CHRISTMAS TOY RUN

Rik, our next door neighbour, rides a Moto Guzzi California, a classic motor bike, and is involved with Pinkertons, a Swindon based Motor Cycle Club, predominantly for owners of V Twin Cruisers and Custom Bikes.  The majority of the members ride a Harley Davidson, with a few Victory, Triumph and Metric Cruisers, but as they say on their website “It doesn't matter what you ride, it's all the same wind in your face!”

Every year they do a Toy Run, after collecting money from local businesses and people in the town centre so that they can provide toys for the children at our local hospital, many of whom are long-stay patients.  This year they collected the magnificent sum of £4,266.66 - Rik told us that they had 150 riders definitely, but there could potentially be over 200 in total.

This year, Rik was going to be the Lead Rider, dressed up as Santa Claus in all his regalia, but as we couldn’t be around when he set off I asked if I could take a photograph of him before we went out.  He was happy to oblige, so here he is "without" and "with" his headgear - he so reminds me of Sefferdog - it’s almost like HE lives next door to us and I daresay they share the same passion for motorbikes!

This is their 24th Toy Run and they ride through the streets of Swindon and there are always people to cheer them along.  We were at home at about 12.30 and as we live quite near to the hospital, could hear not only the noise of the motor bikes, but also the honking of many horns!

It’s wonderful to hear that despite often getting a bad press, most bikers are caring and compassionate people so well done to them and to all who contributed to bring a smile to the faces of the children who will be in hospital over the festive season.

"Happiness keeps you sweet,
     long rides keep you strong,
          sorrow keeps you human,
               life keeps you humble,
                    riding keeps you growing,
but motorcycles keep you going!"
Bikersfirst

P.S.  Apparently, all went well and the children were all chanting “Santa, Santa” when the bikers arrived with all the presents.