Bikers rally for annual toy run

About 60 motorcycles are expected for this year's annual toy run, hosted by the Whanganui branch of the Ulysses Club of New Zealand.

Bikes of all sizes and shapes will be on public display as riders gather near the Riverboat Centre on Taupo Quay on Saturday from 10am.

They ride an hour later to Kaponga for lunch and return, a distance of 114km each way. "We may take a few scenic detours along the way," club spokesman Rod Anderson said. "There will be marshals so that nobody gets lost."

All riders and makes of motorcycles are welcome and participants do not need to belong to the club. "It's an open event, the more the merrier," Mr Anderson said.

The entry fee is $10 and a toy "preferably not a soft toy - we get too many of those". The toys are donated to the Salvation Army to distribute to under-privileged children at Christmas, and the cash goes to St John for rescue equipment.

Mr Anderson said lunch at Kaponga would cost another $10 but was optional. "It's a great lunch though."

The club was aiming for 60 bikes plus riders and passengers for this year's run. "We got 40-50 bikes last year which was great. If we get decent weather this year we hope to beat that."

Ulysses is a club for motorcyclists over age 40, and the emphasis is on the social side of motorcycling. Spouses and partners are encouraged to take part in club events.