Melbourne Toy Run - This Sunday

In just 4 days, this years annual Melbourne MRA Toy Run will be upon us.
As of this afternoon, the weather bureau
(http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/vic/) is giving a forecast for the day of
"Fine. Max. 26" so it will be just perfect to get along to the city and
get that warm fuzzy feeling of giving a gift for Xmas to those in need (as
well as the warm fuzzy feeling of riding in a pack with around 15,000
other riders)

http://www.toyrun.com.au has all the details, but for those without web
access the important details are as follows...

When? Sunday 14th December, 2003 (This Sunday!)
Where? St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne. In front of the Victoria Barracks (about
2km south of the Yarra)
Time? Assembly from 9:00am, with the riders waved off at 10:30am
Going To? The ride ends at Federation Square in the city, just across from
Flinder St station.

Frequently Asked Questions? (FAQs)

1. What about other meet points?
There are 2 other meet points for the Melbourne MRA Toy Run..

1.1. Eastern Suburbs Motorcycle Riders Inc. are meeting at The Royal Hotel
(Zagamies) Burwood Hwy Upper Ferntree Gully at 8.30 am and leaving at 9.30
am to join the main starting point.

1.2. Northern Suburbs. Somerton BP Service Station. Corner of Hume Hwy and
Cooper Street. 9:00am

2. Isn't there normally a meet point at Cranbourne?
This year, the Cranbourne Ulysses Branch have decided not to support the
Melbourne MRA Toy Run and are going elsewhere. If you are wanting to
participate in the Melbourne MRA Toy Run you will need to
go directly to the main starting point on St.Kilda Rd or join the other
two meet points.

3. What do I bring?
A Xmas gift for a child or family that will bring a smile to a their face
this Xmas. A new board game, new toy, fresh food hamper, new clothes, gift
voucher from your favourite store, monetary donation. Just about anything
will brighten their Xmas.

4. Who does the gift go to?
The Smith Family is this years recipients of the Melbourne MRA Toy Run.
With the great efforts of, and thanks to, the Apex Club, your gifts will
be collected and distributed by the Smith Family.

5. Dress-up my bike?
Absolutely. Throw some sparkly tinfoil around it, attach you gift to the
front or rear, sticky tape a Santa hat to your helmet. But remember to
keep it away from hot spots (pipe/muffler) and ensure it
doesn't get in your way or obstruct indicators etc.

6. How many bikes will be there?
With a great day forecast, I'm predicting they'll be around 20,000 bikes.
Sports, Tourers, Harleys, Side cars, Classics, Street Fighters, and
probably even a few Suzuki's <groan>. Get to the start
point early enough and one of the highlights is walking along the column
of bikes all lined-up and just admiring - don't forget your camera! It's a
bike show and perve fest galore

7. Breakfast/Coffee?
The Apex Club will have a tent up near the front of the starting point at
the gates of the Victoria Barracks. They'll be serving breakfast (Mmmmm
bacon and egg rolls) and also drinks and coffee.

8. Will I get lost on the ride?
Certainly not - just follow the stream of bikes in front of you
Seriously, with large signs and marshals on every corner along the route
you can be assured that getting lost won't be a problem.

8. Federation Square?
Fully briefed parking marshals (incl. yours truly) will direct you to the
huge area of parking allotted to us for the Toy Run. In the main area of
Federation Square (near cnr of Spencer and Swanston - across from Spencer
St station) will be the trucks collecting the gifts, marquees, and the
stage for thanks and entertainment.

9. Finishing Time?
When ever you like. We have to be out of Federation Square by 1:00pm so
that should be a good indication for you. If your looking for something to
do afterwards, then the Williamstown Motorcycle Club have their annual
Bikes-By-The-Bay display on for a perve at even more bikes. Just a jump
over the Westgate Bridge, follow the signs to Williamstown, and look for
all the bikes down by pier.


Hopefully, each and every one of you will be able to make it to this great
event. It's a great day and there's nothing like a fantastic excuse as
giving to some of those in need in the lead-up to Xmas. Please forward
this email to each and everyone of your riding friends, family, work
mates, and mailing lists so they too can come along and get that warm
fuzzy feeling that only a Toy Run brings.


Cheers,
http://www.netrider.org.au

 

So if you get lost, just head down Swanston Street until you get to
Spencer Street.

Make sure you have plenty of fuel.


Moike

(I suppose he means Flinders Street)