Bikers Toy Run

Once again I found myself standing in the middle of the road on the first Sunday of December. Dr Barnados Toy Run was blessed with fine weather as the 2pm road closure drew near. Hundreds of people lined the roundabout and adjoining roads as the first tinsel clad bikers cruised past. Trikes and quads led the way.











Next it was the bikers. Fancy dress is almost compulsory with Minions a big hit this year.







































Horns honked, children cheered and sweets flew into the crowd until the last of the near 2000 machines had trundled past. Every year it seems to be bigger and better supported. Long may it continue.

Steve.

Dr B's Toy Run

Its now a well established Christmas tradition that we try and get to watch the Toy Run some where along its route. In the past we've gone to the start and the finish. This year with other things on during the day we started early and headed for the Foster Wheeler carparks just after 11am as the bikers started to arrive. Around 2000 bikes, trikes, quads and a tuctuc amassed over a couple of hours, we sipped coffee and wandered amongst them.









The hundred or so marshalls that ensure a smooth convoy we getting in the spirit too.













With the time ticking away to the road closures, we decided to bail out. Kim and Lily off to a crafty afternoon. Our friend Steve and me, back to ours to park up and walk back to the main route. As the clocks hit 2pm, the signs came out and the roads onto Lower Earley Way were shut down and the convoy began. For 35 minutes non stop and constant stream of decorated bikes and riders came past to a huge crowd and cheers, sweets were thrown out, horns blasted and the winter sun shone on it all.





























The stream began to thin out and the marshalls at our roundabout mounted up and join the end of the line. Another year over as they headed for Wokingham with thousands of toys for local kids. Its a heart warming sight to behold.

Steve.

Festive Toy Run

Another year, another toy run. Instead of driving up to the start for this one. We decided to walk round the corner and catch it as it came past the end of the road. 1700 bikers ina  convoy that took the best part of an hour to pass us.







As ever, there was a mix of ages and machines. Everything from superbikes down to a tuc tuc were decorated and ridden along.









A team of reindeer riders flanked a sleigh on a trailer. The crowd cheered them on.











It was nice to have some sunshine for once, the good weather bringing the crowds out to line the road on both sides.









As the convoy finished, a lone Santa waved them away and the crowds headed home. Its always a nice end to the year to watch this heart warming sight.



Steve