safely and effectively, the National Bushfire Recovery Agency has published a list of registered charities that accept tax deductible donations and are running bushfire appeals.  

The initiative is in response to the difficulty for many in identifying charities and fundraisers with the capacity to deliver relief and whose focus is on bushfire relief or recovery. 

People who want to donate to a charity should check the charity’s details on the ACNC Charity Register acnc.gov.au/findacharity. To confirm if their chosen charity has tax deductible status, they can access the ABN link on a charity’s record. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

How riders can help bushfire appeals

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The best way riders can help local communities affected by devastating bushfires is to avoid the area for now, but plan a visit when the emergency has passed.

Riders are among the most beneficial tourists to local community economies because – unlike other motoring tourists – they take virtually nothing with them.

When they arrive at their destination, they need food, accommodation, fuel and other supplies from the local community.

Many motorcycle clubs and social media groups are already organising trips to these areas in coming months.

Royal Enfield Australia has also announced a five-day “Coastal Tour” departing from Melbourne on 7 March 2020, navigating the east coast to Noosa on 11 March.

The event is open to all Royal Enfield riders for the full ride or partial rides in their local areas. Click here to register.Royal Enfield Tasmania tassie invests

Sports stars help out

Aussie sports stars and celebrities are also doing their bit to help, mainly by donating memorabilia for sale.

They include two-time Dakar rally winner Toby Price and MotoGP racer Jack Miller.

Toby is auctioning his starting jersey and pants with proceeds going to the NSW Rural Fire Service.Toby Price KTM team

It is open worldwide, just send in your bid in Australian dollars on his Facebook page or Instagram.

Current highest bid is still $13,001.

Auction closes on 18 January at 5pm (AEST).

If you can’t bid, please donate on this link. So far he has raised $2777.

Jack Miller's MotoGP helmetJack Miller’s MotoGP helmet

Aussie MotoGP racer Jack Miller is also putting his 2018 MotoGP helmet up for auction to raise money for the bushfire crisis.

The auction is open worldwide until tomorrow (10 January 2020) at 5pm (AEST).

Bushfire appealsBushfire Crisis police emergency survival

There is also a host of bushfire appeals to which you can donate:

• Australian Red Cross Disaster Response and Recovery Fund;

• WIRES Emergency Fund for Wildlife;

• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital GoFundMe;

• Bendigo Bank Bushfire Disaster Appeal;

• Vinnies Bushfire Appeal;

• Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park owner Dana Mitchell’s GoFundMe;

• Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities GoFundMe;

• Mallacoota Fires Support Fund for East Gippsland on GoFundMe;

• Australian photographer Kara Rosenlund’s koala crisis bushfire recovery GoFundMe;

• Mogo Zoo on the NSW South Coast GoFundMe established by MP Emma Husar;

• South Australian Adelaide Hills Wine Region Fire Appeal GoFundMe;

• A GoFundMe to rebuild the Bargo Dingo Sanctuary in NSW;

• The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund appeal for fire-affected East Gippsland communities; and

• Zoos Victoria Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Last weekend for Christmas Toy Runs

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After a lengthy period of toy runs in the lead-up to Christmas, we arrive at the last weekend for the charitable rides.

Toy runs do a lot of good for the community raising cash and donations (toys and non-perishable foods) for groups such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.

Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.

Police warn that doing high-fives with bystanders and throwing lollies at the crowd could cause a crash.

They have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.

So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!

Toy Runs list

(Click on the place name for more details)

December 14

Christmas charity toy runs

Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.

Sale:  The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.

Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.

December 15

Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.  All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.

Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS 16A Keilor Park Dr from 9am to 6pm. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Do you love a parade? Check out these Toy Runs!

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It seems a lot of riders love a parade.

This year a group of 3497 Harley-Davidson riders (pictured above) grabbed the world motorcycle parade record in Paris, Texas, breaking the previous record of 2404 in Patras, Greece.

Those records could be challenged by some of the biggest Toy Runs in Australia over the next couple of weekends.

Why do riders live a parade? They love to show off their bikes, make some noise, get involved and be a part of something big.

The greatest treat in riding in any parade is the smiles it brings to the faces of children … and many big kids!

Charities

Toy runs also do a lot of good for the community raising cash and donations (toys and non-perishable foods) for groups such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincents de Paul.

Click here if your toy run is not on the list below. Please send full details and photos to us via email.

Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.

Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations.

Safe toy runs

Ipswich Toy Run cops Grinch list christmas
Ipswich toy run

Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.

Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run warns riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.

Police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.

So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!

Toy Runs list

(Click on the place name for more details)

December 7

charities toy run christmas
2017 Hobart toy run

Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.

Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.

December 8

Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!

Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.

December 14

Christmas charity toy runs

Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.

Sale:  The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.

Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.

December 15

Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.  All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.

Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS 16A Keilor Park Dr from 9am to 6pm. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Black Dog Ride marks 10 year anniversary

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Riders will return to the Red Centre in 2020 to celebrate 10 years since the establishment of the first Black Dog Ride in 2010.

This year’s Around Australia Ride celebrated founder Steve Andrew’s solo ride around Australia in 2009 to raise awareness for mental health issues.

Black Dog Ride around Australia 2014 Steve Andrews founder boss FUTURE
Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews

His epic ride was followed in 2010 by the first Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre.

Limited registrations are now open for the 10th Red Centre ride.

Richard Brown of Black Dog Ride Australia says they are “focussing heavily on making sure that people who come on the ride feel very welcomed, and that they have fun”.

“Positive social connection/social relationships are very important when it comes to maintaining our mental health,” he says.

“We want this experience to be a good example of the spirit of mateship for all who participate.”

10 years onHOG Rally - Black Dog Ride

Brian says the 10-year celebration dinner in Alice Springs should be “a real hoot”.

He says they don’t have the money for a “lavish” dinner, but participants will feel “a great sense of accomplishment for having made the journey”, formed “some really nice relationships” and “feel part of something really special”.

The following ride groups will join the Red Centre Ride:

  • The NSW/ACT ride group will travel through inland New South Wales, south through South Australia, and up the centre to Alice Springs. 
  • WA and SA ride groups will both travel through their respective states, then meet up in Port Augusta to travel the rest of the way to Alice Springs as a combined group.
  • The Vic/Tas ride group will be travelling north through inland New South Wales and Queensland, then across to the Northern Territory and south to Alice Springs.
  • The Qld/NT ride group will travel through inland Queensland, then across to the Northern Territory, picking up Territorians before heading south to Alice Springs.

To register, go to the Black Dog Ride Red Centre 2020 page and click on the state or territory group you’d like to join.

Primary focus

Black Dog Ride indian scout bobber
Black Dog Riders head north

“Our primary purpose is raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention, so we plan to focus heavily on this,” Richard says.

“That means riding into towns and either attending a pre-organised community events, or simply parking down a main street and talking with community. Often people wandering by will ask ‘what’s this all about?’ or ‘what’s with the stuffed dogs?’

“So our participants literally get talking about mental health. Between all our state groups there will be just over 160 different town stops along the way.”

There is no fundraising target and participants are not required to raise extra funds.

Over the past 10 years, more than $3million has been raised by Black Dog Ride with finds passed on to organisations such as Lifeline, Mental Health First Aid Australia and the Black Dog Institute, as well as many many small community based volunteer groups and not-for-profits.

Richard says they have new destinations in mind for future years, so 2020 could be the last opportunity to ride to the Red Centre for several years.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Christmas toy runs aid charities

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Motorcycle rides raise millions for various organisations all year, but the biggest events are the annual Christmas Toy Runs which aid various charities.

Among the biggest and oldest is the Newcastle Bikers for Kids Toy Run.

Charities

Charities to benefit from these toy runs include Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincents de Paul.

Many rides also give toys, non-perishable food and cash donations to local charities.

Click here if your toy run is not on the list below. Please send full details and photos to us via email.

Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.

Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations?

Safe toy runs

Ipswich Toy Run cops Grinch list christmas
Ipswich toy run

Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.

Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run warns riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.

Police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.

So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!

Toy Runs list

(Click on the place name for more details)

December 1

Toy Run Newcastle superheroes
Superheroes theme in Newcastle

Newcastle: The Bikers for Kids Toy Run is one of Australia’s oldest and arguably the biggest. More than 12,000 are bikes expected for the 42nd running of the event, from 8am, leaving from Stockton to Wickam Park. Click here to register. This year’s theme is again superheroes!

Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld from 8am and ends at the surf club.

Bendigo: The Bendigo Toy Run, organised by Allies Motorcycle Club Bendigo, meets at Lansell Plaza at 8 for an 8.30 ride to Lake Weeroona for a barbecue lunch, activities and prizes.

Mt Lindesay: Register from 8am at the Middle Green Sports Club, Greenbank, for a ride leaving at 10am. Cost is $10 ($5 for pillion) which includes water, patch and a lucky draw prize entry. All proceeds go to Beckey’s Place which supports children and adults with special needs to develop a relationship with miniature horses. Bring unwrapped toys for children. There is a trophy for the best decorated bike.

Fraser Coast:  Assemble from 7am for a 9am start from the Brolga Theatre in Walker St, Maryborough. The Independent Riders Australia run ends at Torbanlea with a sausage sizzle, live music, raffles and more.

December 7

Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.

Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.

December 8

Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!

Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.

December 14

Christmas charity toy runs

Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.

Sale:  The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.

Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.

December 15

Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.  All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.

Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS 16A Keilor Park Dr from 9am to 6pm. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com