Best Christmas toy run turn-out for years

Members of the Whanganui Ulysses Motorcycle Club heading off on their annual Christmas toy run on Saturday. Photo by Stuart Munro

Over 50 motorcyclists gathered for the annual Christmas toy run on Saturday.

Each year, the Whanganui Ulysses Club gather riders together to help local children by donating toys and cash to the Salvation Army.

On Saturday they gathered at Majestic Square before heading off on a ride that took them through Marton, Halcombe and Rongotea to Himatangi where they stopped for lunch.

"It was the best ride we have had in recent years," said club member Rod Anderson.

"It went really,really well and 53 riders turned up."

Mr Anderson said one rider was just there to drop off his gift and another two "peeled off" along the way.

"There were still 50 of us at the end and that is much better than last year."

Bad weather and other motorcycling events meant a low turn-out last year but Mr Anderson said the club planned it better this year and they are enjoying increased membership.

"Our next event is the parking for the Cemetery Circuit.

"We do that as a fundraiser for the club and to provide a service for out-of-town visitors.

"We provide safe parking for them because unfortunately bikes do get stolen sometimes."

Mr Anderson said the next charity event for the club will be the Anzac Run on April 25 which will benefit St John Ambulance.