Bairnsdale Toy Run - 11 December 2016

Only the truly committed (or should I say truly insane) pulled themselves out of bed so early on a Sunday morning. An 8am start was the advertised time to leave Traralgon Harley Davidson for our ride to Bairnsdale. When Andrew and I got to the shop Garry Parr, David Beier and Jacob Hunt (my son on his Yamaha) were waiting for us. Ian Sherriffs and his son Sam turned up a few minutes later and we were ready to rock and roll.

We cruised up the highway through Rosedale then on to Sale, where we picked up Shane Bartlett who was waiting on the side of the road camera in hand (Ride Photographer). A total of 6 Harleys and 1 (Yamaharley) headed through Stratford via Bengworden to Bairnsdale Bunnings.

The car park was cordoned off for the Toy Run. Witches Hats and car parking attendants directed us to park our bikes and pointed us in the direction of the food. Breakfast was an egg and bacon roll plus a cup of coffee or tea for $5. David was already eating his breaky before I got my helmet off!

There was also a jumping castle for the kids and free airbrushing tattoos. So, I lined up for my first ever tattoo. Jacob was thrilled as the Jam Donut truck were giving away donuts. It didn’t take long for the car park to fill up with motorbike enthusiasts.

Some more HOG Gippsland Members turned up. Steve and Janie Dent, Paul Camilleri, Peter & Terri Wilksch, Reg Thompson and Mark Stapleton. We all chatted and waited for ride instructions. Then it was start your engines.

Traffic control stopped oncoming traffic so we could all ride out in one huge group. It’s hard to say how many bikes but at a guess 200+. What a sight it would have been, many onlookers gathered on the sides of the highway to wave and take pictures. Lots of bikers got into the spirit with tinsel and toys on their bikes plus some wore Santa suits and elf suits.

We headed up to Bruthen, then Nowa Nowa and onto Lakes Entrance. Stopping at each of these towns to have a short break and collect presents donated by each community. Then we headed back to Bairnsdale Bunnings to hand over all the goodies to the Salvation Army.

To finish the day, we all got treated to as many sausages and onions in bread as we could eat and drinks for free. I’m not telling tales on anyone but some HOG members did line up quite a few times for the free sausages.

Everyone agreed that a great day was had by all and this event will most definitely be in the HOG Gippsland Ride Calendar next year.

Cheers Pamie Tabone